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Last updated: 17 January, 2009

Sporting Redhouse 4 Heighington 5.
After extra time.

Considering our current plight in form, this is all we needed. Beny Dumbuya, Elstrom Die, Joe Middleton, Derek Ekpo. All missing for various reasons, some valid, some very not valid… You know who you are!!!!!

The one competition I really wanted to make a mark in. the result was all the more worse when you take a look at our wonderful 10-0 romp in the last round v Hartlepool Fens Hotel.

Any tactical ideas we had were thrown right out of the window with the twelve players that did turn up. What we did do was move Westwater out to right back and place Michael Ross alongside Peter Brown at the centre of the defence. I’d just like to mention a special thank you to Ray Oshin who came in at very short notice to fill the massive void up front with both Dumbuya and Die missing. Oshin had a wonderful game along with fellow striker Louis Ansah. There partnership was probably the only real highlight of our real low point of the season so far.

Heighington came into this game on a terrible run of form. Six consecutive league defeats under their belt along with elimination from a couple of cups meant they had lost every game they had played this campaign.

The reward for winning this tie was a place in the last sixteen of the County Cup. I wanted this more than anything.

Well. The game I wanted more than any other to win turned out to be the stuff of nightmares. Serious defensive deficiencies came back to haunt with a vengeance. Attack wise we were superb. The link up play between Oshin and Ansah in attack was a real delight. Greener marshalled well in the middle while Johnson and Chan raided down the flanks with aplomb. Essien looked good in his centre midfield role. However, the cracks in defence that were so cruelly exposed the previous week were laid bare. Super efforts by Oshin, Johnson, Chan and Ansah levelled the tie at four goals each. We had Heighington well and truly on the roped. Wave after wave of Sporting attacks led by Ansah and Oshin looked as though they would surly break through and give us the lead and thus the tie. Than to the absolute horror to all those concerned with Sporting. One long ball out of the Heighington defence left the opposing forward one on one with the keeper. Westwater managed to get up to him and looked as though he was driving him away from goal. But to everyone’s shock, Westwater lunged at the ball. I had the clatter of boots from the other end of the pitch. The Referee had no option but to award the penalty which was duly despatched. It was right on the end of play. The Referee blew the whistle and Heighington who had lost all six of their opening league games this season went through to the last sixteen of the County Cup.

I have nothing more to say!!!!!!!!!!!!

County Cup
Sporting Redhouse 4 Louis Ansah, Kevin Johnson, Ray Oshin, Chris Chan
Heighington 5 AET
Gavin Kershaw, Peter Brown, David Westwater, Michael Ross, Michael Osa Philips, Gareth Greener, Chris Chan, Bodri Essien (Keith Mouat), Kevin Johnson, Ray Oshin (M-o-M), Louis Ansah.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Aquatic Sports 5.
Aquatics win 4-2 on penalties.

Sporting came into this first round cup tie on the back of ten straight victories in all competitions. Aquatic Sports had lost their last four games in a row. The form book didn’t lie. Surely there was only one possible outcome????

Following some shaky displays at the back in their last couple of games, Sporting reverted back to a back four for this game. We knew quite a few of the opposition players and gave them full respect knowing they would completely raise their game against us and maximise the opportunity to play on a perfect surface. They had some excellent footballers in their side. Players I knew would excel. William Harper had pinpointed a couple f their most influential players, Billy Harrison and Michael Conlon. Harrison would try and dictate from the centre of the park, while Conlon would play the archetypal centre forward role. Both had to be watched. I had a bad feeling about the game. So many people were expecting us to turn over the opposition with ease. Aquatic were the holders of this competition, winning it in such style last season. You cannot disregard opposition of this nature.

We started off quite well. Both teams were looking to play the game the way it should. Keep the ball down and play football. Aquatic started well but it was Sporting that took the lead with what turned out to be our best move of the game. The front three of Dumbuya, Ansah and Elstrom wove their magic with Die firing in the opening goal. A slightly shaky start but Sporting should settle now!!!??!?

Far from it. Within five minutes Middleton was caught out of position at right back leaving Brown hopelessly stranded. He clattered into the back of the Aquatic forward leaving the Referee no option but to give the penalty which was duly fired in. all square.

Aquatic were visibly lifted. The form book was well and truly being thrown out of the window. For the next ten minutes it was the away side that looked the better. Passing was more precise, movement was better, and Aquatic were first to every ball. Ironically while playing the superior football, it was Sporting who again took the lead. A poor throw by the Aquatic left back was intercepted by Louis Ansah who stormed into the box and lashed a rasping left foot shot giving the keeper no chance. The game ebbed and flowed from here. Aquatic looked more assured, but Sporting were still dangerous when they decided to play some football. Just before half time, Aquatic got their second deserved equaliser. Another lapse at the heart of the Sporting rearguard left a simple knock on land at the feet of the opposing forward who strolled through and slotted home.

Half time
Sporting Redhouse 2 v 2 Aquatic Sports

The weather was now at freezing point and the players were really feeling it. Sporting had a strong wind behind them for the second half. Confidence was high that the side could capitalise on this. The game second half pretty much followed the same pattern of the first. Aquatic looked the better side and played the better football which completely belied there recent form. However, when Sporting pt some move together, they looked as though they would slice open their opponents. This just didn’t happen enough. The much vaunted front three were looking less and less involved as the half went on. It was Aquatic who took the lead for the first time in the game when Billy Harrison strolled right across the Sporting back four and fired in an unstoppable drive. For the first time in the afternoon I felt that Sporting could really be going out of the competition. We just couldn’t raise our game. The defence was looking more and more vulnerable. Essien was taken off and replace by the much vaunted, Uche Okike. But even he couldn’t lift the home side. Osa Phillips went off and on came the versatile Kevin Johnson who fitted in at left back.

Time was running out. Sporting were 3-2 down at home against the holders and in real danger of going out. David Westwater went down with an injury on his already susceptible ankle. Chances were not taken. Michael Ross went on at right back letting Joe Middleton fill in at centre half. It was with just five minutes left on the clock when Gareth Greener knocked in a super corner and of all people; Peter Brown stepped up and beautifully placed his left foot shot passed the Aquatic keeper. Sporting had equalised. The Referee played just a few more minutes than blew. Extra time would be played.

Full time

Sporting Redhouse 3 v 3 Aquatic Sports

By now the weather was below freezing. The All Weather pitch really earned its name. Not a bit of frost lying. Sporting had been second best over the ninety minutes. It was now time for them to lift their game. But it didn’t happen. Aquatic were determined to hang on to their Trophy. Two quick goals left Sporting reeling. One a real goal mouth melee, which Sporting had umpteen opportunities to clear. The first period of extra time ended with them trailing 5-3. Surely this was it and they were going out. A wonderful long range effort by Greener, literally forty yards flew into the top corner to bring the deficit back to one. There must have been just minutes left on the clock when a Gareth Greener free kick landed in the Aquatic penalty box. Ansah pounced and the ball was in the back of the net. Incredibly, Sporting who had been second best all game to Aquatic now had the chance to progress with the lottery that is the penalty shoot out.

Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die, Joe Middleton, Peter Brown and Uche Okike stepped up to take the spot kicks. William Harper had demanded that his side punish Aquatics by knocking them out. They should have had this game tied up.

Justice was however done. Ansah and Die missed their kicks while Kershaw managed to get his hands to one from Aquatics. I can’t even remember the final score in the shootout. My hands were bloody freezing. But we did lose. That much I know.

Sporting’s first set back in ten games. We can have no arguments. Overall, Aquatics were the best side. You could almost say it would have been ‘a travesty of justice’ if we’d have gone through. We just didn’t defend right. Sporting have now conceded eleven goals in their last three games. The defending has been terrible. Scoring isn’t a problem. We are now the top scorers in all competitions. No!!! It’s the defence that needs to be sorted. I believe we have the personnel there. It’s whether we have the right combination. Maybe we need to rearrange the back four and put less emphasis on attack. Maybe we need to put in a defensive midfield player to give the back line a little cover. Whatever we do we need to sort it quick. Sporting has definitely hit their bad patch. County Cup next week. We could have done without this right now

TWR League Challenge Cup
Sporting Redhouse 5 Louis Ansah 2, Elstrom Die, Gareth Greener, Peter Brown
Aquatic Sports 5
Aquatic Sports win 4-2 on penalties
Sporting Redhouse: Gavin Kershaw, David Westwater (Michael Ross), Joe Middleton, Peter Brown, Michael Osa Philips (Kevin Johnson), Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo, Bodri Essien (Uche Okike), Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die, Beny Dumbuya.

Sporting Redhouse 6 Country Park Inn 3.
Far from impressive, but we'll take the points.

With our home pitch unavailable due to there being an Athletics Meeting on at Gateshead. This away game was going to be classed as our ‘home’ fixture.

