Site updated Thursday 8th July 2004
FROM THE "THEATRE OF DREAMS" ( THE SPRINGFIELD CENTRE) IN CORSHAM (O1249 712846)
THIS IS
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Well once again its been ages since I have been able to properly update this site. Needless to say we're still playing down the Springfield Centre on Friday Nights. The same old faces keep turning up - here's a few....... Jim "The step" Lawrence, Stevie "the boy" Uncles, Craig Savery, Ben Savery, Tim "Special Guest Appearances" Sawyer, Big Ian Meikelreid, Pete "dont get in my way" Groves and of course yours truly Jonny Dubs. Not to be forgotton though are "The Daves" Powell and Warburton, Rick and Ed, Johnny "I just keep going" Fry, Peter Ralph and Gazza Bye. If only every night was Friday Night at Springfield.
At the time of writing I am once again suffering from a bad back and am unfit to play. I am seeing the Doc soon and hope to get back in training shortly. In the mean time if you want to see quality conspicuous by its absence then pay a trip to the Springfield Centre on Fridays between 5.30 and 6.30pm and see the SPRINGFIELD VETS in action !!!
Cheers till another update - Jonny Dubs
Friday 10th Jan 2003
13 5
Jon W Steve
John F Craig Sponsored by Lee's "Fish and Chips"
Pete R v Pete G Well fed and watered the oriental way!
Gary Ben
Dave P Ian
Well it was billed as a clash of the Year so far (our first game back after Xmas) and unfortunately it was all a bit one sided. Better luck next time on the team selection Craig. Anyway a warm welcome back to Gary who with the aid of Pete Ralph ran the show. Let's hope those £2.80s are equally well spent next week.
Oh its great to be back again. C U next week from all at FridayNight !!
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Friday 6th December 2002
11 8
Jon Pete R
Ben Steve
Jim V Craig Rapiers V Cudgels ???
Dave W Pete G
Dave P Ian Attendance: 2 Markie and Matthew
Well after so much hype earlier in the day by e-mail this game was going to be something special. With pints on the line later on both teams set out an excellent defensive display and for well over 15 mins the score stayed nil - nil. Craig's team then took a two goal lead and slowly but surely goals started going in at both ends - even Jonnie W got a couple much to the despair of Stevie and Pete Ralph. Jim performed admirably (as expected) skipping and weaving, Ben dived at the floor and screamed in agony and even got a 5.9 for technical merit from Mark (Sorry Ben you needed to roll twice more for a 6.0) At the end Jonnie's team sneaked the win and we all made our way to the Royal Oak to be greeted by ............... Dayle!!!!
Royal Oak and Indian Roll of Honour
Jon, Steve, Craig, Dave W, Dave P, John F, Pete G, Pete R, Ben, Jim, Ian & Dayle
Shock arrivals - GARY, PAT, JON H !!! Thanks for coming.....
And so after a great night out and despite a long wait to be served at the Indian we all (except Mark ' cos he was driving) left suitably inebriated.
C U all next year - same venues I'm sure.
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Friday 29th November 2002
The score was 14 - 12 to Craig's team but I cant remember too much about it other than I didn't score!! Game on for next week and the lads night out at the Royal Oak / Indian - be there or be at home!!
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Friday 22nd Nov 2002
Final Result 14 - 14. A funny old game with last minute drop outs - a real nightmare for Ben who had to do a fair bit of ringing round. Needless to say anything could have happened but in fact the game was a good one and well done to Matthew Ralph who was awarded the coveted FridayNight "Man of The Match" award!!!
C U next Friday! Dont forget Christmas drinks on the 6th of December - Kick Off 7PM in the Royal Oak; 2nd leg and extra time if necessary at the Indian.
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Friday 15th Nov 2002
15 14
Jon Craig
Pete R Ben Sponsored by DMB's - famous for the
Dave P v Big Ian spitting incident on Monday Night football?
John F Tim
Jim Steve Attendance: 1 or 2 Mckeilreids ???
Wow - what a game from start to finish. Jonny's team took an early lead through a slick one two between Pete Ralph and Jim for Jim to strike home. Soon though Craig's team settled in to a neat passing formation with the delightful skills of Tim and Steve linking up with the pace and fervour (is that a real word?) of Ben and Craig with Big Ian in goal. As the match went on it was very even and breaking down the individual defences was not an easy task - As legs grew weary Jim and Pete started a sequence of 5 goals with out reply; score 15 - 11 with 5 minutes to go. Jim said "this is like last week but this time we have a 4 goal cushion" "Dont speak too soon the rest of us said"! Anyway yes you guessed it back came Craig's team with three very quick goals and without the intervention of the 6.30 boys it may well have ended up 15 all, but it didn't and the final score was 15 - 14.
