Sporting Letchworth F.C.

2004-06-16T12:14:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v Birdie's Allstars (0) 0

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Sharland, Sacbuker, Edwards, Scoot

SPORTING DRAW HOPE FROM ALLSTARS DRAW

And so it came to pass that on the final day of Sporting Letchworth's season everything* was up for grabs. It was possible, even at this late stage, that the boys could finish anywhere between 6th and 9th. Would it be the glory of an equivalent Uefa Cup qualifying place finish or the shame of a Tottenham like "mid table mediocrity" placing? Standing in their way were the team vying for second place, Birdie's Allstars. With Ian and Matt unavailable, Sporting put out their remaining 6 available players and turned in a workmanlike performance right from the start. It was clear "early doors" that the Allstars would try to contain Sporting in their own half, and the yellows had to work hard to fashion one or two openings. Allen played a pivotal role on the left, linking well with Scoot, and Gareth made a couple of runs up the right wing. However, Sporting spent much of the first half trying to limit the Allstars chances, not allowing them to pose much of a threat to Duggins between the sticks.

The second half saw much more of the same, execept that Sporting had a few opportunities to score. Sacbuker was neatly set up by Scoot but drilled his shot wide. Scoot also set up Sharland who saw his shot turned away for a corner by the keeper. Scoot himself had a couple of opportunities but was unable to make them count. At the other end, Scoot was guilty of a slack pass that nearly let Birdie's in, but the forward put his snap shot over the bar. Scoot could have got himself in trouble following a "revenge" challenge, taking out an Allstar forward on his way to goal, but got away with a telling off. However, the boys in yellow held on to claim another creditable 0-0 result against one of the leagues top sides, and extended their unbeaten run which started on 16th March. Well done boys, a good recovery at the end of the season and a commendable 6th place!

*If you define "everything" as 6th place.

Sporting Letchworth (1) 3 v Arlesey (0) 1
Scoot 2, Sharland

SL: Hughes, Crouch, Sharland, Tolliday, Edwards, Scoot

SCOOT & SHARLAND SEAL SPORTING'S SIXTH SUCCESSIVE SUCCESS

The fastest goal of the season opened the match against Arlesey on Monday. With Sacbuker at his sister's birthday dinner, and super-stopper Steven still out injured, the bare bones of sporting carved out an impressive victory which could have been much larger than 3-1.

Sharland got the ball from the kick off and somehow walked passed two opposition players before trying to thread the ball through to Gareth. The ball deflected kindly into the path of Scoot who whacked the ball home to put Sporting 1-0 up after just 15 seconds. Sporting made several more chances in the first half; Gareth hurrying a shot just wide, Scoot cutting in on his left time and time again, and Sharland connecting well with a long range shot that the keeper blocked at his near post. At the other end, Andy prevented any real threats on goal and Matt was superb in filling in any gaps, making life very difficult for Arlesey. With no subs, Sporting kept their shape well and found the opposition tired more quickly anyway. But there was an all round feeling of relief when Scoot managed to break through again to make it 2-0. Had Sporting been more ruthless there may have been more goals, but at times they lost their way against inferior opposition and did not punish the Bedfordshire based yokels.

Scoot had a few more chances and Andy nearly got on the end of a free-kick but, as time was runnig out, the yellows seemed content with a two goal advantage. However, another break saw Sharland charge up the right wing before playing the ball inside to Scoot. Sharland then ran to the edge of the area, having left his marker for dead, squealing for the ball. Scoot instead played the ball to Gareth, who tried to make room for the shot but had to go back to Scoot. Sharland, still unmarked eventually received the ball from Scoot as his marker got to him. His second touch steered the ball passed the keeper into the far corner to make it 3-0. In the final minute, Arlesey broke away, and Andy shepherded the attacker into the corner, but somehow he was able to unleash a shot from a tight angle that flew passed Jeff, grazing his glove before pinging into the far corner. But it was too little too late, and Sporting took the points to make it 19 out of a possible 21.

Sporting Letchworth (2) 3 v Lonsdalers (1) 2
Scoot 3

SL: Hughes, Crouch, Tolliday, Edwards, Sacbuker, Scoot, Sharland

SCOOT'S SCORCHERS SCUPPER LONSDALERS

This was always going to be the game to test whether Sporting have really turned the corner as far as form goes. After winning their previous 4 matches, Sporting needed to secure maximum points if they were to achieve their aim of a top six finish this season. Abysmal Sacbuker couldn't find his shin pads until 8.23pm, leaving himself and Sharland late for the kick off, resulting in Sharland starting as sub.

Lonsdalers got off to the the better start, and managed to open the scoring with a break down the left and a shot that Hughes couldn't get enough on to to prevent it squirming into the far corner. However, Sporting responded well; Sacbuker shooting just wide from distance. Sporting poured forward and when the ball was passed back to Scoot, he belted a shot just inside the keepers left hand post for a glorious equaliser. Sharland was introduced just before half time and made an immediate impression, setting up Scoot for another opportunity and keeping Sporting's momentum going. Just before half time, Sharland played an inch perfect ball to Scoot, who smacked another first time shot just inside the keepers left post, just a few seconds before half time (pyschologically a very important time to etc.).