Full of confidence!! We were looking for a little payback from our opening day fiasco when we turned with no side. The match v Country Park Inn was a long time coming. As far as I was concerned along with Bill Harper, this was a game we were not going to lose and win very handsomely.

Both of us had decided we were going to go with a 3-4-3 formation. In fact, this was the system that was going to take the team forward. Utilise the players we have and make the most of the attacking array of talent at our disposal. We were adamant that we would stick to this through hell and high water to get it right!!!!

With Peter Brown and Michael Ross missing, the three centre back roles were covered by David Westwater, Joe Middleton and Keveinson Chima. The four across the middle were Essien on the right and Chan in the middle with the usual pairing of Gareth Greener and Derek Ekpo. In attack, it was the usual formidable threesome of Elstrom Die, Beny Dumbuya and Louis Ansah. The unfortunate three on the bench were Michael Osa Philips, Kevin Johnson and Keith Mouat who was carrying a slight injury and would only take part if really necessary.

The pitch was terrible. It looked good until you stepped on it. I honestly thought the game could well have been called off. Referee, Ken Street however, to the relief of all deemed it playable.

Right from the off, we just didn’t look right. The three across the back was not working. If you set a formation and ask the players do go with it, you do not expect to have to stand and almost marshal the defensive line for the entire period of the game. This is what both Billy and I had to endure. Chima was struggling badly. A combination of the wrong footwear and a lack of positional awareness would lead to him being hauled off after 25 minutes.

Sporting were a goal down after just 3 minutes when a failed clearance landed at the feet of a Country Park forward who let rip a terrific strike which flew into the top left hand corner of the Sporting net. This was not in the script. Country Park 1-0 and so early in the game. However, within minutes Essien pounced on a shot which had returned off the crossbar to level the game. Surely this would be the cue for the league leaders to now go on and press forward their advantage on their opponents. The team was looking far from comfortable. Surely class would come to the fore?? Dumbuya continued his rich vein of form by firing Sporting into the lead. Amazingly Country Park equalised again via an error from Kershaw in goal to bring the match tie the game again. Things were looking decidedly uncomfortable for Sporting in a game they really should have been cruising. The pitch was obviously causing real problems to the Sporting style of play while it much favoured Country Park’s long ball game. The three centre backs were just not settling. Chima was hauled off and replaced by Johnson who went straight into a defensive role to try and shore things up. A wonderful left foot drive by leading scorer, Elstrom Die fired Sporting back into the lead. It didn’t do anything to settle the side. Passes going astray, shape not being maintained, unity lacking on the pitch (something that would come to the fore in the latter stages of the second half). Louis Ansah’s chest infection finally took its toll and he had to be taken off. Michael Osa Philips went on causing a real shuffling of the pack. Joe Middleton moved over to the right of the defence. Osa settled in on the left side. Johnson was pushed further up the pitch into his more favoured position on the right of midfield; Essien stepped up into attack to maintain the front three.

Incredibly for the third time in the match, Country Park equalised. Another error by Kershaw saw him finish a woeful second with the opposing forward who stole in to head home.

The referee blew his whistle with both teams walking off with the scores tied. Coach William Harper had quite a lot to say during the interval. I wondered if there would be enough time!!!

Following some real harsh words from Coach Harper, which reverberated throughout the entire side. No one avoided criticism. No one had any complaints!!!

Halftime Sporting Redhouse 3 v 3 Country Park

For the first time in the game, Sporting looked like the team that had conquered all before them so far this season. It seemed the half time tirade from Coach Harper had done it job. The passing improved tenfold. Johnson looked assured on the right. The midfield duo of Ekpo and Greener were stating to put their foot on the ball and play their game. A wonder throw by Johnson caused real chaos in the Country Park penalty area leaving Essien with a simple effort which he duly slotted in.

Would Sporting now finally stamp their class on this game and go on and grab all three points while putting on a show??

Not quite. The three points would be assured but not until the final five minutes of the game. Sporting didn’t look like they were going to lose this game, but they certainly did nothing to show they were going to walk away with it. Country Park never gave in. they never thought they were out of the contest which in turn fed them the confidence to keep going and cause Sporting problems. The arguments increased as the lack of unity decreased. No more than between the two leading strikers. Dumbuya and Die clearly had issues with one another. It actually came to a point when they completely stopped passing to each other. There were moments in the game where certain pass was on and it just didn’t come. This was quite incredible to see, so blatant. Considering the situation which I may add was totally unacceptable, the two guys could actually have had a handful of goals if their finishing was a lot better. As it happened it was Dumbuya went on and grabbed two more goals towards the end of the contest, one a wonderful chipped shot. But to their credit, Country Park never gave up. When the final goal went in, their heads may have dropped a little but their attitude never did. Final score saw the leaders maintain their winning run to ten matches in all competitions. This along with the three points was the only real plus point to come from this encounter.

So to summarise!

I can’t help but be disappointed from the game. I really championed the 3-4-3 formation but this game brought home to me that it will leave me on edge whenever we play it. Defensively we just don’t look right playing it.

With Peter Brown not being their, it was weakened but no one player should be vital to a system of play. The system should suit all players. It’s clear that the 3-4-3 formation requires certain players present for it to work. This tells me dump it!!!

We did not play the conditions well at all. I’m going to balance that with the formation we played. The recent ten goal victory away to Fens Hotel on a decidedly bad pitch showed a back four is essential.

The ‘falling out’ with the front two also gave me some cause for concern. That cannot and will not happen again. That is all I’m going to say on the subject.

We now have four consecutive home games at our 3G pitch. I demand a reaction from the team. The last two league wins, both 6-3 away (Usworth & Country Park) have been below par. Defence has to shape up along with the Keeper. We are starting to concede goals and this isn’t good enough. We will revert to a back four to try and tighten things up. I want to see a 100% improvement in all facets of our game. Nothing less will do!!!

League Match
Sporting Redhouse 6 Beny Dumbuya 3, Bodri Essien 2, Elstrom Die
Country Park Inn 3
Gavin Kershaw, David Westwater, Keivinson Chima (Kevin Johnson), Joe Middleton, Chris Chan, Gareth Greener, Bodri Essien, Louis Ansah (Michael Osa Philips), Elstrom Die, Beny Dumbuya.

Usworth FC 3 Sporting Redhouse 6.
We'll take the win...Thats all.

Take out David Westwater and Michael Ross and Sporting were again at nigh on full strength. After a succession of Cup games it was great for the team to get back to league business. The added incentive being, Sporting could go top of the table with a win, their goal difference being so superior to all but Hylton Colliery Welfare who’d only played three games.

Taking this into account, I decided to go all out against an Usworth side showing indifferent form in the league. A 4-3-3 formation was selected. Coach William Harper wanted to play with a four across the middle to give us the width. However, I was adamant I wanted the three forwards. To help placate the Coach’s wish, I decided to controversially dispend with traditional fullbacks and play with real attacking wingbacks. The idea was bold. These fullbacks would have license to join the forwards as much as possible thus giving us the width Billy so wanted. Wingbacks with three centre forwards were unheard of in football. It also left the defence woefully under strength and could leave the side very susceptible to clever counter attacks. I didn’t care. I was confident Usworth would be too busy building barricades to worry about attacking. I wanted to put the opposition to the sword. I was in no mood to listen to anyone!!!!! All out attack!!!!!!

Chris Chan and most surprisingly Bodri Essien were given left and right back roles respectively. Full licence to join the attack. I told them to just imagine they were wingers but playing 10 yards back from where they normally do. Peter Brown and Keith Mouat alone would handle all defensive duties. The side line waited with baited breadth for a feast of attacking football. A few had their doubts!

The game kicked off in usual Sporting style. Errors all over the pitch and the opposition thinking ‘what the hell’ about all the hype surrounding us. I can’t blame them. Defensively we were all over the place with Brown showing the only real class. Throughout the game he would prove to be a one man tour de force at the back. He’s going to be a great signing. But I did kind of expect this. With Westwater unavailable, it wasn’t my first choice pairing, but I was confident Mouat would settle is as he has done so at left back. We did settle. Than the fun began

Following an indifferent first 5 minutes, the next 25 plus, Sporting put on a brilliant feast off attacking football. Usworth did not know what had hit them. With around 10 minutes gone on the clock, Beny Dumbuya finished of a super 3 pass move slotting ever so coolly past the keeper. Just 5 minutes later a precision throw by Kevin Johnson making his first start landed plum on Dumbuya’s head leaving a gaping goal at his mercy and a despairing keeper at his feet. Dumbuya was looking very dangerous and continuing on his recent fine form. 2-0 up and the signs were looking ominous for the home side. Not to be outshone, top scorer, Elstrom Die stepped up to the play with a super solo effort which saw his left foot drive just too hot to handle for the Usworth keeper. 3-0 and cruise control!!!