TALKING POINT - Did Jonny W deliberately foul Ben with 5 minutes to go?????
FRIDAYNIGHT ran a phone in at 10PM and no one called. So Peter Ralph offered his expert opinion - "Sir, he fell over the ball, your foot one side Ben's the other, his momentum took him over". Thanks Pete I'm glad we sorted that one out.
FINAL TALKING POINT - Who was this Paul guy that Pete kept calling to during the game. Did you notice this too?????
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Friday 8th Nov 2002
16 14
Jon Craig Sponsored by "The Royal Oak"
John F Steve The preferred venue for real sportsman!
Pete R V Jim
Dave P Big Ian
Ben Pete G Attendance: Nil
A compelling game with a record 3.2 second goal from Dave Powell that really set things up for a close Friday Night encounter. Despite that early goal for Jon's team, Craig's team (mainly down to Jim who scored a hat full) ran the show for long spells and never looked like losing. Unbelievably in the last 10 minutes a tactical ploy by Jonnie W to go back in to goal relieving Peter Ralph from keepers duties made way for 4 very late quick goals. The final result 16 - 14 didn't do justice really - most on the pitch were stunned that Craig's team lost, including me.
Men of the Match - Dave Powell (again he delivers that little extra) & Jim (step, step goal!!)
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Friday 1st Nov 2002
14 12
Steve Ian
Craig Jim
Dave P V Pete R
Pete G Ben (recent jinx)
Tim John F
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Friday 25th October 2002
14 8
Jon Big Ian
John F Dave W Sponsored by Ronseal - when it pours on that old
Dave P v Craig tin roof you know it makes sense to "preserve" your
Pete R Ben match with Ronseal!!!
Jim Tim Attendance:1 Ben's girlfriend (he loses when she comes!)
Another result which didn't do justice!! Craig's team although never taking the lead battled throughout and even Ben and that old master himself Tim "The King" Sawyer, dazzled in spells, yet it wasn't to be once again for Craig. With Jon W solid in goal for 20 mins Pete Ralph began to run the show - In fact his first goal an absolute peach inside his own half that rocketed past Ian in an instant. As the game went on despite strong resistance from Craig's team the skill of Jim and Pete, the doggedness & determination of Dave Powell and fluency of the John's saw Pete's team eventually run away with it 14 - 8. This, as mentioned before flattered Pete's team somewhat as Craig and his team battled throughout and made an excellent game of it.
FridayNight wont be around next week so you all have a great game next Friday and we'll see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Jim on his promotion !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Friday 18th October 2002
17 5
Steve Jon
Pete R Pete G
Dave W V Craig A real fire means so much more! Especially if it means
Dave P Ben you get to see a "Green Goddess" when things go wrong.
John F Jon W Attendance: 1
What on paper seemed fairly decent sides in reality turned out to be a farce! For the first 30 mins the teams were evenly matched although Steve's team by then had a 3 - 1 lead. Despite several good chances Craig's team were just not playing as a team. The influence of Pete Ralph and the willingness to run their socks off by the Dave's, John Fry and some expert keeping by Steve didn't let Craig's team get a look in. It became painful to watch goal after goal, even the softest of goals go trickling in one after the other. It is hoped that Ben, Craig, Jon, Ian and Pete G find their form soon to keep Friday Night sacred and to put the meaning back to "Friday Night is Football Night" and at least make a game of it. With performances like that Julian Carosi and Sean Philp must assume they're in with a chance of a recall !!!!
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Friday 11th October 2002
9 4
Craig Steve
Pete R Pete G
Dave P V Jon W Sponsored by THE BURNLEY BUILDING SOCIETY
John F Jim where the Cheap Shop is now, next to the Portman
Big Ian Ben
Well, the script was written for a sensational second half to last weeks 9 - 9 draw. But it wasn't to be! Who would believe that neither Ben or Jim would score and that Jonny W would be top scorer for his team - things like that just don't happen, well it did tonight. Craig's team scored the same amount of goals as last week and defended with so much energy and enthusiasm that there was no way back this week for Steve's team. With Pete Ralph delivering the through balls to Craig and Dave Powell and John Fry running off the ball the chances had to come and Craig's team took them. Great goalkeeping early on by Big Ian didn't go unnoticed either!
