Newport Pagnell (9) -v- Brackley Athletic Jaffa's (2) Dowling 5, Chapman 2, Battrick, Cross

Wednesday 30th April 2008

Tigers claim championship after slow start

Tonight was the Tigers third game in a week and their most important, as with a win tonight the division three title was theirs. Our opponents, the Brackley Jaffa's were languishing near the bottom of the league but in football you just never know. It had rained most of the afternoon but it eased as game time approached. We were lucky enough tonight, to be allowed to use the Newport main pitch, with stands and dugouts, just as well as a large crowd (well around 30) had gathered for the game.

Brackley started well and Callan had to be awake to clear. In fact in the early stages it was difficult to see who was top of the league. Liam picked the ball up in mid field and charged down the right wing, he ghosted past a couple before sending over an inviting cross for Ben to crash home, 1-0 and just 2 minutes on the clock. Well we expected an onslaught but it just didn't materialise. The Jaffa's tried to respond, Zak cleared nicely to Connor, he played it across to Graeme and Graeme back to Zak as the Tigers moved forward. The ball was lost but Zak cleared again moments later and this time found Graeme. Graeme surged forward and tried to play Ross in but the keeper was out to claim. The Brackley pressure continued though and clearances were needed from Manveer, Zak and Graeme. Then in a lovely example of controlled defence Lloyd trapped the ball and passed to Callan and he pushed the ball out to Jimbo as the danger was averted. Connor played the ball across to Callan shortly after and he went on a run, beating two men before playing the ball forward to Ross. Once again though, the keeper was sharply off his line to claim. Straight from the goal kick the ball was knocked into the Tigers area, not cleared and on 14 minutes a Jaffa pounced and it was 1-1, not part of the script at all. Well for the next 10 minutes Newport looked very out of sorts and were on the back foot. Manveer cleared one and Graeme headed out a Brackley free kick. Gradually the Tigers wrestled control, Ben burst through and crossed to Ross but his shot was just wide, Lloyd set up Graeme but this shot was saved, then Lloyd found Ben and on 25 minutes he slipped past the last defender before burying his shot in the far corner, 2-1. Well the Tigers defence then just went to sleep and within a minute Brackley had again equalized, 2-2, definitely not part of the script. As half time approached we had kind of settled for being level, but Ben had other ideas and went on a super solo run, beating three defenders before firing home for the 3-2 lead and his hat trick, just seconds before the whistle.

Well the manager read the riot act at half time and it obviously worked, because within the first 30 seconds, Liam had charged past two players and chipped the keeper for the 4-2 lead. Then just a minute later Myles knocked the ball through to Ben and he notched number 5 and the game was effectively won. The Tigers wanted more though and Liam wanted a second, he slipped past two and crossed to Ross but his shot was over. Ben hit one from a well taken corner but this was saved. Brackley weren't dead either though and with Newport pushing up the defence was caught napping. Will came up trumps though and saved well. When the Brackley keeper claimed the next loose ball his goal kick dropped in mid field, on 39 minutes Liam pounced, cut through the on rushing defenders and neatly chipped the keeper again for his second and Newport's 6th. Newport were playing exhibition football now, Jimbo throws to Liam, he tucks it back and Jimbo knocks it on to Lloyd who pushes it to Liam on the wing, Liam crosses to Ben and his header is inches wide. It's good controlled pressure though from Newport and on 51 minutes Myles collects the ball just outside the box and lobs the keeper for 7-2. Four minutes later it's Alex burying one for 8-2 and in injury time Ross charges through, shoots, the keeper parries and Ben tucks home his 5th and Newport's 9th.

In the end a thoroughly convincing win but Brackley made us work for it. It was nice to win the title at home and with our 12th win on the bounce. The team has performed really well this season and are deserved champions with three games to go. The next of these is this Sunday at home to Cranfield with the pressure finally off.

MOM Liam

Mortonville Tornados (0) -v- Newport Pagnell (5) Fanning, Dowling, Yates, Mason, Cole
Sunday 27th April 2008

The second game this week was away at Mortonville, who incidentally were the only other team, apart from Houghton Conquest that could actually catch us. As it turned out they had lost midweek 2-3 to Houghton so a win today would put them out of the equation. The weather today was fine but rain was promised by lunchtime.

The first thing to notice today was the tiny pitch and long grass, maybe one countered the other but with 22 lads on the pitch, playing good football was going to be hard. An early effort from Will, just outside the box tested the keeper and a nice take from Thomas at the other end kept the sheets clean. From this goal kick Ben nodded on nicely to Ross but the Tornado defence cleared up. Manveer controlled the ball nicely on the edge of his box , Sam got back to block a cross and Jimbo headed out well as Mortonville tried to press. From the last clearance though, Will collected and passed neatly onto Graeme who found Ross. A tackle was made and the ball fell to Liam his shot was turned away for a corner. From the corner Graeme's shot was saved and a quick response from Mortonville was thwarted by a lovely tackle from Callan. Liam pressed in midfield and beat two men before winning a corner. From an excellent corner a great header from Sam crashed against the bar but Ross knocks in the rebound on 14 minutes, 1-0. The Tornados went in search of a quick equaliser, Callan cleared well and then so did Manveer. Next it was Lloyd clearing the zone before a quick throw from Jimbo to Liam and an even quicker cross to Ben saw his effort flash narrowly wide. Moments later Ben controls the ball well and volleys an effort which is well saved. The Tigers are well on top now and Lloyd and Ben combine well. Sam gets involved and finds Lloyd again with a precise pass but Lloyd's effort is wide. From the goal kick, Sam meets it with his head and finds Ben chasing it down, the keeper comes for it but Ben is too quick, gets there first, goes around him and tucks it home on 27 minutes, 2-0. In the last 10 minutes of the half the Tigers remain on top and Thomas is never threatened. Just before the whistle, Liam has a lovely run down the right wing and wins a corner. From this Ben tries a delightful overhead kick but the keeper is equal to it and turns it over. Nothing comes from this corner and ref blows for half time.