The second half saw Sporting wobble a little as Lonsdalers (obviously fans of the rap stylings of John Barnes) got round the back a couple of times, before a break down the left wing allowed them in for an equaliser. Again Sporting needed to show resilience as Lonsdalers tried to sieze the initiative. Sacbuker found himself one on one with the keeper, but somehow the opposition stopper blocked his goalbound effort. Then, as Lonsdalers attacked, Sharland anticipated a pass on the half way line and nicked the ball, playing it smartly to Scoot. The chunky ginger boy then ran half the length of the pitch and beat the last man before blasting another shot through the keeper and putting Sporting 3-2 ahead.

This time the boys in yellow held on, to make it 5 wins out of 5. Mr Duggins can rest assured that the boys will still perform while he recovers from a serious knee injury and coach John Hughes was buzzing with excitement at the end of the match after Scoot's glorious hat-trick. Will Peckett get into the side when he returns from down under?????????

2004-04-30T10:34:00.000+01:00

For some reason, here is a chart showing the top scorers for Sporting Letchworth this season.

Player---------Goals--------Strike Rate*

Scoot------------11--------------0.61
Sharland---------6---------------0.26
Edwards---------5---------------0.33
Duggins----------3---------------1.5
Day---------------2----------------0.14
Peckett-----------2---------------0.2
Sackbuker-------1----------------0.053
Crouch-----------1----------------0.048

*Goals scored per game played in an outfield position.

Scoot leads the charge with 11 goals and a higher strike rate than the rest of the strikers. Sharland has the second highest tally, and the highest for a midfielder, with 6. Goalkeeper and part time striker Duggins is the most prolific scorer, netting 3 times in only two out-of-hutch appearances.

2004-04-29T13:55:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (0) 4 v Torpedo Baldock (0) 0
Sharland
Scoot 2
Sacbuker

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Sharland, Tolliday, Edwards, Scoot, Sacbuker

FOUR GOAL BLITZ SINKS IMPOTENT TORPEDO

Even without Ian Day, Sporting managed another convincing win in the latest fixture of their tremendous end of season run. With Allen Sacbuker starting on the bench, Sporting continued to play in their usual style and created a number of early oppurtunities without any particularly clear cut chances. Generally neat build up play fell away as Torpedo defended resolutely, making it hard for Sporting to get close to goal, and the yellows took a while to settle into any kind of rhythm. Ross was solid in the Torpedo goal and saw off a few shots in the first half; concern began to settle in as Sporting started to lose their way. 0-0 at half time was a worry, but the best was yet to come.

The second half saw Allen Sacbuker enter the arena, and his neat passing helpd Sporting maintain constant pressure on Torpedo's goal. Finally the breakthrough came when Sharland closed down Paul Hardy on the dge of his own area. With no outlet, Paul tried to take on Geoff, who nicked the ball off him and poked it passed the on-rushing keeper. 1-0.

From then on the goals came quickly. Torpdeo tried to attack, but Danny had little support in the opposition half. After a quick move out of defense, Scoot found himself in the clear, having beaten big Stuart Hendry. He continued forward and slotted the ball in the corner to make it 2-0.

The third came from good work on the right wing between Sharland and Sacbuker. A neat passing move allowed Sacbuker to move inside onto his left foot before driving the ball through Ross and into the net for his first goal of the season. The fourth came from a Scoot shot which took a mabbut-esque deflection off Jeff Hughes, spinning away from Ross and nestling in the net. Andy tried to get a fifth right at the death, but his shot hit the inside of the post after the final whistle. A game of twp halves, but Sporting win again, complete a double over Torpedo Baldock and have now scored 16 goals in their last three games!

Sporting Letchworth (3) 6 (six) v Leisurely Mediocre (0) 2
Edwards 3
Scoot (pen)
Crouch
Day

SL: Monaghan, Crouch, Sharland, Tolliday, Edwards, Scoot, Day, Sacbuker

KING EDWARDS MASHES MEDIOCRE OPPOSITION

Another superb display by the boys in yellow saw Sporting score 6 goals for the second match in a row. With regular 'keeper Duggins unable to make it due to writing of his van, Bruce becoming the third keeper in as many games. Sporting started positively and never looked back. John Hughes decided to start with the side that finished the last game and his decision paid dividends right from the start. Sporting went on the attack with Sharland pushing forward to help the front three, and he was involved in a move that saw Tolliday manage to beat 2 players before knocking the ball wide to the right to Gareth Edwards. Gareth took the ball in his stride and despatched it passed the keeper into the net from an acute angle.

The second goal came after good work from Gareth down the right wing, forcing the keeper into a save. As the ball was rolling out of the area, pressure from Scoot caused the defender to play the ball inside the area resulting in a penalty kick, which Scoot scored, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The third goal was the best of the lot. As Gareth was played in, Geoff ran down the right wing. Gareth had more options than Rebecca Loos has interview requests, but he chose to smash the ball into the top far corner, curling his shot away from the keeper, leaving the hapless hutch-minder with no chance. 3-0.

Sharland nearly scored a wonder goal before half time, knocking the ball one side and running the other side round the first defender, before outpacing the second defender and finally putting his shot wide of the far post.