Within minutes, another powerful throw by the ever more impressive Johnson caused chaos in the Usworth defence. An unmarked Elstrom Die nodded in probably his most simple goal of the season and second of the match. With the score showing 4-0 and not even 30 minutes on the clock, could Sporting notch up their fourth 10 goal score line after just 9 matches. It looked a distinct possibility just five minutes later on the half hour mark; both Dumbuya and Elstrom played a brilliant passing move courtesy of the industrious Louis Ansah to leave Elstrom Die hitting his third of the game and take Sporting to 5-0. Usworth were in disarray. Sporting were coming at them from all angles. However exposed the Sporting defence was with so many attacking players going forward, it seemed Usworth were unable to make any inroads into it. But courtesy of a penalty they did. Essien was caught out of position at right back being too far up the field. A clever long ball left the Sporting rear guard cruelly exposed and a despairing lunge from Peter Brown was deemed illegal by the Referee. The ensuing penalty was easily despatched to give Usworth a possible lifeline. Just on the halftime mark, Usworth increased that lifeline and gave themselves just that bit more by again catching Sporting on the break. This all out attacking formation was now looking a little suspect. All of a sudden it seemed doubt had crept into the Sporting players. The last few minutes of that first half were vastly different to the way it started. For the first time this season not withstanding the opening day fiasco v Country Park Inn, Sporting did not look like the side that had stormed to the top of the table with its 8 match winning run. Coach William Harper had a little work to do at the break.

Halftime. Usworth FC 2 v 5 Sporting Redhouse

A wonderful first 25 minutes…. A terrible last 20!! As an attacking force superb! As a defending outfit….Terrible! The fullbacks were raiding down the flanks at will but forgot that their duties also included helping out the two central defenders if and when Usworth broke. Brown at centre half was literally holding the entire defensive duty himself. Keith Mouat who looked uncomfortable throughout his stint alongside Brown was taken off with a niggling injury and replaced by the robust Joe Middleton. The fullbacks were told to sit back and place more emphasis on their defensive duties this second period. A duty so sorely ignored first half. Harper wanted the team to start as it started the first 25 minutes not as it ended the last 20!!!!

The first period of the second half was probably the worst 20 or so minutes Sporting have played this season. They were second to the ball. Passing was going a miss as was the spirit. The management was at a loss as to what had gone wrong. Usworth were visibly gaining in confidence. No doubt helped by their opponents seeming fall from the heady heights of the first half. The unthinkable was actually looking as though it was thinkable. Sporting Redhouse 5-2 up in a game they should have been cruising through really looked as though they could be pegged back. They just could not raise their game. The legs looked heavy. So did the pitch but that was for both teams. Sporting were clearly second best. Something they had not experienced in their current guise at all this season. To confound all before, Usworth went and grabbed a third goal. Yet another lapse in defence. Enough was enough. Something had to be done. The unlucky Chris Chan was sacrificed and on came Michael Osa Philips. A more defensive minded player to tighten up the back. (A personal apology to Chan from me. Two MoM’s off the belt than I decided to change his position. Lesson learned!!!). Elstrom was pushed out to the flanks to play left wing as Sporting went 4-4-2. Johnson to the right with Ekpo and Greener in the middle. Louis Ansah led the line alongside Beny Dumbuya. It was hoped that the shape would bring a little more solidity to the team and help stem the tide that was building up against them. It didn’t. It really looked as though it was going to be one of those days. Sporting were either going to hang on or Usworth would complete an amazing comeback. Sporting needed something to inspire them. What conspired to inspire amazed us all!!!

With 25 minutes left on the clock, Elstrom Die was cruelly hacked down just on the edge of the box. The referee decided against giving a free kick and tempers boiled over. After a small melee ensued resulting in the referee producing a red card for Die. Sporting’s leading goal scorer was sent off. We later discovered for foul and abusive language toward an official. I have no complaint with that. Things were going from bad to worse. A reshuffle of the pack was required. Johnson who’d done such an admiral job midfield was dropped back into right back and Essien swapped places with him. Louis Ansah who’d worked so tirelessly up front was dropped into midfield to create a four man midfield in front of a flat back four. Beny Dumbuya was left to lead the attack on his own. The remainder of the game was going to be backs against the wall job…..Or so we thought. Barring one free kick which came back off the cross bar from Usworth, Sporting had the lift they needed. Sometimes in adversity you do find strength. Going down to 10 men and up against it inspired the team to raise their game to a different level. The passing became more precise. Greener and Ekpo found their game getting back in shape no doubt with Ansah sitting in there alongside them. Essien was taken off and replace by Jonny Song to tighten things up even more. Sporting started to create chances. Brown and Middleton were taking command at the centre of defence Dumbuya was causing real problems up front as a lone striker (Many believe this is his favoured role). With Ansah now finding he could occasionally make a raid from midfield to join him, things were looking a lot more assured than they really should have, with just 10 minutes left on the clock, Dumbuya unleashed a ferocious right foot drive that left the keeper no chance as it blazed into the top left hand corner. Sporting had tied the game up. Usworth had the fight squeezed out of them. Sporting reached the finish line in far more comfortable mode than I had anticipated at half time. The referee blew the whistle. Sporting had taken the game 6-3.

Not our greatest hour. As a whole, this was our poorest display of the season so far. But I have to admit it wasn’t my finest hour either. The idea of attacking full backs with a 3 man midfield and 3 man attack just did not work. I cannot see me going with that again.

It is clear; I want the 3 up front. William Harper wants the 4 across midfield giving us the width he so desires. I mentioned in the report an apology to Chan. Playing 4-4-2 with him wide left brought him 4 goals in two games and two MoM’s. Playing him as one of the 3 midfielder’s v Hartlepool and left back this week brought him two substitutions. Point taken and understood.
After a long debate, both Billy and I have decided we are both right. We always thought a 3-4-3 formation would suit this team. We now believe we have the personnel to do this right. With Westwater and Brown coming in. With Ross, Osa Philips, Mouat and Song, we can play with three central defenders who can defend thus leaving us to play with the four across the middle giving Billy his width and three in attack giving me my forwards. The aim now is to make this system work and work right!! There will come times when we may have to change, but this will be the base formation for the team. If it works, we could be devastating. Now let us see if we can against the only team to beat us this season…Country Park Inn. Essien, Chan and Gav Kershaw along with Anthony Mouat and a certain Mr Harper are the only survivors from that game. Mr Mouat and Mr Harper being forced to play because of the twelve that were missing that fateful day.

Over to you William Harper. This is your time!!!!!!!!!!

TWR Trade Frames League
Usworth F.C 3
Sporting Redhouse 6 Elstrom Die 3, Beny Dumbuya 3
Gavin Kershaw, Peter Brown, Keith Mouat (Joe Middleton), Chris Chan (Michael Osa Philips), Bodri Essien (Jonny Song), Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo, Kevin Johnson, Beny Dumbuya (M-o-M), Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die (Sent off).

Hartlepool The Fens Hotel FC 0 v 10 Sporting Redhouse.
Sporting starting to show real class.

Sporting Redhouse put on their finest display in the most important game of the season so far.

Hartlepool Fens Hotel were on a 9 match unbeaten run on their pitch and I was told had pretty much cleaned up on the trophy front in their own domestic league last season.

Squad wise, Sporting were again at full strength even though there were some forced absentees.

We arrived with 15 minutes to spare. Coaching Assistant, Anthony Mouat was asked to get the players in the changing room and kitted up and on the field as quickly as possible. There was little time to have a real good team talk so Manager Tarnjit Sangha kept it brief and too the point so the side was announced. There was some controversial omissions from the starting line up. Michael Ross who had been a revelation at right back was left on the bench for Ives Malaye who took his place while Bodri Essien was also left out with the management opting to go for a 3 man midfield in a 4-3-3 formation. Taking this into account, the leaving out of Trevor Walker also left eyebrows raised. The formidable front line of Ansah, Dumbuya and Die was chosen to lead an all out attack on Fens Hotel. New signing, Peter Brown came into the problem position of centre half to see if he could create the all important partnership with David Westwater.

The game kicked off. The first 5 minutes were all I can say….’rushed’. It looked as though Sporting were finding their time to settle. Chan, Ekpo and Greener hadn’t got a hold of the high ground in the centre of the park. This gave Fens Hotel an early advantage. However, Brown alongside Westwater in central defence was looking very assured. The signs were good. Barring an early scare when Fens Hotel hit the post following some hesitation from Gav Kershaw in goal. This was to be the only real threatening moment from the home side through out this cup tie.

Coach William Harper arrived with just 5 minutes gone on the clock. Sporting saw this as a sign to now lift their game and put there opponents to the sword. And how they did!!!!