Mortonville came out on a mission at the start of the second half, but resolute defending prevented even one shot on goal. Newport responded well and in their first attack besieged the goal, on just 34 minutes it was Graeme, who battled well and tucked in the free ball, 3-0. Just 3 minutes later Will won the ball just past the halfway line and surged past two defenders before chipping the keeper for 4-0, a superb goal. Well with two goals in the opening 7 minutes of the second half the stuffing had well and truly been knocked out of Mortonville. They pressured for a moment but Jimbo soon cleared up to Liam, Liam and Lloyd then combined well as they moved the ball up the pitch and a throw was won. From the throw Ross battled through the oncoming defenders and got in a shot, which was parried, he followed up but this was also saved. A poor goal kick though was seized upon by Ben and his first time effort was just wide. It was a small respite as straight form the kick, Ross and Graeme moved the ball forward and grabbed a corner. From a lovely cross, Will headed over. It was all one way and on 54 minutes the continued bludgeoning ended with Lloyd crashing home the ball at the far post, 5-0. The Tigers wanted more and both Myles and Connor showed determination to try and create a 6th. Mortonville were after a consolation however and Thomas was smartly off his line to force the ball away, a second striker followed up however and chipped towards goal but Manveer was well back to clear off the line and the clean sheet remained intact. Near the end Ben was right through, but the keeper was well out to claim and good work between Lloyd and Will led a shot just going wide. Jimbo blocked two attempted crosses from the clearance and found Will, in a stunning effort Will flicked the ball up and then volleyed goal ward only to see the ball cannon off the bar. In the melee the ball was eventually cleared and the ref called a halt to proceedings.

The manager bemoaned the last game as "the worse performance of the season" , but at least we won, always a sign of a good team I'd say. This time he hailed it as the "Best performance of the season", well considering the conditions, just maybe it was. With Houghton only drawing today, a win on Wednesday will see us crowed as Champions. Not a bad season for a team that looked like it might fold back in July. So that deciding game is against Brackley Jaffa's on Wednesday night at 18:30 down at the Newport ground, see you all there.

MOM Sam

Cranfield Colts (1) -v- Newport Pagnell (2) Fanning, Dowling
Thursday 24th April 2008

After only 1 game in 5 weeks we now have 3 games in 6 days and a real chance to wrap up the league. Tonight yes it's an evening game we have a full squad and we are playing Cranfield at the Cranfield senior pitch, a lovely enclosed ground with dugouts and a bar. The weather forecast for tonight was not good and as we approach the ground it was raining. As the game started the rain stopped however and it was a lovely evening. Cranfield are currently mid table with a 7-2-5 record.

The teachers were on strike today so most of the Tigers had the day off. It looked like the players were out in sympathy as in the first minute a distinct lack of interest, led to and easily opening goal for host 0-1. Well the goal seemed to wake Newport up a little as they quickly pressurised the Colts goal and gained two corners. A nice interchange between Liam and Lloyd followed by good work from Ben and Ross led to the ball being played back to Will but his effort was over the bar. Ben found Lloyd in the next attack, Lloyd set off into the box and hit a nice cross but no Tiger could get on the end of it, Graeme picked up the clearance however and good determination from him riding two tackles won a throw and then a corner. From the corner it was Graeme again with the shot but wide of the mark. The goal kick was met by Liam in midfield and dropped for Ben, Ben went on a charge beating two men before firing across the goal where Ross followed up to tuck home 1-1 and 11 minutes on the clock.

Cranfield tried to respond and were cutting through the Tigers midfield before a great challenge from Ross stopped them. This was only a temporary halt though as in their next attack it took a good tackle from Manveer and a follow up from Callan to get the ball to Will. Will was not messing and cleared well up the pitch to ease the defence. Moments later though the Colts upped the anti and they were 1 on 1 with Manveer but Many was up to the task and saw the ball out. This was definitely Cranfield's best spell as next Thomas was out well to claim the ball on their next attack and a block from Jimbo sorted the one after. The last few minutes of the half saw Newport regain the initiative, Alex pushed on and won a free kick just outside the box. Liam took but it was straight at the keeper. Will picked up the clearance and charged forward, he was stopped but a corner was won. Nothing came from it and the half ended level.

The colts started the second half like the first and only a great tackle from Will prevented a shot on goal. Cranfield still had a corner but Thomas saved the shot comfortably. His goal kick found Graeme and together with Will, Newport gained their own corner. A nice corner resulted in a shot from Myles which was saved. A poor clearance and good determination from Ben led to another shot which was also saved. The Tigers were now on top and nice interplay between Ross and Graeme led to Ben firing home on 40 minutes 2-1. Liam, Lloyd and Ross combined well from the restart and a corner was won. Callan shot from just outside the box but the ball was over. Ben won the goal kick in mid field and surged forward, he knocked the ball through for Ross to run onto but the keeper just gets there first. Moments later Manveer gets forward and tries a shot but it's wide. More determination from Lloyd who shrugs off two tackles leads to a corner. The Tigers are having most of the possession but Cranfield are still a threat. In the next attack Ben puts Ross through, he tries to lob the keeper but a touch just takes it away and the Colts mount a series of raids looking for the equalizer. In their first a free kick is won but Thomas saves comfortably enough. Sam Lloyd and Connor try to relive the pressure but the Colts strike back and a superb reaction save from Thomas prevents the equalizer and late on a great tackle from Callan slows down the Colts. Resolute defending stops any more incursions and the Tigers see out the game.

Well not our best game in all honesty but two more points towards our title aspirations. Next up is Mortonville our last away game of the season on Sunday.

MOM Lloyd

Newport Pagnell (3) -v- Houghton Conquest Owls (1) Fanning 2, Dowling
Sunday 2 nd March 2008

The forecast for this weekend was good if perhaps a bit windy, so it was BBQ time to raise some cash for the squad. Today's opponents were Houghton Conquest Owls who currently sit at the top of the league, 4 points clear. They have lost a couple though (1 to us) and have played more games. A few weeks ago we beat the Owls 3-1 at their home so I guess they will be looking for revenge.