Man of The Match - Dave Powell "worth 2 - 3 goals to any team"
Attendance: 1 (Ben's friend)
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Friday 4th October 2002
9 9
Craig Steve
Pete R Pete G
Dave P V Jon W Sponsored by "Merrits" the Funeral Directors
John F Jim in Pickwick Road. Your future's bright at Merrit's.
Big Ian Ben
End to end stuff with Peter Ralph running the show for much of the time. A late comeback by Jonny W's team (although Jon's finishing had nothing whatsoever to do with it!) saw an unlikely draw. Pete Ralph felt disgusted at the end result and made an early exit as soon as the doors opened.
Man of the Match - Peter Ralph "Quality throughout" Attendance: Nil
Dont forget our Christmas doo at the Indian!! Either the 6th or 13th December. Book early to avoid disappointment!!!!!!! Craig will be e-mailing you soon, you have been warned.....
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Friday 27th September 2002
16 9
Big Ian Jon W
Ben Craig
Tim V Jim Sponsored by AMER's "Remember them"??
Dayle Dave P
John F Dave W Attendance: Two Wheeler's and a Ralph
A thrilling end to end game after a very close start. At the half way point the score was 3 - 2 but a late surge by Ben's team ultimately led his team to victory.
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Friday 13th September 2002
9 7
Jon Steve
Pete R Craig
Dave W V Dave P
Jim John F
Ian Ben ATTENDANCE: 4
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Friday 30th August
16 10
Jon Steve
Jim Craig
Pete Ralph V Dave P
Dave W Pete G
John Fry Chris (Steve's mate)
MATCH REPORT TO FOLLOW
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Friday 22 August 2002
Jon W and Emma made an emotional return to the Springfield "gallery" to watch about 20 mins of Friday's game. All I can say is " Craig, if you give Ben too much space (and you did while I was there) he'll punish you". However, despite the flowing passes of Jim and the cool finishing of Ben, it was great to see that old master "Tim" back where he belongs at Springfield - lets hope many more games to come eh Tim!!
Stevie "Le Tiss" Uncles also played some nice passes during the 20 minute period I was there and looked to be "sharp" once again (Liverpool 3 Southampton 0 must have dented your weekend a bit though Steve).
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable 20 mins at the Theatre of Dreams, even Emma who had time to re deploy 7 garden chairs and two garden tables said she enjoyed watching. However, I had to name all the players for her and tell her where they all lived (as if I know) anyway I made up some answers to keep her quiet.
We said thank you to the lady on reception and made our way home still with the echoes from the Sports Hall ringing in our ears!!!
Friday 2nd August 2002
11 - 8
Jon Craig
Dave P Dave W/Jon H Sponsored by G & A Cycles (RIP)
John F V Pete G by the zebra crossing
Jamie Rowe* Ian (Ben's mate)
Pete Ralph Ben Attendance 1 (Del)
*debut
An absolute cracker of a game once again. Unfortunately our star reporter cant remember too much of the game so think of it as a "close one".
Well it was billed to be an exciting match and it lived up to expectation. Both teams evenly matched meant that opportunities on goal were at a premium for the first 15 minutes. Then Craig's team took the initiative and slow but sure the goals began to go in slowly. At the mid way point Jon Hearn arrived and swapped places with Dave W who left the "arena" to rapturous applause .... Jon's team gradually clawed their way back in to the game and eventually took the lead at the 6 - 5 point just after 6.05pm. Then goals from Jamie Rowe ,Dave Powell and Pete Ralph secured a sufficient enough lead to win the match 11 goals to 8.
On Monday Craig e-mailed the players stating that he didn't enjoy the game too much. FridayNight, in our effort to seek the truth, tried to track down Craig at a well known observatory in the Chippenham area but on our arrival at Hamilton Towers we were informed that he was "unavailable" for comment. Both FridayNight and the Sunday Mirror are trying to secure an exclusive with Craig regarding his statement - WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.
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Friday 26th July 02
11 9
Craig Jon Sponsored by Mace great for
Tim Peter R Sherbert "Dib dabs" opposite Corsham
Dave W v Pete G library (until it closed down in 1979).