The second half saw Allen and Ian introduced into the game. But this week it was Sharland's turn to commit a school boy error, playing a slack pass straight to Dean Fox, captain of Leisurely Mediocre, who gave Bruce no chance with his finish.

However, Sporting did not fall apart but instead grew stronger, as good work on the left saw the ball squared to Andy who smashed the ball in hard and low to grab his first of the season.

The fifth came after Ian , who was pushing forward more and more as the game went on, broke free on the right wing and his shot crept in off the far post, despite the keeper getting his fingers to the ball.

Gareth came of the bench again to score his hat-trick from the right wing and Andy gave away a consolation penalty after playing the ball from inside the area. Again Bruce had no chance but 6-2 was in no way undeserved and Sporting's convincing run continues for another week.

2004-03-30T15:17:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (2) 6 (six) v Dynamo Letchworth (0) 0
Scoot 3
Sharland
Edwards 2

SL: Hughes, Crouch, Sharland, Tolliday, Edwards, Scoot

SIXY FOOTBALL

5 minutes before kick off, things were looking bad for Sporting coach John Hughes. Only 4 players had arrived; 'Keeper Duggins had been injured in a Sunday League match, Day was out gallivanting for his birthday, and Sacbuker was on a date. Meanwhile, Sporting were heading for a date with destiny (corny I know). Sharland turned up 3 minutes before kick off and Scoot arrived in his traditionally late style. Jeff Hughes took the goalkeeping responsibility and the match began.

The first time the two sides met Sporting claimed a dramatic last minute draw but there was to be no repeat of that on this occasion. Andy marshalled the back with Sharland playing the midfield holding role. Tolliday and Edwards showed boundless energy in the midfield and gave Scoot plenty of support up front. It wasn't long before Scoot opened the scoring with a typically neat finish; the heads of the Dynamo players dropped straight away. The second was added after good work on the left put the ball through to Sharland. Scoot made a great run to the right but with the thought, "Scoot's already got 6 this season and if I don't score from this I'll never catch him" reverberating in his head, Sharland took a crack at goal and found the back of the net.

The second half saw the onslaught continue. A long ball from Andy set Gareth away and he tucked the ball neatly passed the keeper for his first of the season. And the onslaught continued to continue. Sporting played some beautiful passing moves, varying between short and long passing and taking their chances as they came along. Scoot added a second, again finishing in clinical style before Gareth added his second of the season in London bus style. You wait all season and then two come along at once. A throw on the left from Matt to Geoff, moved square to Scoot and on to Gareth, was finished beautifully. Scoot added the icing on the cake at the death, completing his hat-trick. A fine result for the boys who are now showing real form. The omens are good for next season.

2004-03-30T15:16:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v Dicers Dribblers (0) 0
Scoot

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sacbuker, Edwards, Scoot, Sharland

DICERS DRIBBLERS DISHED OUT DOUBLE DEFEAT

A fine display from the Sporting boys saw a second victory of the season over the double Ds. In a match of relatively few chances, Sporting put in a performance that made a mockery of their league position to further dent Dicers title chances. Sharland was on the bench, recovering from a foot injury and he watched his players compete well in a tight first half. With Andy and Ian looking solid at the back, and Steven still unbeatable in goal; 0-0 at half time was a fair reflection of the play.

However, the second half took off with Scoot going clean through, only to have his goal bound effort saved while one on one with the keeper. Two minutes later, Sharland played a long ball out from right back, and the stocky ginger one chased the ball towards the Dicers goal. Just as it looked as if Scoot had taken it too far wide, he blazed in a shot which somehow evaded the keeper and nestled into the far corner.

Minutes later Sharland should have made it two, only to see his shot tipped wide by the keeper after going clean through on goal. Still, Dicers lacked the finishing touch and Sporting finished the game as worthy winners. It appears the yellows have staggered into a run of good form. Long may it continue.

2004-03-22T15:29:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v Asia (0) 0

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Edwards, Scoot, Tolliday

"TOP DRAW" PERFORMANCE FROM SPORTING

Sporting managed to hold league leaders Asia in a tense match during which the yellow heroes showed battling courage to earn an impressive point. It was clear from early on that Asia were going all out for attack and Sporting found themselves penned into their own half for long periods of the game. However, they play a compact game and made sure they were all behind the ball whenever possible. However, man of the match Steven Duggins was in unbeatable form. Asia tried time and time again to beat the psychotic hutch warden but to no avail. Duggins threw himself left and right, saving several goal-bound efforts with his legs.

Asia came close a couple of times towards the end of the second half, and Duggins made a terrific double save when the forward was bearing down on the edge of the area. The first save sent the ball straight back to the striker but Sporting breathed a collective sigh of relief when the forward hit his follow-up close enough to their heroic keeper for him to block it. The biggest disappointment of the night was the mysterious absence of Allen Sacbuker. The ginger one appears to have gone A.W.O.L. Will he return next week? Will the headlines get any better? Only time will etc.

2004-03-22T14:24:00.000Z

"HUGHES SORRY NOW?"