Newport immediately take control of the game. Sam works well in midfield to win the ball and feeds Ben on the wing. Ben tries a little run but is stopped before getting to the area and the ball is cleared. Callum prevents it getting too deep though and finds Liam on the wing. Liam moves neatly down the right wing, plays a one two with Lloyd and gains a corner. Nothing comes of this and the Owls mount a response, Jimbo stops them dead though with a great tackle and Liam is back to clear the zone with a lovely run out of defence. When they try again, it's Manveer taking no prisoners as he clears well and from their next attack Thomas is quickly across to smother the ball. From the kick Will knocks the ball through to Ross and he is so unlucky as his shot causes the ball to bounce over the keeper but hits the bar. Determined work from Jimbo sorts out the Owls next outing and then good work from Lloyd wrestles the ball free and he finds Ben. Ben is just stopped on the edge of the box and the ball is cleared. Will intercepts and heads it forward to Ben again, this time on 18 minutes Ben stops the ball, turns the defender and buries his shot in the corner 1-0. From the kick off the ball is quickly won back and Ben and Lloyd make gains up the left and win a free kick. Liam hits it well but the keeper makes a fine save. The Tigers are pressing for the second, Will hits a shot just wide, Lloyd moves with good energy down the right wing crosses to Will and his shot hits the bar, then moments later Ben hits the post! With half time approaching Liam passes to Ross, he knocks it back to Ben who surges forward and sprays a pass across the area to Ross who takes it past the keeper and tucks home number two, 2-0. With just 4 minutes to go, a nice time to get the second. Myles makes sure the lead remains intact as he clears the last incursion of the half.

The Owls start the second half in determined mood and press for a goal back. Resolute defending from Callum and Manveer see out the initial threat. A great tackle from Callum stops the next attack and Tigers mount a response. Myles feeds Ross and he burst through shooting from the edge of the box but the keeper saves. Will dominates in midfield getting his head to the ball first a couple of times. Ben picks up on the second and he is tackled but not before gaining a corner. Will hits the cross first time but just wide. Newport are on top though and on 41 minutes quickly gain another corner, Liam takes, Myles collects and crosses to the far post where Ross heads in for 3-0. Houghton do respond and have a good 15 minute spell where they are on top. Will heads one attack clear and Connor clears the next. Manveer and Callum stop the next attack between them and Thomas smothers another loose ball. With 6 minutes to go Houghton gain a corner, Thomas palms it away but unfortunately so does a defender, penalty awarded. Thomas dives the right way but can't prevent the goal, 3-1. Now you would expect the Owls to mount a sustained attack after that goal but in reality, apart from one attack cleared by Manveer, the remaining minutes were spent with the Tigers on the attack. Zak found Ben and he fed Lloyd but the shot was over, Ben hits the side netting and Ross had a shot saved as the Owls succumbed to their 4 th defeat.

Another superb victory, an excellent first half was followed by a dogged second half where the only way they could score was from the penalty spot. Next week it doesn't get any easier mind, it's Mortonville at home, they, like Houghton have only lost a couple too.

MOM: Ben and Will

A big Thankyou to everyone involved with the BBQ, Austin for setting it up, Sarah, Lindsay and Bethany for running it so successfully and everybody that bought something. £43.50 was added to the coffers.

MK City (0) -v- Newport Pagnell (9) Dowling 3, Fanning 3, Killick 2, Mason
Sunday 3 rd February 2008

The forecast for this weekend was sleet on Friday and then snow flurries on Saturday turning to rain on Sunday. Well apart from 10 minutes of snow Friday, around 18:15 this forecast was completely wrong. Saturday was a lovely day and Sunday was fine although there was a wind and it was a bit nippy. Today we were at MK City who play at Tattenhoe. MK are currently bottom of the league but some of their results have been very close, so nothing can be taken for granted. On arriving at the pitch it looked lovely but betrayed a horrid boggy patch midway between the centre line and the penalty box at one end.

The boys were up for this and approached the game in the right manner. From the start the Tigers exerted pressure, a tackle in midfield was followed by a lob over the defence from Will, this was chased down by Ben. He burst through the remaining defenders and buried his shot low to the left of the keeper 1-0 and less than a minute on the clock. Graham and Sam worked well in midfield straight from the kick off, both putting in good tackles. MK tried to mount an attack but first Jimbo and then Callan stopped them in their tracks. From Callan's pass Sam pick up and slotted the ball through to Liam on the right. Liam charged down the wing beating a defender on the way and fired a cross come shot across the box. The ball beat the keeper but also just beat the left hand post. MK again tried to respond but Manveer was having none of it and cleared well up field. Sam met the clearance and finished with aplomb 2-0, 7 minutes gone. The Tigers were looking comfortable already and this was emphasised when a lovely flowing move saw Ross knock it up the line to Lloyd who crossed to Liam. Liam was blocked but you could sense more goals on the way. MK gained a corner from their next attack but Lloyd headed it away, chased after it and then thumped the ball up to Ross. Ross cut in on goal and on 14 minutes it was 3-0. Ross sensed the frailty of MK and wanted a second on the very next attack he battled past the last two defenders but saw his shot saved. Graham seized upon the clearance and made two great tackles to keep possession, he then found Lloyd who knocked it onto Liam. Liam went on another trademark charge down the wing but his cross was cleared. MK got the ball to halfway but Will intercepted and went on his own charge. On the 22 nd minute mark he ploughed through the defence and struck home from just inside the area, 4-0, a great strike the keeper had no chance. Newport continued their dominance; nothing was even getting to the defence let alone Thomas. Lloyd and Sam cleared two attacks and the ball fell to Ross facing the wrong way, a sweet swivel and shot on 27 minutes gave us number 5. Now everyone wanted to score and the defence left home, fortunately a strong chase back from Manveer prevented a shot and even saved a corner.