Dave P Ben
Big Ian Jim Attendance: 3 - Matthew, Emma and Helen Wheeler
What another blinding game that eventually ended up 11- 9 to Craig's team. Despite the heat and humid atmosphere within the Theatre Of Dreams (Springfield) the crowd of three witnessed a highly competitive and thoroughly enjoyable match. Jon W's team took the early initiative thanks to goals from Ben and Jim but Craig's team hit back and a delightful lob by Tim left Jonny W sprawled on the edge of the D in sheer admiration (nice goal Tim from the Editorial Team). Then Jon's team stepped up two gears and started controlling the game with some slick pass and run movements. Pete Ralph kept up with the pace despite knee trouble setting up a couple of goals for Ben and the lead became 8 - 5. Then it happened, Craig led his team by example aiding his team in to an 8 - 9 lead and cracking efforts by Tim and the Dave's had Jon's team on the rack. Then Jon himself had a couple of efforts disallowed for inside (one of which should really have been a penalty because Dave W went inside his box to prevent Jon from scoring and although Jon thought he was on the D line he was slightly inside but not as inside as Dave W). Tim then played a blinder in goal stopping shot after shot and then two quick fire breaks allowed Craig's team to seal the win 11 - 9.
Man of The Match - Dave W for never giving up! Summary - hot and sticky!
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Friday 19th July 2002
7 7
Jon W Jon H
Pete G Pete R This page is sponsored by DAC
Big Ian V Stevie "Stationery when you want it"
Dave P Craig
Ben Jim
Well,
how’s about 7 – 7 for a close game. Despite a last minute John Fry
withdrawal (replaced with like for like quality in the form of Peter Ralph) a
highly competitive game ensued and Jon W’s team quickly took the initiative
ably assisted by some Dave Powell long range blasters before being pegged back
around the half way point. Slick defending and some expert keeping kept goals to
a premium and even several step overs by Jim and constant battling by Ben
neither team took the initiative.
Cheered on by young Emma, Jon W did manage a goal putting his side 6 –
5 up before Craig’s team responded with two quick goals (Jim and Jon H 1 each
(I think)) before a late equaliser by Ben made 7 – 7 the final score.
Overall assessment –
“knackering”
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Friday 12th June 2002
8 7
Craig Jon W This page is dedicated to "Lewis Meeson"
Ben Tim Yesteryear's sweetshop just down from
Big Ian v Pete R Everyone's favourite shoe shop "UNCLES"
Jim Pete G
Jon H Dave P Match report to follow
Congratulations to Ben and his Team for reaching the final of the 6 a side football tournament at MOD Sports Day. Well done from all at FridayNight.
Another excellent game full of end to end action - if I could remember more about what happened I'd print it but two weeks on I cant quite remember. If you can remember drop the Friday night team a line at g0iue@aol.com.
Friday 28th June 2002
13 16
Ben Jon W
John F / Craig Tim
Jim v Big Ian
Steve Pete
Jon H Dave P
An end to end game that got off to an explosive start with Tim's team at one point 7 - 1 up. As the game went on Johnny Fry's injury flared up and on came the three Ss "Super Sub Savery" - Craig. The game then became fast and furious and ended up 16 - 13 to Tim's team even though Jon was heard to say there's only one team in it "THEM". Even so an enjoyable game and everyone enjoyed it - even young Emma Wheeler (6) in the party room adjacent to the Sports Hall, who kept waving to her Daddy through the window.
Friday 14th June 2002
Now 6 days later I've forgotten the teams !! The result was 16-14 to Tim's team but other than that I cant remember the details. This week I've therefore awarded my man of the match award to Jonny W !!!
PS - Good evening to our readers in Cornwall. I hope to have more detail for tomorrow's important game - Springfield Centre 5.30 PM where else ??
Friday 7th June 2002
Well no game at Springfield tonight but who cares when England put on a performance to cherish in Sapporo Japan. Our Theatre of Dreams (Springfield Centre) may well have been eerily silent at 5-30 to 6-30 in our absence but who cares when Becks and the boys in Japan did the business against Argentina.
The Friday Night team, snatched a few words with Sven immediately after the game read on for our exclusive interview (we got in ahead of ITV and the BBC).
Friday Night - "Sven, many congratulations on the win, how significant was the win and how do you feel personally about it and England's chances to progress in the tournament given the Sweden Nigeria result earlier today (a la Garth Crooks style)"
Sven G E " Firstly may I say how nice it is to see the Friday Night team out here with us in Japan, I am very very happy for this. The win was very important to us and we will celebrate tonight over our meal, but we must remain focussed for the Nigeria game - we play to win."
Friday Night - "Sven, well done from all of us - enjoy the moment"
Sven G E - "Thank you , in particular to Steve, Craig, all the Jon's, and the Dave's for their support and also to Timmy - good night"
Friday Night - "Thanks Sven"
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Friday 31st May 2002
7 2
Jon Pete
Ben V Big Ian
Tim Craig
Dave W Dave P
Steve John F Attendance: Nil
A historical night at the Springfield Centre. Records have been broken on three counts:
a. Record low combined score.
b. Record low winning team goals for.
c. Record low losing team goals for.