Sporting Letchworth (1) 1 v Woolpack (0) 1
Sharland

SL: Hughes, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Sacbuker, Edwards, Tolliday

Just when things were starting to look promising, it all went wrong for the boys in yellow; throwing away two more precious points in a match they really should have sewn up. With Scoot still missing with a back injury and Duggins at a Yo La Tengo gig in the capital, Sporting made changes which saw Jeff Hughes take Steven's position in the hutch and Gareth start up front. However, Woolpack were short by one man and it looked for all the world like Sporting just had to score to take the points. Without a natural forward, Sporting made heavy weather of going forward, and although they had a great deal of possession, they were unable to create many real chances as Woolpack rallied together to make life difficult for our gallant heroes. However, a slip at the back enabled Sharland to steal the ball and run clear of the reduced defence. He then steered the ball inside the keepers near post when one on one to nudge Sporting ahead.

However, despite a lot of runnig around, Sporting did not get many shots on goal. Woolpack were very organised, and used the ball well without getting many shots on goal. The second half was much the sam; Matt Tolliday came on to contribute but without the second killer goal Woolpack were still in it and finally equalised with a long range shot straight at Hughes, which somehow went through him and dribbled between his legs and over the line. It was a horrible goal to concede and, although Sporting decided to up the shouting, they failed to create any more chances and it finished 1-1.

With Scoot returning for the next match (against the formidable Asia), Sporting may begin to turn it around but it was a disappointing result against 5 players. Stand-in 'keeper Jeff cannot take all the blame for an ineffective team performance. Sharland now joins Scoot as top scorer with a mighty 4.

2004-03-16T12:33:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (1) 1 v 2 (1) Top Field Syrups

SL: Hughes, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Sacbuker, Duggins, Edwards

SYRUPS LEAVE SPORTING UNSTUCK

With top scorer Graeme Scoot out with a back injury, Sharland tinkered with the team selection and brought in Jeff Hughes to play in goal, enabling Steven Duggins to move up front.

Ian Day returned to the side after a couple of weeks out injured and Sporting started well and even went 1-0 up, Geoff linking well in midfield and playing the ball up to Steven. The keeper-turned-forward managed to shoot and got a deflection that was jammier than a jam filled doughnutless jam doughnut in a vat of jam, which sent the keeper the wrong way and saw the ball nestle in the bottom corner. STRIKER!

From that point on there was no turning back. Sporting fell apart in sensational style. TFS attacked down their right wing, and the Letchworth defence found themselves drawn across, leaving an attacker free to steer home past Jeff in the hutch. Gareth came on for Allen in the first half and put in a lot of effort for not a great deal of reward.

The goal conceeded in the second half was not much better as TFS gained the upper hand, breaking free to put themselves 2-1 up. On the whole, Sporting fumbled around, probing and tinkering without any real penetration, like an inexperienced 14 year old on his first date. Steven showed a blinding turn of pace at the end of the match to avoid paying his fee for the game, and now stands £6 in debt.

Better luck next week lads.

Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v 1 (0) Real Ale Madrid

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Sharland, Sacbuker, Edwards, Scoot

COR! MORE BORE SCORE DRAWS

With only six players available again, Sporting Letchworth manager Geoff Sharland had less of a headache selecting his team than trying to think of a tabloid headline for the latest result. It was another match Sporting should have won, against the team in 4th place and with ten more points. Coach John Hughes said it was a great team performance, and with 9 shots on target as opposed to only 2 by RAM, Sporting should have taken all three points. The first half saw SL push their opponents back into their own half and Scoot had a couple of opportunities early on without being able to break through. He was a continual thorn in RAM's side and he made the keeper earn his corn.

As the match went on, RAM began to tire and Sporting had more of the play, but the opening goal came from a counter attacking move. RAM had a free-kick on the edge of the Sporting box but the move broke down and the ball was moved swiftly up to Scoot. He ran three quarters of the pitch, getting away from his marker and firing his shot into the corner beyond a despairing keeper. Sporting had had chances to go one up before that, but now appeared to be in control of the game. Then a break down the left saw RAM try a speculative shot from a wide position, and with the Sporting defence unable to get a block in, Duggins was unable to do anything about the shot which flew into the net, much to the suprise of all present, not least the striker.

Even then Sporting had the chances to win it, Sharland being guilty of missing a glorious chance at the death and underlining exactly why his left foot should only be used for standing on. Still, the boys should take heart from a good all round performance, and with Ian and Matt likely to return next week, things are looking up.

2004-02-13T10:48:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 0 (0) The Letchworth Crew

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Sharland, Sacbuker, Edwards, Scoot

BOVINE FEARS OF BANJOS, "WITHOUT FOUNDATION"

It appears that the goalnets at Sporting Letchworth games are there merely as decoration as yet another game fizzled out into a 0-0 bore-draw. Sporting battled well and were disciplined in a match that never really threatened to break into excitement. With Ian Day and Matt Tolliday still injured, Sporting turned up just 6 strong, with Sharland playing the holding role in the centre and Gareth and Allen out on the flanks. Sporting fashioned a few opportunities in the first half, with Edwards, Sharland and Scoot managing to put the 'Crew keeper under pressure. Andy was resolute at the back, with Steven in defiant form in the hutch.

TLC attempted to stretch the Sporting lads at every opportunity, but the yellow heroes made life difficult for their opposition and threatened to snatch victory on the break. However, neither team managed the vital breakthrough and the result leaves Sporting still without a goal this year. Rumours have surfaced in the national press of a possible signing for next season but when questioned on the matter, Manager Sharland merely stated, "nothing has been decided for certain at this stage". What a spoilsport.