In the second half Newport were playing against the strong wind, that had helped them to a big lead. Lloyd persevered down the right wing to win a corner as the Tigers threatened to start the second half like the first. Nothing came of it but a quick throw from Will off the resulting clearance put Lloyd in and his shot hits the post. Another flowing move sees Will pass to Jimbo, Jimbo find Liam and Liam put in Ross, the shot is saved. A minute later the four of them are at it again, this time it ends with a header from Ross that is saved (you could almost hear Alan (our old manager for the newbie's) saying it's just like watching Brazil!! Finally after 8 minutes of trying, Ross does get his hat trick, following up after his first shot is saved to notch number 6. Then a minute later nearly gets his forth but the keeper is well out to save. The goal kick barely gets to half way and when Connor finds Will on the wing he hits a delightful cross for Ben to latch onto and now it's 7-0. MK do get into our area but Callan clears, Manveer follows up and pushes the ball to half way. City are searching for a consolation though and press again, a shot comes in and Thomas makes his only save of the match, diving to his left. Manveer and Ben work an attack between them and a corner is gained. MK defend this one and are back on the search for that goal but Zak is having none of it and clears to Myles. Myles tries an attack but is stopped so Ben picks it up on half way and dances through the MK half to collect his hat trick 8-0 and still over 10 minute to go. By now Thomas had become so bored he could be seen playing aeroplanes in his goal area to keep warm. Alex and Myles pressed for a ninth but when it comes its Sam who delivers, his second of the day, 9-0 in the 56 th minute.

A comprehensive win on what turned out to be a dodgy pitch. Congrats to Ben on his first goals for the Tigers and a hat trick to boot, may there be many more. It was pleasing to see the Tigers play as well with the wind as against it. All 15 players were used today and no-one disappointed which must be a great fillip for the manager. We have next week off then we have City again but this time at home.

MOM Zak

Leighton Corinthian Wildcats (1) -v- Newport Pagnell (2) Fanning, Cole
Sunday 27 th January 2008

Well I should have been reporting on our first home game but the weather put paid to last week. So instead we had another away game this week and that was at Leighton Corinthian Wildcats who we had not played before. The weather today was glorious not too windy and not too cold, perfect footy weather.

The Tigers started well and Liam was quickly involved bursting through midfield, unfortunately he just over hit the forward pass and the keeper claimed. The Wildcats play on a sloping pitch and this first half we were downhill which was not necessarily an advantage as the ball did run away a bit. Ross chased after a player and forced him to concede a throw, it was quickly taken to Lloyd and he pushed it through to Liam but the shot just grazes the top of the bar. Manveer and Jimbo mop up a brief Cats attack and Will finds Lloyd, he knocks a delightful ball over the defence and Ross battles through and slips it passed the keeper, 1-0 just 7 minutes gone. Myles playing in defence make two good tackles and clears to Liam. Liam goes on a great run down the right wing, wins a throw and Graham picks up but his shot is just wide. The Cats are really up against it and Ben latches onto a throw from Will and fires narrowly wide. Sam, Liam and Jimbo put together a nice move on the right ending with Jimbo feeding Ross and his cross being claimed by the keeper. There then followed shots from Ross and Sam both of which were saved and then Sam again with an effort agonisingly wide. Surely number two must be on its way? Ben beats two men on the wing, sets up Lloyd and he beats the keeper but the ball is cleared by a defender before it crosses the line. The Tigers win a corner from the clearance and on 21 minutes Liam hits a fine one which is headed in by Lloyd, 2-0. Jimbo and Manveer sort out another Cats attack and Manveer clears well up to Liam, Liam hits a lovely cross but no-one could get on the end of it and the Wildcats escape. Thomas, keeping awake, is quickly off his line to smother a chance just before the half ends.

So in the second half Newport were kicking up hill but they still had the upper hand. A good early attack with crisp clean passing won a corner. Liam and Ross combined well to win another shortly after and Will's shot was well saved. More nice movement from Ross and Ben ended with Ben shot being deflected for another corner. Newport are well in control but the Cats break and a superb chase back from Manveer saves the day. Nothing comes from that attack and Lloyd breaks forward from the back and goes on a great run down the left wing, picking out Ben with his cross, but Ben's shot hits the post. Connor comes on and has an immediate shot which is blocked. The Wildcats try to respond but once again Manveer puts paid to it and then Graham makes a fine tackle and Zak clears. Alex picks up and passes to Ben but his shot is saved. Then moments later, Ben itching to score on his debut, beats two and fires but the ball crashes into the side netting. The Tigers deserve a third but it just won't come, Liam being the latest one to suffer as his shot goes over. With 3 minutes to go the Wildcats have a free kick in the Newport half; it's hit well but Thomas claims and holds on well. Ben hits another shot over before on the Cats next attack the ball ends up in Newport's net, some players claim the ball goes through a hole in the net but I honestly couldn't see, although there was a hole in the net? Just a minute to go but nerves are eased as Leighton barely threaten and Newport continue their fine run.

Another win, 4 on the bounce now and still unbeaten, it was a tricky pitch and the Leighton goals were about 2 foot shorter then the norm. With regular goals we may have had another 4 or 5. Next week in a change to the fixtures we are away AGAIN to MK City.

MOM Lloyd

Houghton Conquest (1) -v- Newport Pagnell (3) Cross, Battrick, Chapman
Sunday 6 th January 2008

After the festivities it was back to the footy and first up this year were the league leaders, Houghton Conquest. The weather this morning was crisp and sunny, the sky was a glorious blue and by the time we got to Houghton the ice had all melted.

Houghton's pitch is on a slight slope and they took the advantage in the first half. It was an advantage too as the Tigers were pressed back and had to defend. First Will cleared and moments later it was Manveer, then Manveer again as Newport just couldn't get going. Then on 5 minutes as Houghton attacked again the ball wasn't cleared and an opposition striker had an easy tap in 0-1. The pressure continued from the kick off and Zak was soon busy seeing off an attack, Liam chased after it and won a throw. From here the Tigers started to threaten, Jimbo took a quick throw to Manveer, he touched it to Sam, Sam went passed a player and found Graeme. This was better, that move broke down but Manveer won the ball back and crossed to Lloyd but he just couldn't reach it before the keeper claimed. Graeme tried again this time up the line to Ross, he touched it back to Sam who returned the favour and Ross let fly but the ball flew off the post. Connor, Liam and Graeme again worked the left flank but Houghton held firm. They then began to press again but a great tackle from Manveer stopped them in their tracks. Jimbo then chased another attack and even won the throw for Newport . Lloyd was also getting back and making good challenges to keep them at bay. Then Manveer again made an outstanding tackle to save a corner and win our goal kick. Sam picked up the ball from the goal kick and moved neatly passed two before putting in Ross but he couldn't get a shot away. The half ended with Houghton on the attack again but Thomas got a hand to a cross to prevent a chance and the Tigers went in one down.