No one could foresee the drama that lay ahead the two teams - Tim back again but was he ready, Jon feeling "iffy" and the return of Pete after a long lay off. Would you believe what happened - well read on. An evenly contested game with plenty of excellent defending and goalkeeping by both sides. Notably Craig whose monumental efforts in goal kept the goals conceded by his team to a minimum (just the seven). What was strange was that Ben's team slowly but surely scored goals. Tim netted 4, Jon 2 and Ben just the 1. At 6.19 PM Ben's team were 5 - Nil up and up stepped John Fry from just inside his half two steps a look up bang, a slight deflection and in - 5 - 1. It took 49 mins for Craig's team to score ! Before we knew it Jon fluffs a shot, Ben's already huff and a puff (wasted effort Jon etc etc) but no, it slides through Big Ian's hands and his legs - GOAL 6 -1. Craig's team though wouldn't lie down and a couple of minutes later they'd scored their second 6 - 2. Then to cap things off up steps Ben 7 - 2.
Although by no means an ill tempered game it was very competitive - Jon's left arm and right leg (courtesy of Pete), Craig's legs (Courtesy of Jon) and Dave P and Steve all over (courtesy of each other) can testify!
Man of the Match - This week goes to a member of the losing team "CRAIG" for his monumental goalkeeping - par excellence.
Finally, this was one of nights that you'll tell your Grand children about - the night that re wrote the Friday Night record books - you'll always remember where you were when the 19 - 3 record low (3) was swept away on the 31st of May 2002.
Friday 24th May 2002
11 12
Craig Ben
Jon Ryan
John F v Jon Hurn
Dave P Big Ian
Liam Dave W
Another one of those close games - Jon Hurn (yes Jon not John) got the winner with just seconds to go at the end of an epic battle between two flowing teams. Ben and Ryan were instrumental in getting off to a good start and quickly put their two two to three goals ahead and whilst Liam and John Fry (now injury free) were trying their best to reduce the deficit great defending by Ben's team kept the gap pretty much the whole game; well until the last five minutes when at 11 - 8 down goals from Jon W, Craig and Dave Powell evened things up!! If only the doors had opened then .. A quick throw out up the right by Ian found Jon Hurn who despite being challenged by Craig and Liam somehow found an angle to score making it 12 - 11. You guessed it the doors then opened and in came the 6.30 boys.
On the whole a brilliant game - even the losers left the pitch happy (well kind of).
Man of the Match - Jon Hurn for scoring the winner!
Friday 17th May 2002
10 9
Craig Jon W
Ian Dave W
Dave P Ben
John Fry Jim
John Hurn Stevie U Attendance: Nil
Match Report
An absolute thriller of a game despite the humid atmosphere and an early in balance of 5 against 4 because Dave Warburton got stuck in traffic. Jon W opened the scoring with an exquisite left foot drive that left Big Ian completely stranded but the scores were soon level with Dave Powell sending a thunderbolt past Jon W who had returned back to goal when Dave W arrived. Craig's team then began to dominate and quickly eased to a 6 - 2 lead. Time after time Steve Uncles was making brave challenges so brave in fact that he paid the ultimate penalty and took one hard drive from John Fry full on the dangly bits and took some time to recover. With three minutes to go the scores stood at 10 goals to 7 in favour of Craig's team. Sustained effort by Ben's team led to late efforts by Dave W and Ben himself and almost stole a draw but then just like in that old classic children's programme Mr Ben, as if by magic, the door opened and up popped not the shop keeper but the 6.30 boys - just in the nick of time for Craig and his players.
Some sad news just arriving at "FridayNight" - we've learnt that John Fry, due to join Sven and the boys in Dubai sustained an injury to his left calf muscle late in the game and after tests this evening (arithmatic and history) will not be joining the England team after all. His wife Lyn and the three children, who were packed and ready to go, are reported to be distraught. All at "FridayNight" wish John a speedy recovery.