A superb passage of play from Dumbuya saw him play a through ball to a storming run by right back Ives Malaye that resulted in a rasping shot that the Fens Hotel keeper had no chance in keeping out. Within minutes the influential Gav Greener linked superbly with Derek Ekpo and fed a delicate ball into Beny Dumbuya who slotted it past the despairing keeper to give the visitors what already looked an insurmountable 2-0 lead.

Sporting had now well and truly settled. Peter Brown and David Westwater were looking a formidable centre half partnership. This in turn fed confidence to both fullbacks. Keith Mouat was having his best game for the team so far this season. Ives Malaye however, seemed to want to concentrate on his attacking play a little more than defensive. This left gaps down the right hand side which Fens Hotel seemed to try and exploit. Maybe the more defensive Michael Ross is the more reassuring answer??

The midfield three of Greener Ekpo and Chan had taken full control of the centre of the park. That battle was now well and truly won. In turn, the front three were causing real mayhem for the home team’s rearguard. Goals followed. A super ball by Greener again fed Elstrom who superbly slotted to grab his first for the match. Sporting were now playing their best football of the season. It was a real joy to watch. Quick one touch passing, excellent movement off the ball, excellent communication from all the players. Elstrom grabbed yet another to take his tally to two and Sporting looked in real control. To be playing a team that had been unbeaten in their last 9 games at home in such style. It was so much more than what we could have expected. Dumbuya capped off a wonderful first half performance grabbing his second to leave Sporting within sight of the First Round proper of the County Cup.

Halftime, Hartlepool Fens Hotel 0 v 5 Sporting.

A couple of changes were made for the start of the second half. Gareth Greener who had picked up a yellow card for his tenacious efforts in the first half was brought off to prevent any chance of a second possible card and expulsion. Greener’s game is such that this could have been a distinct possibility. He makes every challenge full blooded. 5-0 up! Why take the chance?? No chance was taken. Trevor Walker came on to slot into midfield. A few onlookers could have well felt he was unlucky not to start! Chris Chan was also taken off. With Sporting playing a 3 man midfield, it probably took a little away from his game. Chan likes to play wide left in a four man midfield. This lets him exploit the width and not have to play more central. Kevin Johnson came on in his place. The rest remained the same.

The management demanded the same application and attitude as the team had shown in the first half. This wouldn’t be easy. It is quite normal for teams to take their foot off the gas when in such a dominant position after just 45 minutes. However, the management felt it important standards didn’t drop. To Sporting’s credit…They did not!!
Immediately, Sporting took the game to their hosts. Fens Hotel were visibly shaken and clearly had not recovered from their first half mauling. Trevor Walker took no time in showing the management he should have started by aggressively taking the ball back from an opposing player and setting Louis Ansah up brilliantly for a thunderous left foot drive which had hit the back of the net before the keeper could even dive. The goal brought the biggest cheer of the day from the side lines. Ansah’s all round game had been excellent. However, he is a centre forward. No one more than him knew he needed a goal to cap of what was turning into another excellent personal afternoons work. It was such a relief when it came. None felt more than the player himself. Fens Hotel had now thrown in the towel. Needless fouls and off the ball bad play started to creep into their game. It was time for Sporting to stand up and not get dragged down into this aggression. But to my disappointment and the rest of the coaching staff, it didn’t happen. Elstrom rounded off his last act of the game by grabbing his third of the afternoon. He had been the recipient of quite a few off the ball incidents and had reacted to them by raising his hands to an opponent. The referee had no option but to produce a yellow card. It could so easily have been a red Fens Hotel sensed blood and knew continued pressure would eventually lead to Elstrom taking the bait. The management didn’t hesitate in making the decision to make their third and final substitution. Off came a rather distraught Elstrom and on went Ross Howard. Coach William Harper wanted to make a formation change. 4-4-2 in his opinion was required. Use the width, stretch the game even more and put Fens Hotel to the sword. These were the instruction demanded by Harper. Ekpo and Walker marshalled the midfield while Johnson went wide left with the just arrived, Ross Howard hugging the left touchline. The tactic worked supremely. A physically shattered and mentally hammered, Fens Hotel had no fight left in them to cope in this change of style. As expected, the game opened up. Chances were being created. Ross Howard impressed as did Johnson. The pace of both players started to turn their respective fullbacks inside out. Howard made his mark by driving in a low drive following a brilliant pass by Walker which the keeper could only parry into the back of his own net. The goal scorer than became provider by wrong footing his marker to send in a pass across the keepers area which left everyone standing. Louis Ansah stole in at the back and slotted in to take double his tally. Could Sporting make it back to back 10 goals wins? A fortnight ago, Sportsman’s Arms were on the end of a 10-1 thrashing. Nine had already been scored. Surely ten would be out of the question?? To be honest, it should have been at least another 3-4. Chances were being spurned. Maybe Sporting would have to settle for just the nine. Up stepped Howard to head in a wonderfully worked diving header. What a way to finish off a fantastic afternoons work. 10-0 away from home against a good side. WONDERFUL!!!!!!

What can I say? I think Coach William Harper summed it up perfectly later that night when discussing the afternoons game ‘I’m elated’.

It was Sporting’s best display of the season by a long way. Peter Brown was superb making his debut at centre half. It looks as though his partnership with David Westwater could be a real turning point for the team this season. The midfield looks very well settled. Even when different personnel are selected to fulfil the roles.

All in all. I can have no complaints. The team has now won eight consecutive games on the bounce. We are getting 16 plus players at every game now and the spirit seems to be very good. Next week we play away to Usworth in the league. We have set a standard now. The aim against Usworth FC is to make sure this standard does not slip.

Durham County Minor Cup
Hartlepool The Fens Hotel FC 0
Sporting Redhouse 10 Elstrom Die 3, Beny Dumbuya 2, Louis Ansah 2, Ross Howard 2, Ives Malaye
Sporting Redhouse: Gavin Kershaw, Peter Brown, David Westwater, Ives Malaye, Keith Mouat, Gareth Greener (Trevor Walker), Derek Ekpo, Chris Chan (Kevin Johnson), Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die (Ross Howard), Beny Dumbuya.

Sporting Redhouse 10 Sportman's Arms 1.
Not as good as it looks.

Well! What a difference 6 games and a run of terrific results makes. From 12 first team players missing from the opening day, to thread bare squads for the next few games, to a decent squad line up v Sassco, to an equally impressive side out v Hendon Grange last week, to an awesome choice of personnel today v Sportsman’s Arms. Not only did we have the team line up above, but we also had Jonny Song, Teofilo Mateus, Derek Ekpo, Ives Malaye, and Peter Brown who all could not even get a game. That is 19 players! Yes! We had 19 players. Michael Osa Philips, Kevin Johnson and Ross Howard were left out for differing reasons. So it could have actually been 22!

So it seems the tide has turned. Sporting Redhouse now looks to have a squad assembled to challenge the hierarchy of the Wearside Combination League. Everyone concerned with the club was very confident without any arrogance that the team would win today and win well. A big performance was expected from the team. The fact that 14 plus players were already stripped and on the pitch having a warm-up with nearly 35 minutes prior to kick off also signalled a sea change in attitude.

All was good! All was set! The team was ready to put on a show! To signal their intent!

Coach William Harper had all the players locked in the changing room for a real hard pep talk. A few home truths were spelled out to the team. We now had the squad assembled. What we now needed to see was a real hard and professional focus of minds from the players to take Sporting Redhouse to the next level on the pitch. The job of the management was to try and get the team together and as many good players gelled to an extent that they could make an impact in all competitions entered this season. We believe we now had this. It was now over to the players to show if the coaching staff had done their job.

The game kicked off David Westwater returning not only to the centre of defence but now donning the Captain’s armband. Gareth Greener also returned from a 2 week break into midfield.

The first 15 minutes was….How can I put this…..AWFUL!!! We couldn’t seem to put three passes together. The defence looked shaky, the midfield was struggling to take command and the attack was misfiring. Sporting should have been two up in the first 10 minutes. But like on many occasions before this season, failed to take their chances. I cannot emphasise this point any harder. There will come a time at some stage this season where the side is going to get punished for not taking their chances and putting them away. IT WILL!!!! Come at the business end of the campaign where stronger sides than what we have faced so far will put us to the sword should we not put away what have been gilt edge opportunities.