During the half time chat, the manager stressed the importance of the slope and picked up on a few things the lads were not doing. They took it all on board and immediately pressed Conquest back. Liam, Lloyd and Ross on one side and Myles, Graeme and Alex on the other really started to make inroads. A shot flashed wide and Houghton were really on the back foot. Then on 35 minutes Liam fed Myles and his shot across the goal looked to have beaten the keeper, Alex made sure and buried it 1-1. From the very next attack a lovely move saw Jimbo find Liam and Liam puts the ball through to Ross who fires wide of the keeper but it catches the post and the scores remain level. Houghton try to respond but Liam wins the ball and goes on a solo run down the right wing, he is tackled but ends up winning the throw. From the throw Graeme latches on and fires narrowly over. Moments later it's Lloyd's turn as he tries to lob the keeper but the ball goes wide. It's now all Newport and next up its Graeme again as the Tigers go in search of the lead, he hits one from the edge of the box but the keeper saves. Liam picks up the goal kick and chips the ball over the defence for Ross but once again the keeper saves. Surely the Tigers must score soon; they are all over the Conquest. Ross burst through and wins a free kick, Liam takes but it's well held by the keeper, he's earning his place today!! Finally at the half way point of the second half, Lloyd collects the ball on half way, shifts passed two and slips the ball to Myles who cracks one into the top right hand corner, 2-1, lovely shot and the crowd go wild (well 5 dads, 4 mums, 1 brother, 2 coaches and 2 subs). The Tigers don't hold back and are soon in search of a third and just 5 minutes later excellent work from Graeme and Lloyd in the middle of the park ends with a delightful chip over the backs from Ross to Liam and he fires across the keeper into the far corner 3-1, another great goal. It's still all one way traffic as the Tigers regain the ball from the kick off, Lloyd feeds Graeme but his shot is just wide. In a rare response Jimbo clears off the line but that's about it from the home team. Liam and Lloyd combine again down the right wing and pass to Myles whose cross is narrowly missed by Alex. Then in the final minutes probably the best move of the match, Liam collects just inside the Houghton half but stops and holds the ball up well, then a delightful chip to Ross is then fired across the box for Alex to bury. The only downside here is the linesman flag, no goal but a glorious move; it's just like watching Brazil.

This was our biggest test to date, after a tricky first half the team took on board everything Dave and Steve said and delivered probably our best second half performance of the season so far. Watching some of the play from the sidelines was a delight, I think Thomas barely saw the ball in the second half and these were the league leaders!! Still we must not be complacent there are still 4 teams we haven't played, this week (13 th ) we have off and next week a home game, (remember them?) against one of those 4 teams, Mortonville.

MOM Manveer

Brook End Colts (0) -v- Newport Pagnell (5) Killick 2, Fanning, Mason, Cross
Sunday 16 th November 2007

Today I looked out of the window and saw no frost and no rain so I thought great., big mistake it was flippin freezing. After the marvellous victory a fortnight ago today we were playing Brook End Colts. They had been awarded the game against us earlier in the season when we didn't have a team, so the boys were out for some revenge.

The Tigers were looking good straight from the kick off. Ross picked up the ball in midfield ran forward past a defender and let fly but the keeper saved. A minute later though Sam put Ross in again and this time he made no mistake, 1-0 and just two minutes on the clock. Brook End were stirred by this early breakthrough and first Manveer and then Callan made timely interceptions. Callan cleared again this time finding Sam with a nice pass, Sam knocked it onto Ross and his shot was saved. Brook End continued their fight back though and Thomas made a smart save. This was followed by some good work at the back from Will and a nice knock up the line to Liam, Liam found Lloyd, he was tackled but Zac won it back and found Lloyd again. This time Lloyd pushed it out to Liam on the wing, he crossed and Sam's shot was blocked. The Colts charged up field and Thomas made a great save to keep Newport ahead. The Tigers responded well, lovely football from Graeme, Sam and Zac moved the ball forward with Sam tucking the ball away on 15 minutes for the 2-0 lead. The Tigers were now in control, Ross immediately had a shot saved and Lloyd hit one from the edge of box that was also well saved. Then the flowing football started again, Ross to Connor and onto Lloyd and then onto Sam but the final shot was wide. Liam knocked a ball out to Ross with a fine first touch; Ross set off down the wing and sent over a lovely cross for Sam to neatly tuck away, 3-0. There was still time before the end of the half for Liam to hit Ross' pass narrowly wide and the boys came off for their drinks well satisfied.

The second half started with Thomas being kept awake and making a save. He thumped the ball up the wing to Liam who crossed for Ross but the keeper just got there first to save. Will mopped up the next Colts attack and found Ross on the wing; Ross crossed and won a corner. Liam took a lovely corner and Will met it with aplomb, 4-0, 37 minutes. Lloyd tried for number 5 in the next attack but saw his effort come off the bar. Alex then tried his luck picking the ball up on the half way line and bursting forward, his final shot was saved though. Moments later on 47 minutes, Liam and Ross played a nice one two and then Liam crossed for Alex to bury, 5-0. Lloyd in determined mood sent over a cross that turned out to be a nice shot, the keeper was beaten but the ball just dipped narrowly wide. Will then dug a ball out and slipped it to Lloyd but again his shot was saved. Then a silky run from Manveer beating three men on his way to goal, he chips over a cross but for the third time Lloyd sees his shot go wide. Will, Liam and Lloyd (again) all have shots saved as the Tigers dominance shows. Just before the final whistle though, Callan makes a great tackle to prevent a one on one and the Tigers win by five.