2004-02-02T13:31:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 2 (1) FCK

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Edwards, Scoot, Monaghan

WHAT A FCK UP

This game, like all others, was a game of two halves, and Sporting lost both of them. With Sacbuker still out and Matt recovering from a Paul Hardy related injury, Sporting were relying on just Bruce on the bench. FCK were lively throughout and created a lot of problems for the Letchworth defence, trying out a new tactic with Ian in a central role. However, Sporting were undone by quick attack play, leaving the defence standing still as FCK went one up.

The second half almost saw a comeback with Scoot going close and Sharland hitting the post on the rebound from a tight angle with the keeper beaten. Bruce came off the bench and played possibly the most disastrous game of football witnessed anywhere. With all the finesse of a blind, dead giraffe, he ambled slowly around a ten yard area before giving the ball away and eventually leaving the pitch to throw up.That said, he nearly got man of the match.

The second goal was much like the first; good FCK build up and Steven beaten at close range. Scoot had a one on one opportunity well saved by the keeper at the death but there was only ever going to be one winner in this match and it wasn't us. Next up; The Letchworth Crew.

2004-01-19T17:01:00.000Z

At the halfway point in the season, the league table - simplyfied- is as follows:
1 Asia -38
2 Dice's Dribblers -35
3 FCK -32
4 Birdie's Allstars -29
5 TLC -23
6 Real Ale Madrid -22
7 Dream Team -20
8 Lonsdalers -20
9 Sporting Letchworth -16
10 Top Field Syrups -15
11 Woolpack -12
12 Leisurely Mediocre -11
13 Torpedo Baldock -9
14 Arlsey -8
15 Dynamo Letchworth -2

2004-01-16T16:04:00.000Z

DAYMARE

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 1 (0) Birdie's Allstars

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Sacbuker, Edwards, Tolliday, Monaghan

A bad start for the New Year for the Sporting Letchworth boys. Last seasons Champions looked fairly sharp in the first half and, with Peckett in Australia, Sporting had to compete without the boy Scoot, leaving them somewhat lightweight up front.

In a first half where the boys in yellow absorbed a lot of pressure, it was actually Sharland who came closest to scoring. A neat 1-2 with Sacbuker sent him away and, with Gareth drawing the covering defender away, Sharland ran in on goal, only to see his shot hit the post and go wide.

Ian came close to a heart attack after shouting at everyone in the team but the second half saw Sporting tire, despite Tolliday and Monaghn making appearances. However, Duggins in goal was seemingly unbeatable as he blocked, dived and flipped away anything that came towards his hutch. Still, there was a warning sign when Andy inexplicably stuck a foot out to deflect a shot narrowly wide of the goal. Sporting were trying to cling on for a point when a low shot was hooked across the area, only for Ian to stick a foot out and divert it cruelly passed Steven.

Sporting tried to find an equaliser, but there was no real penetration and they could find no way back. Once again it was the point that got away. Due to popular demand, (Steven's request) match reports will now feature a tabloid style headline. We are also negotiating a topless model for next week's issue, though the closest we're likely to come to a topless model is an action man with his head missing.

2004-01-05T14:46:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 0 (0) Arlesey

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sharland, Scoot, Peckett, Edwards, Tolliday

Just as we thought things were getting better, it all went horribly wrong again with a hugely disappointing 0-0 draw with lowly Arlesey, brought about by the most inept display of shooting in the history of the game. Sporting started brightly and created a number of first half chances for Peckett and Scoot but, once again, the finishing was not up to scratch and chance after chance went begging.

The second half saw Ryan leave the field for the last time this season before his trip to Australia, pausing only to miss a couple more sitters. Gareth had a chance which he failed to convert, Geoff dragged one wide with his left foot before having another effort tipped round the post. Scoot again came very close put couldn't net, while at the other end Arlesey hardly got close to Mr Duggins' area.

With barely 2 minutes remaining, Matt played the ball to Geoff, who played it neatly to Scoot who ran in to score only to have his effort disallowed for being in the area. Robbed, absolutely bloody robbed. Until next year...that's all folks!

2003-12-11T16:48:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v 0 (0) Lonsdalers
Sharland

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Tolliday, Sharland, Sacbuker, Scoot, Edwards

A run of two wins in a row is the exciting news for the Sporting faithful worldwide, and how appropriate that during this period of advent, the messiah has arrived in the shape of the scorer of Sporting's goal of the season, the player manager himself, Geoff Sharland.

Sporting were without Ian, who was once again on holiday, and Ryan, who was in bed with a cold. However, Andy was a rock at the back and Scoot ploughed a lone furrow up the centre of the pitch, outlining many driving runs forward. Scoot had a few shots on goal and Sharland and Sacbuker both had chances in a first half, which was good without ever threatening to be great. Matt was forced off with a twisted knee and Gareth replaced him ,bringing with him his usual enthusiastic running. Once again Steven was unbeatable at the back, making three or four fine stops to keep Sporting in the game. Then the moment came...