However, it was only a matter of time before the home side would surely make the breakthrough. Duly it came. A cleverly worked cross from the left hand side by Elstrom Die was cushioned in on his left foot by MoM, Chris Chan. Just 5 minutes later Chan capitalised on a sloppy clearance by the visitors to drive in another low and tracer like shot. You would think this would have lead Sporting to settle down and start playing the quick fire passing game they were now becoming synonymous with. It didn’t. It was left to individual bursts of brilliance to take Sporting through this clash. Admittedly, the defence was becoming to settle. Joe Middleton’s forays from centre half into midfield was a cause for concern as he constantly seemed to be getting dragged out of position. Something that has to be addressed. Michael Ross was as assured as he has been since making his debut at right back as was Westwater in central defence. Keith Mouat making his full debut at left back in place of Osa Philips also looked very good and solid. It has to be said, the opposition was not of the highest standard although their endeavour could not be questioned. Far sterner test lie ahead for the Sporting rearguard.

The best goal of the game followed next. An excellent build up down the left started by Mouat, created by Walker ably assisted by Chan, was wonderfully finished off by Elstrom Die with a left foot chip leaving the keeper completely stranded. With the score line at 3-0 it was now a matter of how many. But the performance which the management was looking for just wouldn’t emerge. To compound that!!! Sportsman’s had the nerve to actually pull a goal back. A clever chip leaving Gavin Kershaw out of position and completely helpless as the ball nestled in the back of the net. Poor defending in front of him did him no favours however. The 3 goal cushion was regained within a few minutes. A long range shot by the ever industrious, Louis Ansah was horribly let in by the Sportsman’s keeper through his legs. Ansah seemed almost embarrassed. But the goal was his.

Half Time Sporting Redhouse 4-1 Sportsman’s Arms

‘We’re winning 4-1...But can anyone seriously say we have played well???’

Prophetic words by Coach William Harper during the half time interval. A resounding NO was the answer from the players. The wind was a contributing factor, but it was for both teams. Elstrom Die was replaced by Beny Dumbuya. There were some surprised glances. Other wise the team remained the same for the second half.

Sporting kicked off looking to put a display to reflect the score line. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Greener fired in a superb right foot drive which was destined for the bottom left hand corner the second it left his foot. Sporting now looked to enforce their class upon their opponents. The flow of the game was now just one way. Dumbuya was looking a threat and giving the Sportsman’s defence a different kind of problem. This was proven as he stole in to snatch the ball off the last defender and lash home a ferocious shot to make it 6-1 to the home side. Chris Middlemiss came on for Michael Ross and slotted in perfectly at right back while a very impressive looking Okike Uche replaced Trevor Walker in centre midfield. The lad looks like definitely one to watch. The opposition now looked as though they had thrown in the towel. Injuries were becoming more frequent as lack of fitness was taking its toll on them. Further strikes by Dumbuya, Ansah and Chan left Sporting Redhouse with a 10-1 final score. The referee actually blew the whistle 5 minutes early as Sportsman’s players were now dropping like flies. Sporting had no problem with this as they themselves were now playing at not even 10% of what they are capable of.

So!! Sporting Redhouse has now made it seven straight wins. On paper, you cannot have any complaints. However, football is played on grass (or in our case third generation surface). This was not a good display. The games v Sassco, Hendon Grange and even with 10 men v Parkview were in the opinion of the management better all round performances.

Defensively the team is not quite right yet, but is very close. Kershaw in goal is improving game by game but still needs to command his penalty area vocally. Once this has been achieved. Superb!!!

Major plus points had to go to Louis Ansah who despite his frustration in front of goal (despite his hat trick) showed superb work rate in tracking down and constantly harassing the opposition. Chris Chan followed last weeks excellent display v Hendon Grange with another influential performance, not only grabbing 3 goals but capping his game with a MoM award. Trevor Walker in the middle of the park looked assured and astute never wasting a pass. Dumbuya was a force when he came on and gave a great alternative to Elstrom in front of goal. However, a tendency to hold on to the ball a little too much kept meant he was good, not brilliant.

The squad also looks like it is going to have to be trimmed. We cannot turn up with 20 plus players each week. It just isn’t practical. Either! We ask players each week not to turn up to keep the numbers down. Or! Players are going to have to be cut loose. We have no game this week due to the Tyne & Wear Derby. Our next match, a county cup tie, will be away to Hartlepool Fens Hotel in two weeks time. A decision will have been made by than.

Gateshead 3G
Sporting Redhouse 10 Chris Chan 3, Louis Ansah 2, Elstrom Die 2, Beny Dumbuya 2, Gareth Greener
Sportsman’s Arms 1
Gavin Kershaw, David Westwater, Joseph Middleton, Michael Ross (Chris Middlemiss), Keith Mouat, Gareth Greener, Trevor Walker (Uche Ukike), Chris Chan (MOM), Bodri Kwalangana, Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die (Beny Dumbuya).

Hendon Grange 1 Sporting Redhouse 5.
Six in a row.

Following five successive victories in all competitions for Sporting, the big test came today. Round One of the Wearmouth & Hylton Age Peoples Trophy against established Premier League opposition, Hendon Grange.

The side itself was looking quite strong. However, with David Westwater having to withdraw through circumstances not of his control, it left a void at centre half.

An amazing six new players made their debuts for Sporting in this first round clash. Some may feel quite a risk against top flight opponents, but I felt a quiet confidence in the new boys.

Joe Middleton came into centre half alongside fellow new boy, Ives Malaye, himself a central defender. Two debuts at central defence!!!!!

Also came in Kevin Johnson as a wide attacking player along with Ross Howard who also likes to play that role. Both good attacking acquisitions. In came aslo Keith Mouat, a very talll and imposing defensive player who is equally comfortable at centre half as he is at left back. Finally, we had Trevor Walker. A very influential midfielder who had only played one friendly this campaign. So he also was making his full debut. Would the six new players be detrimental to the teams performance? We would soon find out.

The starting line up as follows - Kershaw (goal). Malaye, Middleton, Ross and Osa Philips across the back. France, Walker, Chan and Essien across the centre of the park with Louis Ansah and Elstrom Die leading a very strong looking forward line.

Kevin Johnson, Keith Mouat and Ross Howard were on the substitues bench.

From the off, there was a very good feel to the home side. Sporting were looking strong...In all facets of the field. Defence looked assured, even with the two debutants at the heart. Walker looked like he'd played all season in the centre of the park. The two wide players were looking very threatening, in particular, Chris Chan who was looking very keen. Ansah and Die were already imposing their game in attack. After 10 minutes of the game, coach William Harper looked over to me and gave me a very confident glance 'We'll win this...no problems'.

How right he was. The only thing that looked like it may cause a problem was Hendon's long ball into our penalty box and for the umpteenth time this season, our failiure to put chances away when on top. I just wish one week we could half our chances away.

The surface wasn't too bad at all. Though it wasn't perfect. The football was looking good. Walker and France were taking control of the midfield battle but sometimes a little lack of communication between them both left gaps in the centre leavig the oppostion midfield with a little more time on the ball than warranted. Something to sort out at half time. It was this communiction that would be an underlying problem throughout the contest. It can't be helped considering the amount of new faces week in week out. Barring a few scares, which the ever improving, Gav Kershaw dealt with well, Sporting should have been winnig comfortably. Some very questionable off side decisions by the Referee letting the Hendon defence off on numerous occasions. However, some wonderful wing play by Chan down the left finished with the player firing in a superb left foot drive to give the visitors a well deserved lead. Just a few minutes later it was to get even better. A cracking long range pass by Steven France completely deceived the entire Hendon rearguard and dropped at the feet of Elstrom Die who cleverly side stepped the keeper to calmly slot in the second and give Sporting a decisive 2-0 lead at the break.

A few reckless challenges by Osa Philips at left back was to culminate in a penalty to Hendon. It was 10 minutes into the second half. The homeside converted to give them some hope of getting back into the tie. 2-1

Osa Philips came off to be replaced by Keith Mouat. A straight swap at left back. The expected onslaught from Hendon Grange never materialised. Quite the opposite. The second half well and truly belonged to Sporting. A wonderful move involving Die and Ansah ended with Ansah firing in a low right foot drive. This signalled the sign for Sporting to up their game and put their opponents to the sword. Chances came and went. Off side decisions continued to baffle. I think the Referee failed to comprehend the speed at which Sporting were attacking and never really gave the visitors the benefit of doubt. The goal of the match came from a low flighted cross from the left which was wonderfully fired in by an ever more influential Trevor Walker. With Sporting leading 4-1 and creating chance after chance, surely they could go on and tally up an impressive scoreline. It wasn't to come...Only an impressive display. I'll settle for that!!! Hendon were rewarded another penalty. A little unfairly according to the Sporting players. Kershaw made a fantastic save as he parried a fiercly driven shot straight down the middle over the bar. Just to rub salt into the wounds of Hendon, M-o-M, Elstrom Die for the second time this afternoon took the ball past the keeper to slot home yet again and leave the final score a very impressive 5-1. Both Chan and Essien were taken off and replaced by Johnson and Howard respectively. I have a feeling these two guys are going to have a great part to play in the teams future. Howard adopted a more defensive role down the right side but Johnson seemed very aggressive as an attacking force and was very unlucky not to score on his debut as he took a ball a little too wide and saw his shot rebound off the post. Terrific stuff from all the new boys. Middleton looked fantastic at the centre of defence. Malaye took a little while longer to settle but come the end of the game and also carrying a nasty hand unjury looked assured, as did Mouat when he came on. Centre half or left back and he will do very well. Walker capped off a superb performance with his wonder goal. I'll say it again. Terrific!!!