Well I'm running out of superlatives, yet another fine controlled win and another clean sheet. Brook End had won more than they had lost, so this was never going to be easy but the Tigers made it look like that. In January we have the league leaders away so that should be a good test.

MOM Callan and Ross

Bletchley Colts (0) -v- Newport Pagnell (6) Battrick 3, Fanning 2, og
Sunday 2 nd December 2007

This week had seen a bit of everything weather wise and for Sunday we had been promised wind and rain. Unfortunately the weather men got it right and although it was just dribbling and a slight wind when we met, by the time we had reach kick off, it was pouring and blowing a gale. Today we were playing the Bletchley Colts; the Colts had started quite well with 4 wins and just 2 losses so this could be a good challenge.

Bletchley won the toss and decided to play with the wind. Well what with it pouring and the wind blowing a gale my notes became a bit worse for wear, but what I can say is that the Tigers not only weathered the storm from above but also from the Colts. Bletchley pressed straight from the kick off and Jimbo had to be awake to clear an attack. Moments later it was Manveer putting in a great tackle to stop another and next it was Callum doing the same. When the Colts did break through Thomas was quickly across his line to save. The Tigers did then start to move forward and Ross, Sam and Myles saw efforts go wide of the post. Then both Myles and Lloyd saw further shots saved. On 23 minutes though Lloyd found Myles and he scrambled an effort home to give the Tigers the lead (1-0). The goal came as a blow to the Colts and taking them by surprise Ross charged down the wing, sent in a lovely cross but no-one could get the necessary touch and the half ended with the Tigers 1 up.

The rain and wind eased a bit for the second half but the Tigers still had the benefit. Graeme hit a great ball forward, Ross, Lloyd and Connor put together a lovely move and Connor's final effort was saved. A few minutes later a clever knock over the defence from Will was chased by Ross but the keeper just got there first to save. This was followed by a great run from Manveer as he tore up the pitch, slipping past two players before finding Lloyd who immediately found Ross. Ross fired it into a compact area and the result was an own goal, 2-0, 37 mins. Callan mopped up a Bletchley attack, found Graeme in midfield and a tidy piece of work saw him beat his man and slip the ball to Ross. Ross knocked it on to Connor he returned the favour and on 45 minutes Ross tucked in number 3. Just two minutes later the Tigers attacked the other flank, Jimbo passed up the line to Alex and Alex found Ross for his second in 2 minutes, 4-0. The Colts weren't quite done and Thomas made a smart save to keep his sheet clean. From his kick Will was fouled and took the free kick himself, Liam got on the end of it and the shot was just saved on the line but Myles followed up and hit his second of the day, 5-0 with 10 minutes to go. The game was won but there was still time for Will to see a shot saved and then Myles complete his hat trick with a rasping shot to the top corner for 6-0.

A super effort on a miserable day that the Tigers didn't let affect them, another solid all round performance by the team and a clean sheet to boot.

MOM: Graeme Yates

Wolverton Tigermoths White (1) -v- Newport Pagnell (1) Nichols
Sunday 25 th November 2007

We woke up to a glorious Sunny Sunday morning and headed over to Newport to receive our new wet weather kit. All the players were supplied with Rain jackets and trousers, paid for mainly by the bike ride last season. On arriving in Wolverton we really did look the part. We had beaten the Blues quite convincingly earlier in the season but today it was the turn of the whites.

The lads had joked before that this should be easy but early on it was far from that and the Tigers were under the cosh. Newport rode out the storm and then Graeme cleared well and found Alex, he passed to Sam who beat one and sent over a lovely cross to Liam, but Liam's shot was wide. Callum and Jimbo sorted out the next attack as gradually the Tigers took control. A free kick was won; Liam took it and Will met it, corner won. The corner led to a blocked shot on goal but on 7 minutes Callum hit a great strike from the edge of the box, 1-0. There then followed a succession of efforts on goal that should have led to a second, well a second, a third and a forth really but Lloyd was put through and knocked one wide. Ross shot just wide; a great cross from Lloyd just evaded Ross and then shots from Ross, Alex and Graeme were all blocked. The Tigermoths sensed a reprieve and Manveer got in a good tackle and Liam got back well to clear. Then Thomas who'd almost fallen asleep made a good save and put Graeme away, he fed Liam and a nice run down the right wing led to another shot just sailing passed the post. The Tigers were pressing for a second but nearly got caught when the Moths broke through but a terrific chase back to make a sliding tackle by Callum saved the day. Thomas saved from the corner and cleared quickly but the Tigers were not ready and lost possession, the ball came free and Thomas had no chance 1-1, just 4 minutes before the break. Wolverton upped the ante from the kick off and only a great save from Thomas diving to his left kept the scores level. Jimbo and Sam then both made good challenges to prevent further incursions and we were glad of the half time whistle.

Well the story of the second half was much like that 15 minute spell in the first, how we didn't score I'll never know but that's football as they say. Liam broke nicely down the right wing and sent over an inch perfect ball for Ross but the shot was saved. Ross was through again moments later but again the same result. Alex battled through and got in a shot but this too was saved. A throw was won just outside the box, Liam takes it quickly Ross shoots and it's saved. Lloyd makes a great run through from the halfway line and forces a corner, nothing comes from it. As the game wore on Wolverton were sensing it could be there day but Jimbo had other ideas with a great tackle to stop an attack dead in the water. Soon after he was at it again, this time clearing up to Lloyd on the wing. Lloyd cut inside but his shot was saved and then Ross and Lloyd force a good save out the keeper. Liam takes the corner and Sam meets it on the volley but it's a touch too high. As the game draws to a close Jimbo is involved again mopping up an attack. The Newport attacks are decreasing as tiredness is probably setting in, Wolverton are threatening again, surely they can't steal this one and ref finally blows up in the third minute of injury time. 1-1.

Another point and we are still unbeaten but we have got to put these teams away. How we didn't of this occasion though, I'm not really sure. Next week it's away again (what else) at Bletchley Colts.