Scoot took a throw/roll on the left wing to Sharland who cushioned it back to him. Scoot then turned inside and laid the ball back to Sharland, who shifted it onto his right foot and curled a superb right footed effort that sneaked inside the far post at the last second. Sharland then went on to prove this was nothing if not a sheer fluke two minutes later by slicing a left footed shot so badly it almost went for a throw in, and still failed to clear the fence.

Sporting held out for the last 4 minutes without too many problems to close the gap on their nearest rivals and continue their unstoppable march up the table.

2003-12-03T16:48:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (3) 3 v 0 (0) Torpedo Baldock
Day, Peckett, Scoot

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Day, Sacbuker, Scoot, Peckett, Sharland, Edwards, Tolliday

At last, Sporting decided to reach the potential they have been threatening all season and produced only their second win of the season against a demoralised Torpedo Baldock side. Sharland decided to relegate himself to the bench as part of the squad rotation system, resulting in Ian and Andy both being in the starting line-up. However, Ian played well in his new, more advanced role, and opened the scoring with a deft right foot finish after great team play from Scoot, Peckett and Sacbuker. Sacbuker himself saw an effort hit the outside of the post in an up tempo first half. Peckett managed his second of the season and also hit a post. Scoot grabbed a well finished third to become this sesons top scorer for Sporting with a mighty 3 goals.

With John Hughes' loyalties divided, Bruce stepped into the role of tactician and brought on Geoff, Gareth and Matt in the second half. By this time the game was over bar the shouting and Sporting created one or two chances without really testing Mick, whose back had gone anyway. Sporting looked like a side 3-0 up and cruised through the second half, while Torpedo became more and more frustrated. Sporting defended well and Mr Duggins in the Letchworth hutch had, for once, almost nothing to do.

2003-12-01T13:37:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 0 (0) Leisurely Mediocre

SL: Duggins, Day, Sharland, Sacbuker, Scoot, Peckett, Tolliday, Edwards

Once again Sporting Letchworth failed to reach their potential against lesser opposition. Sporting started well, with Scoot, Peckett and Sharland looked promising going forward, but failed to make the initial breakthrough. As the game went on, Sporting faded and Leisurely Mediocre grew in confidence, their tricky forward creating one or two chances, but Steven in the Sporting goal was rarely tested.

The high point of the second half was the debut for Gareth Edwards, on as a sub. Sadly his enthusiasm did not enable Sporting to find the net, unable to beat the young goalkeeper, even though it was obviously past his bed-time. So, once again, the boys went home cursing with only 1 point to show for their “efforts”. Next up is the big derby-grudge-crunch-vital game against the team from whom Sporting Letchworth broke away for this season, Torpedo Baldock.

2003-11-24T13:29:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v 1 (1) Dynamo Letchworth
Sharland
SL: Duggins, Monaghan, Sacbuker, Sharland, French, Peckett, Tolliday

Oh dear, just as it seemed we had turned the corner, Sporting Letchworth returned to Tottenham-like form with a disappointing 1-1 draw with lowly Dynamo Letchworth. Battling for the pride of being Letchworth's number one cod eastern european team Sporting started badly and never got better. French made a rare start, but Sporting looked like a bunch of strangers as they failed to flow. Dynamo had a couple of chances before finally opening the scoring after Sharland lost out to an “unlucky” rebound which put the Dynamo forward clean through and he despatched his chance past Duggins in his hutch. Everyone played badly with the exception of the Sporting keepe, who did an effective job between the sticks.

With Ian (heavy cold), Scoot (back injury) and Andy (work commitments) all unavailable, Sporting underperformed and lacked any real driving force. Sharland showed the sensitive first touch of a rapist, while Allen looked lost, Bruce's passes were as subtle as a drunk 17 year old’s, French battled with little headway, and Peckett wouldn't have hit the cow's arse, even if he had brought his banjo along. Matt came on but was unable to effect much change. The equaliser came after French had been upended on a rare forward run with 2 minutes to go. The free-kick was played forward to Sharland wide on the edge of the area and the captain turned inside the defender before sweeping a shot across the face of the goal which somehow deceived the keeper and skidded past him, curling into the far corner of the net. Peckett was blatently shoved when one on one before the final whistle but, as usual, the dwarfish ref was altogether too slow-witted and didn’t give the free-kick. However, Sporting deserved nothing more than the single point.

2003-11-04T13:58:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (1) 1 v 0 (0) Dicers Dribblers
Scoot

SL: Duggins, Day, Sharland, Sacbuker, Scoot, Peckett, Crouch, French, Tolliday

Finally, a win for the boys in yellow. A momentous occasion for a number of reasons. Firstly Ian returned from his tour of South America, looking like a beared Argentinian from the 80s to start for Sporting. Secondly, there was a squad of 9 players available, and thirdly, Paul French got his arse in gear and turned up.

The match started well, with both sides creating early chances, and Peckett found himself through on goal, only to be cruelly brought down by the Dicers keeper, who dually received a yellow card. Peckett had another shot blocked before Scoot found himself in space to the left of the goal and fired the Sporting into the lead.

Other chances came and went for both sides, with Duggins again looking strong between the sticks. The second half saw the introduction of French, Tolliday and Crouch for Sacbuker, Peckett and Day and the team lost some of their structure. Dicers upped the anti and pushed forward trying to find an equaliser, while Sporting reverted to their more familiar "headless chicken" formation.