Friday 10th May 2002
9 9
Ben Craig
Jon Steve
John H V John Fry
Dave P Dave W
Ian (Ben's Pal) Jim Attendance: Nil
The late drop out by Liam paved the way for Ben's mate Ian to play for the first time - and didn't he do well. However, early on Craig's team swept to a commanding 6 - 2 lead and some of us thought Ben's head may drop. Far from it, Ben kept plugging away even though his team couldn't score in a brothel the way their luck in goal was going. Jim was "stepping over" everyone and everything, Craig and Steve were battling whilst Dave W and especially John Fry were holding the ball so well. Ben's team managed to bring the scores level at 6 all before Craig's team found new life at 6.25pm and scored twice 8 - 6. Then it went 8-7 then 8-8 with a low drive by Jonny W creaping in with about 4 inches to spare. Struck so well Steve thought it had hit the post so Jon lobbed the rebound back towards goal and that definately hit the tin. (later : John Fry confirmed the first shot did go in). Then in near stoppage time Craig's team scored again, surely it was their night - No sorry it wasn't thanks to Ian, Ben's pal not Big Ian. He controlled the ball just off the centre circle, checked, looked up and placed the ball to Johnny Fry's left. 9 all and the doors opened.
On the whole a cracking game with some great defensive play and swift movement out of defence.
Friday 3rd May - Result
10 13
Craig Steve
Jon W John H
John F V Jim
Dave P Ben
Dave W Liam Attendance Nil
Match Report 3rd May
A thrilling game. Following the sad news that Scott had been injured playing football the night before and was now on crutches, Craig had the unfortunate task of telling the others that tonight would be 5 against 4. Wrong, because quick thinking by Jim and John Fry and some quick detective work by Stevie enabled Craig to ring Pete Ralph's 24 hour football agency service and hey Presto in minutes few, Liam Ralph appeared.
The game got off to a blinding start for Stevie's team taking a four goal lead before Craig got his first of the night. The pace injected by Liam caused Craig's team many problems and although at one point around 6.05PM Craig's team was 8 - 7 up, the sheer battling by Ben and John Hurn and the neat intricate play by Jim and Liam with Steve controlling things as keeper, the final result was 13 - 10.
Goal of the night. Jon W picks up the ball from Dave P, on the edge of the oppositions D, Craig bellows "nnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooowwwwwww" as he ran down the left, Jonny plays it to Craig who shoots home passed Stevie's left. Wow......... Then the doors opened and in came the 6.30 boys.
APOLOGY TO CRAIG.
In the heat of the moment (around 6.22PM) Jonny apparently described one of Craig's passes as being "Soft". Jonny wishes to retract this un"savery" comment and apologises to Craig for the distress it may have caused.
FRIDAY 26TH APRIL - RESULT
12 7
Jon W Craig
John H Stuart
Jim V Dave W
Dave P John F
Big Ian Ben Attendance Nil
A funny old game this one was. So many last minute drop outs, Stuart Payne late but made up for it by getting changed on the train (great initiative that Stu). Ben coughed and spluttered the whole game only to play for another hour at the request of the 6.30 boys. As for the match, well Craig's team were by far in command for the first 15 mins taking a 6 - 2 lead only to go the next 30 mins conceeding 10 goals and responding with just the one. Great to see Stuart again and thanks to Dave warburton for a late late call up.
JONNY W INJURY SETBACK NOW OVERCOME
Jon's back is getting better and he is pleased to confirm he will be back this Friday. Jon thanks all of you that sent cards and good wishes while he was unwell. The Feldene Gel as supplied by his Gran has relieved the pain and Jon tells us he's raring to go this Friday.
ITV DIGITAL CUTS TIES WITH FRIDAY NIGHT
It is with regret to inform you that ITV Digital has formally cut ties with Friday Night and the Springfield Centre. Games can now only be viewed by personal Handicam's a la Steve Uncles style circa 1993.
ITV DIGITAL PULL OUT OF SPRINGFIELD DEAL
Some of you may have noticed that tonight's game was not televised. We've just learnt that ITV Digital have pulled the plug on televising our games. A similar deal with the 6.30 boys has also fallen through. The Friday Night Chief Executive and members of the Springfield Board will be meeting ITV Digital tomorrow (Sat) for crisis talks.
THIS WEEKS RESULT AND TEAMS
FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 2002
7 - 21
Craig Ben
Jim Tim
Pete V Steve
Scott Big Ian
Dave P John F
FRIDAY NIGHT FARCE AT SPRINGFIELD - SAVERY SENIOR ACCEPTS FULL RESPONSIBILITY!
Match Report by Craig Savery:
Ben's team won 21 - 7. Early on Ben's team took a commanding 7 - 0 lead and looked excellent value for their £2.60s. However, Craig's team came back to 7 - 5 and things looked up for a tight game. Then it happened..... Ben and his team moved in to overdrive, lifted by the two flare players (Steve and Tim) the goals just came one after the other. Almost every shot after 6pm went in for Ben's team - it was just one of those nights. Although Craig's team did manage a couple of goals in the last 30 minutes the complete annihilation was only over shadowed by a late injury to Steve who was hit by a power-drive from persons unknown.