MOM: Jimbo

Brookfield Rangers (2) -v- Newport Pagnell (2) Mason, Fanning
Sunday 18 th November 2007

This week the forecast was for rain most of the weekend, we got rain Saturday night but come the morning it had stopped. Instead it was our first icy cold fixture and the winter warmers were needed. Today we had a league game against Brookfield Rangers, a team we have always had good battles with before.

The early play was end to end and the Tigers were playing against the wind. Ross saw a shot saved and Graeme was very industrious in midfield. Manveer was busy in defence and Lloyd made a good interception and cleared well. Liam broke well from midfield and surged down the right wing and crossed into the middle, unfortunately the ball just evaded Ross. The Rangers responded but Thomas collected well and cleared quickly to Ross, he took the ball nicely and charged down the right wing, cut inside and took a shot which the keeper saved well, from the ensuing corner though Will volleyed home, 1-0 and 10 minutes on the clock. Shortly after the kick off, Graeme intercepted the ball and burst through the middle, he was tackled but when the ball came free moments later he tried a long effort but the keeper saved. Manveer stopped the next counter attack and Callan the one after. Then Thomas came quickly off his line to claim the ball and quickly found Myles, he pushed the ball onto Lloyd who surged through the defence but scuffed his shot and the keeper saved easily. Callan picked up the next loose ball and touched it to Sam, Sam went on a great little dribble beating three men but the keeper was out sharpish and took the ball away before he could shoot. Brookfield fought back again and were chasing in on a goal but Thomas was out of his box to hit a massive clearance to the other penalty area and Myles raced in but his shot was blocked. As we went into injury time in the first half, a speculative effort from just inside our half gave Thomas no chance, 1-1.

As the second half started Brookfield were searching for the go ahead goal and attacked well but Thomas made a good save. Once again he cleared quickly, finding Myles on the wing who in turn found Ross. Ross, Lloyd and Liam then interchanged passes before Liam's effort went narrowly wide. From the next attack Graeme had a shot that was saved and moments later saw a virtual repeat shot saved. Then he found Lloyd and on 37minutes Lloyd fed the ball through to Ross who had a one on one with keeper and made no mistake 2-1. The Tigers were looking good now and soon Lloyd had a shot saved, Ross followed up but the ball crashed into the side netting. Then Ross and Liam attacked well on the wing, Graeme showed good support but the final shot did not come and the Rangers cleared. Will quickly intercepted any threat and cleared over the defence to Ross. Ross darted in on goal and fired wide of the keeper but he made a great save to keep Brookfield in the game. The Tigers piled on the pressure, Liam saw a shot blocked and Manveer took a shot from outside the box that was saved. Then you can guess what's coming next, in probably only their third attack of the half Brookfield equalized 2-2. There was still 10 minutes to play but the ideas seemed to be running out, Jimbo did have a shot blocked, Ross did hit one wide and Zak had a shot saved but it was suddenly the Rangers who looked like they might steal it, but a good save from Thomas at the end kept the scores level.

A good second half where in reality we should have wrapped it up but we didn't take our chances. A lack of training for a couple of weeks probably didn't help but we are back in the gym this week and next week it's Wolverton Tigermoths away again but this time it's the Whites.

MOM: Thomas

Newport Pagnell Town Tigers (9) Fanning 4, Mason 2, Cole, Killick, Koletski

Wolverton Tigermoths Blue (2)

Sunday 11th November 2007

It had been a mixed week weather wise and the met office kept saying it was going change soon and be a lot colder. Fortunately not yet and another fine Sunday morning greeted us all. Training had been cancelled by the school for a couple of weeks, due to various events and we had a free Sunday. So we managed to find someone else without a game, Wolverton Tigermoths who we beat (2-1) in the grading games.

Early on Wolverton tried to make an impression, but nice football between Manveer and Callan on the edge on the box prevented a chance. Callan then cleared up field to Lloyd who sprayed the ball out to Sam. Sam had a nice run through the middle but was eventually tackled. Soon after Connor, Sam and Zak put together a good move on the left wing, then Graeme made his presence felt in midfield, won the ball and found Ross. Ross charged forward and fired in on goal, the keeper saved but these early skirmishes were very encouraging. The ball seemed to be constantly in the moths half, when it did slipover half way Will thumped it back up field, Ross got on the end of it and won a corner. From the corner Will got a great header in on goal, he beat the keeper but a defender headed it off the line. Callan and Graeme then out together a nice move with Graeme finding Ross but again his shot was saved. Then on 12 minutes a lovely run down the right wing and a pin point cross allowed Ross to neatly head home, 1-0. Newport kept up the pressure with Liam and Ross working well in mid field, when Ross was tackled, Graeme picks up the loose ball and finds Connor, Connor pushes the ball to Lloyd and Lloyd found Sam, this really was good football. On 16 minutes a lovely knock over the defence from Connor is chased down by Ross, he takes the ball around the keeper and slots it in, 2-0. Moments later Lloyd burst through from midfield beats a defender but his shot is saved. Then Connor sees a shot saved and then there is more good football from Zak, Sam and Connor, a header on to Liam and a lovely cross from Lloyd, Will finishes the move, 3-0 this is really good stuff. That was on 24 minutes, 4 minutes later, Alex chases down a defender trying to break free, wins the ball, Ross takes over and buries it bottom corner, 4-0. From the kick off Callum receives the ball and floats it forward to Sam but his shot is wide. From the next attack Liam sees a shot well saved but Connor follows up, 5-0 and half time is up us.

MOM Sam Killick

Wolverton Tigermoths Blue (1) -v- Newport Pagnell Town Tigers (2) Chapman, Yates
Sunday 23rd September 2007

Another fine if a little windy Sunday morning greeted our last grading game. Today we were away at Wolverton Tigermoths, who like us had lost both their opening games. So today perhaps we had a chance?