With coach John Hughes pulling the strings from the sidelines, Sporting defended resolutely, attacking only at rare intervals. Crouch managed a couple of long range shots and Sharland failed to control when put through on goal, but Scoot's goal proved to be enough as Sporting held on for their first win of the season.

2003-10-29T16:57:00.000Z

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 1 (0) Asia

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Tolliday, Sharland, Sacbuker, Peckett, Monaghan

Possibly the best team performance of the season from the Sporting saw a 1-0 defeat against a strong Asia side in a game of relatively few chances. With Andy at the back marking an equally immobile forward this game could so easily have turned out to be a draw with Sporting Letchworth defending well as a co-ordinated unit and Steven between the sticks defelecting most of the shots that came his way with his wings like a shield of steel (made that bit up). Nevertheless, there was just one shot too many for the wonder keeper to keep a clean sheet as a parry from a close range shot sent the spinning ball looping over his second despairing dive into the corner of the goal. With Ian and Scoot due to return soon, things may be looking up for the lads as they look to gain their first 3 pointer.

Written (as always) by Geoff.

2003-10-15T16:43:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 0 (0) Woolpack

SL: Duggins, Crouch, Monaghan, Sharland, Scoot, Peckett, French, Sacbuker

Top scorer Steven Duggins returned to his customery position between the sticks and performed heroics to earn the accolade of man of the match.

Sporting created an early chance with Sharland shooting wide in the first attack. Then Woolpack maintained possession for long periods, pinning Sporting in their own half. However, SL played good counter-attacking football and made a few chances but nver really tested the keeper.

The second half saw French and Sacbuker appear, and they contributed well both defensively and in attack, whilst Steven made some vital saves to maintain parity. Peckett was given two glorious chances to give the SL boys the points, but miscued his shots on both occasions to leave the game goalless.

2003-10-06T22:46:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth 2 (1) v (0) 2 Top Field Syrups

SL: Mystery Keeper, Crouch, Scoot, Tolliday, Duggins, Peckett

With manager Sharland absent (in Rome) and stand in organiser Steven leaving his contact list at work , Sporting were a man short come 20:30. Enter the mystery keeper, a new signing for our sister club Torpedo Baldock, who stepped into the hutch shunting disgraced stopper Duggins into midfield.

The first half was an even affair, with Sporting’s superior technical ability giving them the edge when breaking from defence. A Bert Trautman like injury hampered display from Andy reduced TFS to ineffectual overplaying in midfield. The breakthrough for Sporting came when Scoot broke from midfield and slid a cheeky pass to Steven on the left. Sweeping towards the area, finding no-one in a better position, he bent a cultured right foot strike into the far top corner.

After the break, Sporting took a more defensive approach, following the Hansen model of “defend deep, hit them on the break”. One such break down the right saw a perfectly weighted ball into Steven’s stride. Using all his skill, he closed his eyes and smacked the ball into the on-rushing keepers legs. Handily the ball fell at Steven’s feet and he buried it at the second attempt.

What followed was a familiar story of lack of fitness resulting in an instance of poor marking and a goal back for TFS. Cruel fate intervened once more when a spectacular parry by mystery keeper left the ball at the feet of a goal hanging TFS weasel with the goal at his mercy. 2-2. Fuck.

2003-10-06T13:44:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v 2 (1) Real Ale Madrid
SL: Duggins, Crouch, Tolliday, Sharland, Scoot, Nick, Sacbuker, Monaghan

"Arse" exclaimed the manager in disgust at the end of the debacle that led to SL's second defeat of the season. Again, a slow start for the boys and a fairly even first half. Then RAM scored a goal which flew through a crowd of players and beyond Steven's outstretched right hand and leg. The SL keeper than pulled off a few fine saves to keep SL in it as they pressed forward for an equaliser. Then disaster, Steven dropped a clanger bigger than Major clanger out of the popular 70's children's tv series and RAM doubled their lead, the shot from thirty yards slipping through his hands as he inexplicably tried to throw it out before picking it up.

Nevertheless, the SL boys rallied, with Bruce Monaghan and Nick making their debuts and created chance after chance, with Scoot and Sharland guilty of missing good chances. Finally Scoot pulled one back, the chunky one returning to the form of his glory days, and SL battled bravely, pouring pressure on RAM. With the final move of the game, Sharland found himself through on goal and managed to steer the ball passed the keeper only to have his effort ruled out by the referee for being just inside the area.

2003-09-17T11:57:00.000+01:00

15/9/03
Sporting Letchworth (1) 1 v 1 (1) TLC
Sharland

SL: Duggins, Day I, Crouch, Sharland, Sacbuker, Scoot, French

SL were well supported by injured team members Tolliday and Peckett, and fought gallantly for a point in this testing encounter. They fell behind mid way through the first half when an unfortunate deflection fell kindly to the TLC forward and he dispatched it passed Steven.

SL tried to string a few passes together in the hope of an equaliser but stuggled to have any real impact until they won a free-kick deep into TLC territory. Scoot and Sharland were on the same wavelength and Scoot's quickly taken free-kick to Sharland allowed the player/manager to stroke the ball into the corner with a first time shot while the TLC players could only whine to the referee about the speed at which the free-kick was taken. The ref rightly waved the protests away, and SL were level.