I think taking into account all the circumstances surrounding the game, including the opposition. This was Sporting's best display of the season so far. The team has now won its last six games in all competitions. Whatever the problems which you will always encounter week in week out, you cannot deny the wonderful start to the season. It seems such a long time ago now since the opening day hammering by Country Park Inn. But with Essien, Chan and Kershaw the only three survivors from that fateful game, it does show how far the team has come. With Gav Greener to come back next week from his 14 day hiatus to Cypress. David Westwater, Beny Dumbuya, Derek Ekpo all out for various and legitimate reasons. The squad is now on a sure footing to make sure it can compete on all fronts. My target is to make sure we get a minimum of 13 players out every week. For the first time this season, I am now confident we can do that.

Wearmouth & Hylton Age Peoples Trophy Round 1
Hendon Grange 1
Sporting Redhouse 5 Elstrom Die 2, Louis Ansah, Trevor Walker, Chris Chan
Gavin Kershaw, Joe Middleton, Ives Malaye, Michael Osa Philips (Keith Mouat), Michael Ross, Trevor Walker, Steven France, Chris Chan (Kevin Johnson), Bodri Essien (Ross Howard), Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die.

Sporting Redhouse 4 The Fort 3.
A step backwards?

I can't help but feel we took a step backwards today against what I thought was a very good The Fort side.

After the selection dilemna of last week, it was back to the same old problems this.

Steven France, Keiveinson Chima and Alex Erhanuyi failed to show. Chris Chan and Sean Jules had already informed me they couldn't make it.

So...As on far too many times this season before, we started the game with just the eleven players. The weather was terrible, the conditions difficult, the team talk no where near as indepth as we wanted it to be, the opponents clearly up for it....We just knew this was going to be a difficult afternoon!!!

We lined up with Kershaw in goal. The back four consisted of Michael Ross and Jonny Song as full backs. The increasingly impressive, David Westwater alongside Jose Escobar as centre halves.

We played three across the middle. Derek Ekpo holding centre with Michael Osa Philips and Bodri Essien either side of him.

In attack we had the trident force of Louis Ansah flanked by Elstrom Die and Beny Dumbuya.

The Wind was to play a huge par t in the game and to be honest, I felt The Fort used it far better than Sporting did.

The game kicked off at a hundred miles and hour, as the Sporting management thought it might. There was alot of fire in The Fort's bellies and it showed as they went all out and never really let Sporting settle and get into their passing game. However, Sporting missed a succession of chances with the front three of Dumbuya, Ansah and Die being the chief culprits. These weren't half chances but full on bloodied ones. Sporting should have been at least four up before The Fort grabbed one with a very well worked goal. Other chances came and went begging and it really looked like it was going to be one of those. Sporting had the wind with them and were failing to use it to their full advantage. The management were convinced their opponents would not make the same mistake come the second period. A lead at half time was vital. It was a defensive mistake by The Fort following some super play by Elstrom Die that did finally lead to the Sporting equaliser, Dumbuya firing in a point blank header. More chances were missed by the homeside, while the away team were starting to build up a little confidence themselves. The advantage at the interval we thought vital never materialised. Half time score 1-1. A difficult 45 minute ahead.

The frustration was niggling away at the players. The passing was laboured and unsure. The movement was sluggish. The width was non-existent The finishing woeful. And the wind right up our opponents backs, meaning a very difficult half for an already shaky defence. Quite a bit of work for Coach William Harper to sort out.

A five minute verbal assault later and an emphasis of the importance of Elstrom Die this half, the team took to the field.

The expected long ball assault was confirmed as right from the kick off. The Fort fired along range shot which had to be applauded even though Kershaw in the Sporting goal tracked it all the way.

The scene was set. The Fort were going to use the wind and long ball to cause real problems to the Sporting rearguard, while the hosts had to improve on their passing and finishing to get anything out of the match.

It was end to end. The Fort had a gameplan and were sticking to it well. Sporting only had to compose themselves and lift their game a level higher and they would take the tie. This never came. An excellent piece of skill and one touch passing broke the deadlock in favour of the home side. Die followed onto a through ball and drove his shot past a dispairing keeper to put the hosts ahead. This should have been the spring board for Sporting to finally shake off their lacklustre performance. With Elstrom Die firing in a blatant penalty just moments later and Louis Ansah finally getting on the scoresheet by driving home a super left foot effort to make it 4-1, the tie should have been over.

But defensive frailties came back to haunt. Sporting played against type and started to sit deeper and deeper. Not even a superb M-O-M display from right back, Michael Ross could stem the tide. The Fort pulled one back and gave themselves great belief. With 10 minutes to go, a poor clearance from Escober lead to a cracking volley from the opposing forward to bring the game right back to the boil. 4-3 and all to play for. Ross went off with cramp, but to his utmost credit came on within five minutes. Ansah picked up a possible ham string put kept soldiering on. It was on the edge with The Fort looking desperate for the equaliser, which was not to come. The referee blew the whistle leaving Sporting more than relieved with the 4-3 scoreline.

We relied on individual flair rather than constructive teamwork to get through this tie. We didn't get our game going at all. I suppose there will be times this season when we shall have to go through this again. Special mentions have to go to Bodri Essien, Elstrom Die, David Westwater and especially Michael Ross who at right back is rapidly becoming a very key and influential player justified by his M-O-M award.

However, for the umpteenth time this season, we were mearly felled by last minute absentees. I am convinced we would have been beaten had we started todays game with less than 11 players. For a hugly important County Cup Tie this is JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH. So I have decided to cut loose certain players. I think they know who they are. Continuous non contact is doing my bloody head in. I've said it before...I'll say it again. This is my problem to sort. AND I SHALL!!!!!!.

Durham Minor County Cup Final Preliminary Round
Sporting Redhouse 4 Elstrom Die 2, Beny Dumbuya, Louis Ansah
The Fort 3
Gavin Kershaw, Jose Escobar. David Westwater, Jonny Song, Michael Ross (mom), Derek Ekpo, Michael Osa Philips, Bodri Essien, Louis Ansah, Beny Dumbuya, Elstrom Die

Sporting Redhouse 10 Sassco.co.uk 2.
So Far So Good.

As far as I'm concerned, today was our biggest test of the season so far...

Sassco FC had played twice this season. Destroyed Park View 8-0 and been very good with 10 men v Hylton CW in a 3-1 County Cup defeat. More important than that was the fact they are run by my Brother.

This in itself was reason enough to make this our (MY) crunch clash.

Three new signings were added to the squad. In came Leon Bennett as an attacking midfielder, Sean Jules as an attacking winger and David Westwater who was a Central Defender. However, Leon Bennett couldn't play as he was still suspended.

The team started with the same formation as it finished so impressively with last week v Park View, 3-4-3. A very aggressive and adventurous system to accommodate the array of attacking players the side possesses.

Kershaw as always kept guard between the sticks. The back three consisted of Michael Ross, Michael Osa Philips surrounding central defender, Jose Escobar.

The midfield four had Gareth Greener and Derek Ekpo holding the centre of the park with flying wingers, Chris Chan and Bodri Essien raiding down the flanks. Steven France, Louis Ansah and eventual MOM Elstrom Die lead the charge. Sean Jules, David Westwater and Jonny Song were on the bench.

Amazingly for the first time this season, Sporting had a full squad to choose from.

Confidence was high...The team selection was perfect...The personnel was impressive...We all sat back and expected a feast of attacking football from the home side and a plethora of goals....NOT!!!!!!!!

We couldnt pass three yards...We didn't string three passes together...We were bickering after ten minutes...The management was scratching heads after fifteen minutes!!!

As William Harper was to subsequently put it at halftime 'We were atrocious'.

All credit had to go to Sassco. Their 4-5-1 formation, which we knew they would play had us flummoxed. They passed better..Settled better..Created as many chances..And WERE better. Clever balls over the Sporting midfield which landed in gaping spaces were latched onto by the Sassco forwards, causing real problems to the Sporting rearguard.

It was however, Sporting that took the lead. A clever first time cross by Steven France was cleverly headed in by Louis Ansah. 1-0...Surely Sporting would settle now and go on and show their class....NOT!!!