MAN OF THE MATCH - BEN SAVERY - Battled to the end "well up for it"
SHOCK OF THE MATCH - SCOTT ARRIVING AT 5.20PM - apparently Scott's watch was on Central European Time and he thought it was 20 past six!
Jon Wheeler ruled out of 12th April game!
Sad news from Jon W - His injury worry of last week has deepened and the back problem has ruled him out of tonight's game. Jon apologises to all concerned for this rare absence. LATEST ON THE BACK - Jon's Gran (89) has given him some special lotion to rub on the affected area (no it's not Nivea!) Will keep you updated on progress etc.
PREVIOUS FRIDAY'S TEAM'S AND RESULT
13 - 13
Craig Tim
John H Jonny W
Johnny Fry V Pete Groves
Dave Powell Rich
Big Ian Ben
An outstanding game where everyone equally deserved the Man of The Match Award. Although initially some disappointment was aired that the absence of Steve "Le Tiss" Uncles would reduce the flair of the game it ended up another classic. Close till the end a draw had to be the fair result, however both teams left it late. When John Hurn masterfully shot his team in to a 13 - 12 lead, with just seconds to go up popped Pete Groves from a crafty Tim Sawyer lay off to earn the draw. Both teams were willing the doors to open and open they did.
A Quote from Tim " Ball of the Match" - My (Tim's) pass to Jonny W who blind to the ball until it went through his legs fired home with his left foot!! Yes the left one. To quote Jimmy Armfield if I may "the boy can shoot with both feet - left and right!" What other feet are there Jimmy?
A cautionary note though Craig believes that his team had a goal, quote " that's the best goal of the night!" Sorry Craig I missed the goal - who scored and what was the play like just before it?
MEN OF THE MATCH - other than all 10 it has to be John Hurn and Pete Groves. Both ran their hearts out tonight.
And finally - you'll never spend a wiser £2.60 in your life - well maybe next week.
Jonny Wheels Injury Scare
Jon W suffers back injury lifting Matthew but hopes to be fit by Friday!! Contact Jon on his mobile for the latest news on 07905 425173.
Last week's Result
11 12
Craig Dave
Tim Jon W
Big Ian V Pete G (Which trainers?)
John H Dave W
John F Black Eye Ben Attendance: Nil
Match Report:
An cracking game right from the off. Jon W's team took the early initiative and went 3 - 0 up. Before long though Tim and Craig fired home and the game became as close as it gets. The re-emergence of Tim on the Friday Night scene certainly paid dividends as he began to display the skill of old and began to run the show in spells. However Jon W's team defended very well with chances being created generally on the counter attacks. Late on Pete Groves gifted Tim a chance from the throw out and bang, in to the lead Craig's team went 11-10. This week however Ben stayed focused, helping to deliver two quick fire goals to sneak the win at 6.29pm.
Jon W reported to have said "Perhaps we didn't get the crowds we expected but the game was a cracker."
Man of the Match - Tim Sawyer (grace under pressure) - Could it have been anyone else, I think not.
LATEST NEWS TIM SAWYER IS BACK!!!
News just in from Craig - it's official Tim "The Boy" Sawyer, aka the mild man of football, is making a comeback. Fond memories are resurrected of the silky skills and the asterisk t-shirt. We thank Peter Ralph for this opportunity.
We learn that the Springfield Centre are laying on additional car-parking to the rear of the Sports Centre and on Spring Field itself (marshalled by local Air Cadets) to accommodate Tim's expected entourage of supporters and Autograph Hunters. The balcony's 30 person capacity is expected to be full by 16.30 hours. A 20' view screen is being erected in the nearby Community Centre and the game will be shown live by "webcam." A lady who works on the Springfield reception who wishes to be known as "Maggie" has reported to have said "This is bigger than the Golden Jubilee". Maybe not quite Maggie but we get your drift.
Will the flare still be there ? Watch this space!
Friday 15th March 2002
7 - 9
Craig Jon W
Pete G Stevie
John H v John Fry
Dave W Dave Powell
Big Ian Peter Ralph Man of the Match Attendance 1 (Ben Savery)
MATCH REPORT - Brought to you in association with "Julian's Soccer Special"
An evenly contested and competitive game dominated by neat midfield interplay and slick passing by both teams. Craig's team took the early advantage due to the energy and enthusiasm of his players, particularly John Hurn who runs and runs and runs, and cruised to a 5 - 1 lead after just 15 minutes. The second half saw Steve's team gradually pull back the deficit and somehow (thanks mainly to Dave Powell and Pete Ralph) eventually ended up winning by 9 goals to 7. Perhaps if Pete had kept his white trainers on, the score may have been different?