Sacbuker came close to adding a second but half time came with honours even. French came on for the second half and looked far more composed than he had on his debut. It was at this point that fitness began to tell and TLC tried to pen SL into their own half. Once agian Duggins put together a fine goalkeeping display to keep TLC at bay and SL were reduced to rare forays out of their own half. The final whistle went with SL pleased to have gained a battling point.

On the injury front, Ian Day appears to be out for a while with his broken toe and pending trip to South America, but Matt Tolliday is hopeful for a return in 2 weeks time. The manager is also hoping that Peckett will have recovered from a foot injury and that Sacbuker's ribs have recovered.

8/9/03
Sporting Letchworth (0) 0 v 2 (1) FCK

SL: Duggins, Day I, Sharland, Sacbuker, Scoot, Peckett, Day S

Already hit by injuries and absentees, SL called upon Steve Day
brother of loud mouthed Ian to help out the depleted side. With Matt
Tolliday out with a groin injury, Andy Crouch unavailable and Paul
French having lost his bottle, SL had to work hard against a very fit
FCK side. Again SL got off to a slow start, and Ian had to shout
himself hoarse to get the lads defending with any kind of coherence.
Peckett had a couple of runs at goal but Scoot looked like he was
lacking match fitness and most of the first half was played with FCK
attacking. They opened the scoring when SL failed to clear a free
kick and at that point the writing was on the wall.

The second half saw Steve Day come into the action but having not
played football for 2 years, he was a little rusty and SL were exposed
at the back again in a 2 on one situation which led to Steven Duggins
being beaten for a second time. In between the goals Steven had kept
goal well, but there was little he could do about either.

Still it is early days in the league and manager Geoff Sharland is
optimistic that results will improve quickly.

1/9/03
Sporting Letchworth (0) 1 v 1 (1) Dream Team
Peckett

SL: Duggins, Day I, Crouch, Sharland, Sacbuker, Peckett, Tolliday,
French

SL were fairly slow to get started in this match and it was fairly
even in the first half, Sharland failing to make the most of the
chances that came his way. Then a rare attack from DT saw Steven beaten
low at his right post, just before half time.

The second half saw Matt and Frenchie come on for Geoff and Ryan, and
SL were static. The players struggled to build any real attacks and SL
were on the back foot. That changed however when Geoff and Ryan
returned and for the last 7 or 8 minutes the pressure on the DT goal was relentless, Peckett scoring to open his account for the season. It should have been 2-1 when Peckett saw his effort smash against the
inside of the post, but it was not to be SL's night as DT held on for
a draw in a match that Sporting will reflect on as 2 points dropped.

2003-08-21T13:29:00.000+01:00

RESULTS OF LEISURELY MEDIOCRE INVITATIONAL CHALLENGE

Leisurely Mediocre 0 - 3 Sporting Letchworth
Arlsey 0 - 0 Sporting Letchworth
Dicers Dribblers 1 - 0 Sporting Letchworth
Torpedo Baldock 0 - 2 Sporting Letchworth

Final

Dicers Dribblers 1 - 0 Sporting Letchworth

Report (by Geoff)

The first game was full of promise, with Sporting passing the ball well and seemingly able to score at will. The boys looked composed and full of creativity, and Steve had very little to do in goal. By the second game, lack of match fitness began to take it's toll on Andy, Scoot and Allen, as Ryan was frustrated in his attempts to break the deadlock, although Steve's goal faced little threat from the hard working Arlesey players. Game three and the tiredness was really starting to show. Andy was beaten by a moment of pace and skill by Nathan from Dicers, and Sporting couldn't string together any moves to get back into it. Game four saw a below par performance against Torpedo Baldock. Geoff took Lloyd out early in the game before going on to score the opening goal. Sporting then had wave upon wave of attack before Scoot scored the second, ensuring their place in the final.

The Final.
An early goal from Ian of Dicers killed off Sporting, playing their 5th straight game. Tiredness had taken over, and one goal was enough to settle
this hard fought encounter.

2003-08-13T14:19:00.000+01:00

Tonight sees Sporting Letchworth take to the field for their first competative match. Not the qualifying rounds of the Champions League but the grandly titled "Leisurely Mediocre F.C. Invitational Challenge". The other teams involved are...

Leisurely Mediocre F.C. (LM)
Torpedo Baldock (TB)
Dicers Dribblers (DD)
Arlsey (AR)

Each team will play all the others once in a league format before the top two contest the final.

The tournament starts at 7:30 with Sporting Letchworth's first match kicking off at 7:50.

Our fixtures are as follows...

7:50 SL vs LM
8:10 SL vs AR
8:30 SL vs DD
8:50 SL vs TB

2003-08-11T13:17:00.000+01:00

Sporting Letchworth are special guests at a pre-season friendly tournament to be held on Wednesday 13th August at 19:30. This will be the first outing for the Team since the split from Torpedo Baldock during the close season.

2003-08-11T13:10:00.000+01:00

THE 2003/04 SQUAD

The details of the squad are now available by following the link.

2003-08-08T14:25:00.000+01:00

Details to follow