Once again we started well and the early pressure was all of Newport’s making. A lovely move involving Will, Lloyd, Alex and Lloyd again showed the team was beginning to jell. Lloyd hit a fine cross from the wing and Alex got on the end of it but his shot was saved. Moments later Liam saw his shot saved as the Tigers continued the assault. The promising build up forced a corner and from it Myles has a go but he too sees the keeper save. Graham and Myles then play clever football down the right wing as Newport create another chance and when the ball is lost Ross battles hard to get it back and spray a pass out to Lloyd. Lloyd moves the ball forward and is upended resulting in a free kick. Liam hits a blinder, top right hand corner 1-0 on 9 minutes. Wolverton mount an immediate response but Ross is having none of it and clears well. Then Lloyd follows suit and the Tigers are back on the offensive. Liam hits a lovely corner and Manveer strikes but it’s just over. The pressure continues and Lloyd burst through two tackles and fires but the keeper makes a great save. Will, Alex, Connor and Manveer again create a chance with good inter passing. Manveer pushes a lovely ball down the wing to Connor who clips the ball inside to Liam, Liam plays a one two with Lloyd but drags his shot wide. The half ends with chances at either end, Thomas claims a couple, on one a lovely long clearance finds Alex, Alex finds Lloyd and his long effort is saved. Myles, Lloyd and Sam all see shots saved as the whistle blows.

The second half begins very evenly as Wolverton try to get the equalizer. Sam and Myles again work well down the right wing and Thomas is quickly off his line to clear the ball. Graham then finds Liam who passes to Lloyd but the attack breaks down, Will intercepts though and clears upfield. Wolverton continue to press and on 40 minutes they get their reward with the equalizer, 1-1. The Tigers heads don’t drop though and they are quickly back on the attack with Sam crashing a shot only inches over the bar. When the Moths do threaten Ross chases back well to intercept and clear the ball. He finds Myles out on the right wing; Myles sets off for goal, ghosting past the first defender and then out running the second before firing on goal. The keeper saves but the Tigers are looking good. Manveer mops up the next Moths attack and then more good work from Liam and Lloyd on the wing create a chance for Will but his shot is saved. With time running out Lloyd, Liam and Sam again put together a good attack but the shot is blocked and the Moths quickly mount an attack of their own. Nothing comes of it and quick goal kick from Thomas to Will, sets Will off on a great run. The ball is crossed and cleared but goes just outside the box and Graham hits it from 25 yards and keeper has no chance 2-1, cue delirium from the sidelines. There is just enough time for Wolverton to kick off but not much more and the Tigers win their first game, 2-1.

A cracking game with two glorious goals and a deserve win for the tigers. With two wins and a defeat it’s difficult to know what league we will be in but to be honest it doesn’t really matter. We have a week off next week and a bye in the cup so we may be on the look out for a friendly.

Newport Pagnell (0) -v- MK Harriers (2)
Sunday 16th September 2007

After last weeks disappointing but expected loss the lads were quite up to their 1st home game. The weather was fine with no wind so an excellent start. Our opponents today were MK Harriers who had dispatched Wolverton (the other team in our group 6-0) last week, so this was no easy fixture either.

The Tigers started the brighter however and good early pressure looked like it might bring a goal. Ross, Liam and Lloyd all pressed forward Graham linked up well with Sam and a corner was forced. The effort was cleared but all the play seemed to be at the right end of the pitch. Connor pushed up on the right wing and got a tackle in to claim the ball, he then found Ross and Ross battled hard to keep possession. The ball came free to Lloyd who hit a shot from just inside the area but it was saved. Will and Graham then put together a lovely move as the Tigers flowed forward but no finishing shot came. Will cleared well in defence and moments later so did Manveer as MK battled back. The game was now end to end as the half was coming to a close. Jimbo found Liam just inside the MK half but Liam saw his shot saved and moments later Will saw the same. Then with virtually the last kick of the half an MK breakaway stole a goal 0-1.

The second half followed the same pattern with more early Tigers pressure. A quick throw from Will found Lloyd, his shot stung the keepers hands and the ball was fumbled, but recovered before Jimbo could get there. Then a free kick was won just outside the area, Liam hit it well but it sailed just over the bar. MK came back again but solid defence from Will, Manveer and Connor prevented any shots on goal. Then once the ball was cleared a lovely long pass from Sam found Lloyd but the Linesman flag called a halt to the attack. Newport still looked the most likely but as time moved on the attacks seemed to ease, Will did get another shot in but that too was saved. Then to add insult to injury in the last minute of the game MK grabbed a second. The fight seemed to drain from the Tigers at this point and MK looked like they would get a third but a great save from Thomas kept it at 2.

A far more encouraging performance today, where I thought we deserved a draw. The coach was very pleased with the effort shown by the lads. Next week it’s away again this time at Wolverton Tigermoths.


Water Eaton Reds (6) -v- Newport Pagnell (0)
Saturday 8th September 2007

After what seemed a summer that went on for ever with no SUN!! the football season was finally here. This year the Tigers were a much changed team having lost 7 players over the summer, signed another six and moved from 9-a-side to 11-a-side. This was also a new league, the Border Counties league and we start with three grading games, first up Water Eaton Reds.

Not surprisingly Newport struggled against a division 1 side from last season. Liam defended well early on but a looping shot caught Thomas off his line on 2 minutes and it was 0-1. For the next twenty five minutes though it was difficult to tell who the established team were. Liam, Connor and Sam put together a nice attack, then Jimbo Liam and Sam again worked well in midfield. The Reds did break through again but Thomas claimed with ease. On the Reds next attack Ross challenged well and Manvir cleared over half way. Will got on the end on it and passed to Lloyd and he hit a long shot that was saved. After another failed Reds attack Thomas hit a lovely goal kick and Graham collected it and hit lovely shot that bounced over the keeper but hit the bar. There was more solid work from Alex, Graham, Connor and Ross with some lovely passing on display. Manvir and Ross then put together a clever move down the wing but the keeper was out quick to clear. Buoyed by confidence Newport pressed forward but left a hole at the back which Water Eaton exploited and it was 0-2 on 26 minutes. The heads dropped a bit and two minutes later it was 0-3 and the half time whistle blew.

The second half the Tigers looked tired and with no subs just had to plough on, Water Eaton did add 3 more goals so the final score was 0-6 but I thought that was a little harsh. The coach was happy with the commitment and some of the passing was especially pleasing. Next up is our first home game against MK Harriers.