Man of the Match - Pete Ralph (slow start big finish)
Did we play for time? A question posed by Craig. Did we or didn't we? Well to some extent, yes and no. It was nearing 6.30pm, we'd clawed our way back in to a game we were unlikely to win with about 20 minutes to go and we were tired. When the opportunities to slow down came we did, however, we didn't keep playing back to the keeper from the keepers throw outs, we tried to play it out. In the end it is the opinion of "FRIDAYNIGHT" that it is the responsibility of the team who wants & needs the goals to try and win it back and if that means committing a player to the oppositions "D" to prevent passbacks and fancy play in their own half then that's up to them. We offer a totally honest opinion at FRIDAYNIGHT and welcome your comments on the subject. E-mail Jonny at GB3WX@AOL.COM and we'll do the rest (clean reples please)
A immediate post match corridor interview with Steve "Le Tiss" Uncles became a full blown discussion, summarised below:
Steve " A blimmen good come back (deep breath), a really good effort especially in the second half (another deep breath)"
FRIDAY NIGHT "I enjoyed that - great play at the end. It was 9 - 7, I'm knackered"
Steve "yeah, See ya"
FRIDAY NIGHT "Same time next week Craig, me and Johnny?"
Craig " Who's not playing this week"
Ben " Me"
Craig "Oh yeah, John Fry and Pete Ralph again please Jon"
FRIDAYNIGHT "Ok, see ya lads"
All - " Cheers Johnny"
PETE GROVES VANISHING TRAINERS
At 5.38pm Pete Groves departed the field with his new white trainers. At 5.39 he returned with black trainers. Where did the white ones go?? If you know, please let the Friday night team know at gb3wx@aol.com.
SHOCK NEWS - BEN SAVERY BLACK EYE
As we go to press, Friday Night has learnt that Ben Savery has been playing football with his eyes shut and accidentally bumped in to someone giving him a black eye!
Ben here is a hyperlink just for you. Click Here
PETE RALPH - HE'S BACK FOR A SECOND WEEK BUT NOT A THIRD!
You'll be pleased to learn that the Board of Selectors (Craig) has offered a place for a second week running to Peter Ralph. Let's hope this is the beginning of the return of Pete R.
THE UNSUNG HERO - SEAN PHILP
Sean Philp came to Springfield at the 11th hour and gave a performance to cherish. In 60 spell binding minutes Sean defied the laws of physics, first going one way the ball going the other and then to cap things off scores a goal having swept (charged) Jonny W off the ball as if there was no tomorrow. Sean Philp unexpected "Performance of the Season" so far. If you think you can top Sean's performance contact Jonny at gb3wx@aol.com and put your case to him.
Look out for further updates as they happen.
FROM ALL AT "FRIDAY NIGHT IS FOOTBALL NIGHT" A BIG THANK YOU TO STEVE AND CRAIG FOR THE MOTIVATION IN GETTING THE SITE UP AND RUNNING... GAME ON LADS!
BLASTS FROM THE PAST - EDITION 1
CHARLIE DUNFORD - COULDN'T SCORE AN OPEN GOAL (COLERNE 1991)
BRIAN DONOVAN - REMEMBER (IN 1989) HIS MOTIVATION AT THE LUNCHTIME BRIEFING IN 2A2 BEFORE OUR MONDAY NIGHT GAME WITH DMB'S?
ALEX MCRAE - GET IN HIS WAY AND YOU'RE STEAMROLLERED
CHRIS "TO FEET JONES" - GOT A MASSIVE BRUISE ONCE FROM CHRIS - GLAD HE DOESN'T PLAY ANYMORE
BLASTS FROM THE PAST - EDITION 2
STEVE JOYCE - Scores from his own penalty area (power driving shots).
MIKE PHIPPS - COME BACK MIKE WE MISS YOU
ANDY JAMES (circa 1990) - Turned up 25 minutes late on his first game, played a couple more and was dropped.
MARK (MARKUS) BAKER - Mike Simmonds blue eyed boy - King of Equipment "1203" and not a bad goalie too!
More names will appear as soon as I remember them - FridayNight.
CAN YOU REMEMBER ANY ONE ELSE FROM DAYS GONE BYE - E-MAIL JOHNNY AT G0IUE@AOL.COM AND HE'LL DO THE REST
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