Sassco only stepped up their game and knew they could get something from the increasingly creaking Sporting rearguard. A superb solo effort by Lewis and a well worked second by I think Swinhoe gave Sassco an excellent and very well deserved halftime lead of 2-1. Make no mistake...They were the better side.

William Harper pulled me to one side. 'Switch it back to 4-4-2 and fill those gaps behind the midfield..Answer the questions that Sassco are asking and give them something to think about with a few questions of our own'.

It was done. Escobar was taken off and replaced by Westwater in centre of defence. France came out of attack and joined him showing his true versatility as a player. Osa Philips and Ross remained as fullbacks. The midfield quartet remained as the front two of Ansah and Elstrom were pushed deeper into the opponents half. How it worked!!!!

Immediatley the game turned on its head. Sporting looked transformed while Sassco just looked confused!

The passing improved tenfold, The confidence came seeping back and it showed in the manner of the teams display. Frustration started to creep into Sassco's play as was proven by the rising yellow card count. Davinder Sangha's preference of not playing offsides meant the team were being driven back deeper and deeper into their own penalty box. This just gave Sporting the impetus to drive home their advantage...And how they did. Ansah scored the crucial equalising goal and the flood gates opened henceforth. Ansah grabbed a hat trick as did Elstrom Die. Greener grabbed two. A second yellow card leading to a red did nothing to help Sassco's cause (second red in two games I might add). Sean Jules came on for Essien on the right wing and looked very impressive indeed. He added two goals for his debut.

The final whistle went with Sporting Redhouse running out 10-2 winners.I think in the end, the best side won. Overall Sporting were the better side. Sassco had a Plan A but couldn't come up with a Plan B when Sporting changed things at halftime.

Sassco may point to refereeing decisions like the sending off, but I must add it was intense verbal abuse for a refereeing decision. This is something they must sort out because it is really coming into their game. Sporting had decisions go against them but just got on with it. Penalty decision not given for blatant hand ball along with two or three decisions for off side that were not. This happened to both sides. Its hard to referee...We all surely know that by now!!!!

Referee Ken Street is known for his rigid and disciplinarian attitude to the game and players should deal with that and have the intelligence to adapt and cope with it. Sassco didn't and completely lost their heads. Cresswell had asked to come off simply becasue he knew he was going to get sent off...NOT GOOD!!!

I wonder if there were bad refereeing decisions when Sassco beat Park View 8-0. Can't seem to read any in the match report. Always looks better when you're winning. Its how you deal with it when you're losing that makes a great team. Will come across situations this season when the shoe is on the other foot. I for one will not tolerate dissent by any of my players!!!

Sporting Redhouse have now scored twenty four goals and conceded just one in their last four games. The improvement following the opening day disaster against Country Park FC has been long since forgotten. The team is taking shape and for the first time this campaign we had a full squad with three substitutes to come on.

So Far So Good.

Sporting Redhouse 10 Louis Ansah 3, Elstrom Die 3 MOM, Gareth Greener 2, Sean Jules 2
Sassco.co.uk 2
Gavin Kershaw, Jose Escobar (David Westwater), Michael Ross, Michael Osa Philips (Jonny Song), Bodri Kwalangana (Sean Jules), Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo, Chris Chan, Steven France, Louis Ansah, Elstrom Die.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Park View FC 1.
Just 10 men and a win.

Yet again Sporting arrived for their game amidst chaos and last minute dropouts. Tarnjit Sangha was all set to name a very strong squad when on arrival four key players failed to show.

For the first time this season, Sporting were going to start a game with just 10 players. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. As manager I must take full responsibility and I duly do.

It was decided to play the game safe and try and suss out the opposition. A 4-3-2 formation was selected.

Kershaw in goal with new boy Damien Coia in central defence alongside stand in Keivinson Chima. Chris Chan filled in at right back with Michael Osa Philips at left back.

Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo and Alex Erhanuyi stepped into the midfield positions while Essien created the link in attack with lone striker Beny Dumbuya.

Massive credit to the team who barring a few scares never really looked as though they were in trouble. Coia making his debut looked assured as did Chima, with both fullbacks looking menacing in their forays down the flanks. Both Ekpo and Greener are now really looking the ultimate midfield duo and showed in this game the understanding between the two is really taking shape. Ekpo with his keep it simple policy really shining through. Very rarely do you see a misplaced pass form the guy. Greener is just a dynamo. Non stop energy with superb tackling added to a supreme range of passing.

Essien's was a constant threat and thorn in Parkview's side while Dumbuya up front was just a real pain in the you know what to the opposition rearguard.

It was a crazy goal that broke the deadlock. Coia tried to smash the ball to safety but aggressive pressure from the Parkview forward led to the ball cannoning off him and giving Kershaw no chance as it landed in the back of the net.

It spurred Sporting into action and almost on half time a brilliant pass by Greener fed Essien who completely outstripped his marker via sheer pace and on the stretch chipped the keeper to leave the half time score 1-1.

However, coach William Harper's second half strategy and subsequent change in tactics led to a wonderful second half from the home side.

We needed to use our pace and we needed it down the flanks. Make the pitch as big as possible and just as wide. For most teams with 10 men, the opposite would be the answer. Close the game and squeeze it to make it difficult for the opposition to play their game. Such was the confidence of the management, the reverse was in order.

Sporting went three at the back. The ever influential Coia alongside Osa Philips and Chima. Wide right was Essien with Greener and Ekpo in the centre. Chan was released from his unaccustomed role at right back and thrust into the attacking role he so clearly desired as an attacking left winger. Alex Erhanuyi joined Dumbuya in attack. 3-4-2 was the order of play!! And how it worked!!!!!

Parkview didn't know what hit them. Wave after wave of Sporting attacks kept the visitors pinned back in their half. Essien and Chan were superb in their raids down the flanks while Greener and Ekpo had full control of the centre of the park and were really showing their class. a superb double strike by Dumbuya coupled with a powerful left foot drive by Chan and a right foot volley from Coia (capping off a superb debut) left Sporting with a final and hugely deserved 5-1 victory.

It wasn't just the win but the manner of it that hailed something really special. To play with just 10 men and win..against any opposition is good. But to do it in such style is brilliant. Well done to the team.

However, I've said it before and unfortunately it seems I'm saying it again. We need to sort out the constant problems of player availability. We seem to be riding it out at the moment but we will come unstuck if it continues. That I can promise. Next week we have for me the biggest game of the season against Sassco.co.uk. Or should I put it..Against Davinder Sangha. Brother v Brother. It would be highly undesirable for me if it was during this game that fear of coming unstuck came to fruition.

Sporting Redhouse 5 Beny Dumbuya 2, Chris Chan, Bodri 'Essien' Kwalangana, Damien Coia
Park View FC 1
Sporting Redhouse: Gavin Kershaw, Damien Coia, Keivenson Chima, Michael Osa Philips, Bodri 'Essien' Kwalangana, Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo, Chris Chan, Alex Erhanuyi, Beny Dumbuya

Sportsman's Arms 0 Sporting Redhouse 5
Brilliant win overshadows the dirty dropouts.

Lets get one thing straight. If the players show committment and reliability, this team can go very far.

Last minute drop outs yet again nearly led to Sporting Redhouse starting a game woefully under strength. With Elstrom Die, Chris Embleton, Beny Dumbuya, Chris Chan, Okay Pharoah, Omar Khalifa, Ray Oshin all missing it was a miracle we managed to get a side out.

However, Michael Ross, Steven France, Michael Osa Philips and MOM Louis Ansah, all deserve a great big hand for coming in and contributing to a fantastic performance which led to a very comfortable 5-0 win.

The pitch was heavy but still good considering it had been played on that very morning and with all the bad weather we've been having.

Sporting started off with a 4-4-2 formation which had been forced upon them through the large number of absentees.

A superb Michael Ross came in at right back with Jose Escobar playing alongside other debutante, Steven France in central defence. Jonny Song completed the back line at left back.

The centre of the park had Gareth Greener alongside the very impressive Derek Ekpo with Bodri Essien on the right flank and new boy Michael Osa Philips the left. Alex Erhanuyi and star man Luis Ansah led the attack.

From the off, Sporting were on a mission to impress. Within just few minutes, the ever imposing Gareth Greener flicked on a super header beyond the opposing Goalkeeper to give the away side a well deserved lead.

Wave after wave of penetrative attacking play should have led to further goals. Erhanuyi and in particular, Ansah causing real panic to the Sportsmans rearguard, but for some inexplicable reason, Sporting just couldn't add to their solo goal. And as we all well know, the longer you go with that, the opposition will always get their chance. Sportsman did with a blatant penalty but duly missed leaving the half time score 1-0 to the visitors.

Another robust half time talk by William Harper led to a far far more productive second period.

Steven France was sent up front to join the attack, with Song going to centre half and Osa Philips stepping into left back mode. This left Sporting with Manager Tarnjit Sangha's more favoured 4-3-3 formation.

It immediately paid dividends. Steven France fired in the second goal to give Sporting a well deserved lead. With Greener and Ekpo looking in the centre of the park looking like they had played together for years when in reality they probably wouldn't even recognise each other in the street, looking so dominant and ever more dangerous looking Essien flying down the right flank, the team looked as though it was thoroughly enjoying itself. Ansah took over by firing in two more goals and really looking like the complete forward he had been vaunted as. Erhanuyi slotted in the fifth and final goal. Thank goodness really because he more than anyone had been so guilty of missing numerous gilt edged chances (Ansah and France also take note).

The final score of 5-0 wasn't in my opinion a fair reflection of the game. Sporting should have won by more. Maybe sometime in the future we shall take more of our opportunities.

However, not for the first time, defensive fragilities came back to haunt. A severe lack of communication, in particular between the central defence and the Goalkeeper could well have led to a couple of real calamitous goals conceded. This is not good enough and has to be addressed in the coming weeks. It shall be!!!

All in all, a great display with key factors still to be addressed. If we can get key players to show a little more committment, along with all the talent they possess, Sporting really can make a mark in this debut season. With bigger and far tougher tests lying around the corner, they will have to!!!!!

Sportman's Arms 0
Sporting Redhouse 5 Louis Ansah (2), Steven France, Alex Erhanuyi, Gareth Greener
Sporting Redhouse: Gavin Kershaw, Jose Escobar, Jonny Song, Michael Ross, Michael Osa Philips, Gareth Greener, Derek Ekpo, Bodri Essien, Louis Ansah, Steven France, Alex Erhanuyi

Sporting Redhouse 4 Hartlepool TC 2
A terrific result for the team.

After the debacle that was last week, Sporting had a far more stronger side v Hartlepool. There were still a few notable absentees but no where near the eleven that were missing against Country Park Inn FC.

Sporting Redhouse like I have said before is a bold new experiment of bringing in players of all nationalities and gelling them into a really good side. The signs were all there today that this could really work.

The new pitch at the Gateshead Stadium was superb. I can't understand why all the fuss when England played on a similar surface v Russia last year.

Hartlepool looked like a very well organised and compact unit. Strong physical defenders at the back and plenty of guile and pace up front. This was going to be no easy encounter for the home side.

For the first 45, Sporting's players performed like they didn't really know each others game. Not surprising since most of the players were coming together for only the first time this season.

However, individual brilliance kept them in the game. This brilliance became even more important following going a goal down from a super free kick by Hartlepool.

A few too many arguments on the pitch by Sporting and not enough encouragement was not to my or any of the managements liking. Sporting did pull a goal back to go in at the break 1-1.

I have to give a mention to the outstanding halftime team talk given by William Harper. I felt as though I had nothing I could have added. You could also tell it hit the mark as each and everyone of the players just listened with absolute intent.

Second half was a Sporting team transformed. With Greener marshalling the midfield alongside a rapidly improving Erhanuyi, and the forward line of Essien, Dumbuya and MoM Elstrom Die causing more and more havoc, there only really looked like one result. A wonderful cross turned shot by Essien gave Sporting the lead before Dumbuya made it 3-1. However, defensive fragilities came back to haunt letting Hartlepool back into the game. Sporting suffered some real close scares as Hartlepool gained great confidence from their goal. Elstrom Die grabbed the fourth final goal to ease any worries for the home side.

A terrific result for Sporting Redhouse. However, we have a long way to go before reaching anything like the potential I believe this team can fulfil.

Sporting Redhouse 4 Elstrom Die 2, Beny Dumbuya, Alex Erhanuyi
Hartlepool The Coz 2

For more information on Sporting Redhouse, please email Tarnjit.Sangha@sassco.co.uk.

Country Park Inn 6 Sporting Redhouse 1.
Absenteeism doesn't help.

As all hopes were built up by a terrific friendly encounter Thursday night v Jolly Potter. They were thunderously dashed this afternoon against Country Park Inn.

We had 11 players missing that took part in Thursday night's clash. It led to me desperately looking for players to come in and help fulfil the fixture.

A very special mention has to go to Robert Burnell, James Richardson, Kevin Snowdon, Chris Chan, Stuart Bainbridge and last but very not least Mr William Harper who not only was donning his boots for the first time in 5 years but only went and scored our only goal, a terrific free kick. I thank these guys for coming in at such short notice and doing a job for me and the aforementioned William Harper. You should have seen the sheer look of horror when I asked him if he had his boots. The whole afternoon was nearly worth it for just that look.

I have no complaints with the result. Country Park absolutely deserved their win. Especially taking into account the torrid time they faced in the Premier League last season.

My only real plus point was the terrific second half display which saw us play with just 10 men but only concede a further two goals following out 4-0 first half mauling.

Country Park Inn 6
Sporting Redhouse 1 William Harper
Sporting Redhouse: Gavin Kershaw, William Harper, Stuart Bainbridge, James Richardson, Jonny Song, Trevor Walker, Chris Chan, Kevin Snowdon, Robert Burnell, Omar Khalifa, Bodri 'Essien' Kwalangana.

For more information on Sporting Redhouse, please email Tarnjit.Sangha@sassco.co.uk.

Jolly Potter 7 Sporting Redhouse 4.
So the bold new experiment starts.

Sporting Redhouse FC as you've never seen them before. A uniquely international looking side took to the field against my tips for the WCFL Title favourites, Jolly Potter FC ran by my old friend and one time adversary, Anthony Nelson.

We took to the field with players form all over the world but currently based in Newcastle, Gateshead, Stockton, Washington and Sunderland.

It was an excellent game to watch. The power and organisation of Potter against the flair and individuality of Sporting.

The two front men, Louis Ansah and Beny Dumbuya were a constant threat to the Potter rearguard with their pace and power and Elstrom Die was lightning quick on the wings. But alas, the bane of all sides managed by Tarnjit Sangha and William Harper...DEFENCE!!!!!!!!

Crazy one touch passing is lively to watch..UNLESS.. its in your own penalty area. We must learn from this or we will be known as a beautiful team to watch that cannot defend. Trevor Walker and Gav Greener came on in the second half and both to their utmost credit played in both fullback positions and some semblance of calm was brought with them.

However, the fact that this was the first time this team had ever played together EVER brought an inevitable result. Two very late goals gave Potter an overall and I think deserved win by 7 goals to 4.

I've got to congratulate Potter. They look very good. They are definitely my Title favourites for the Premier league and i do hope we get a chance to cross swords again.

As for Sporting?? It is a very bold new experiment. To bring in so many players for such a varied background and to try and get them to gel is going to be very hard. Add that to the fact the distances these guys have to travel to get to the games it may all fall flat.

but I got back into the game for a challenge. I could quite easily have picked a very good crop of local players and had it quite a bit more easy. NOT MY STYLE.

We shall see what happens.

For more information on Sporting Redhouse, please email Tarnjit.Sangha@sassco.co.uk.

Toddy's: An Official Documentary.
Infamous 2001 video chronicled a day in the life of Toddy's.

On 15th December 2001, it was decided to shoot a video of a day in the life of Toddy's for a game in their charge (in vain) towards the Title. Innovatively it was filmed and transferred to DVD and shot in widescreen, quite a long time before Sky Sports and the other major broadcasters started to film in widescreen format. For a long time, it was presumed lost, but recently, after a tidy up, I discovered it again in all it's glory. Now, with seven years of advanced technology behind us, it can now be placed on the web and viewed by all, something completely unconceivable back in 2001.

Toddy's: A Documentary
Starring Billy Harper, Patrick Walsh, Stephen Wilson, John Hunt, Stephen Ridley, Anthony Langan, Joe Middleton,
Darren Lewis. Featuring "Feechan" with "Richie" and starring Gordon Graham as "The Butterman".
Camera, direction and commentary by Tarnjit Sangha.
Edited and produced by Davinder Sangha.

The video is in MP4 format and is in four sections. It can be downloaded as follows:Part 1 (11.9mb) | Part 2 (11.9mb) | Part 3 (23.1mb) | Part 4 (11.8mb)

Contact Tarnjit Sangha at tarnjit.sangha@sassco.co.uk for more information.

Sporting Redhouse.
Continuing on from where Toddy's concluded.

Early days yet, but a new team, Sporting Redhouse, are to be formed and sponsored by the Duck & Kangaroo pub. As you may well know, the "Duck" has gone through many name changes and as Toddy's, they sponsored an internationally renowned team which played in the Saturday morning league for a number of years. This new team will carry on the tradition of the original Toddy's team which can be seen in the Archive section on this website.

Contact Tarnjit Sangha at tarnjit.sangha@sassco.co.uk for more information.