A Sabbatical In Shalford - FM12

[fat Lion1]

September 2016

Shalford 6 - 0 Yateley

A home match now against recently relegated Yateley.

Shalford started the match really, really well. We got the ball down and dominated scoring our 1st goal on the 7th min Ginnelly getting his 1st goal for the club. The domination continued and it wasn't long till we doubled our lead Awuah scoring the 2nd goal on the 14th min. Then things got from bad to worse for Yately as there player was sent off for a double-footed challenge on Farmer. The game was soon all but ended when Knight also got his 1st goal for the club making it 3 -0 in the 23rd min. What became a stroll in the park was turned into 4 - 0 just before half-time when Awuah got his 2nd of the game.

After praising the team for a brilliant half we came out looking just as comfortable and Yately couldn't get near us. The 5th goal came in the 66nd min Ayina scoring via a corner. We didn't relent and the icing on top of the cake came on the 75th min when Ginnelly got his 2nd goal to make the game a resounding 6 -0. The rest of the match was seen out with ease to give me my biggest victory as a manager and the three points safely put on the table!

Ewhurst 1 - 2 Shalford

Ewhurst have the started the season badly, losing all 4 of there opening games, hopefully we wouldn't slip up here!

The team started well and it wasn't long till we was dominating, and scoring! Ginnelly getting his 3rd in 2 games with a nice strike in the 15th min. We didn't stop there as the search for the 2nd goal went on Ewhurst were struggling to cope with us. However they showed some good defensive skill to keep us at bay making it just 1 - 0 to us at half-time.

After praising the team we saw a bit more an even half this time but we still looked good for a 2nd goal. After some nervy moments the game looked to be put to bed when Awuah capitalized on a keeper mistake in the 77th min. Things were made slightly more difficult when Ewhurst got one back on the 88th min, but we closed the game out to seal another victory away from Shalford Park!

Shalford 0 - 0 Worplesdon Phoenix

A home match now against Worplesdon who've had a mixed start to the season.

Bit of a cagey start to this match with both teams stifling each other out. We gradually got into the game and started to create some chances that we just narrowly missed out on. The game then settled again and made for a boring end to the 1st half.

After telling the team to keep going we came out dominating, but yet again we were wasteful with our chances. The game looked to be coming to a dour conclusion when a free-kick by us was parried by there keeper into the path of Billings who smashed it over from 10 yards, so with that great chance gone begging the game finished at 0 - 0.

Monthly Verdict

Great month. Okay the home draw against Worplesdon wasn't what I wanted, but its another point on the board. The home win against Yateley was just amazing and thoroughly deserved, been a long time coming we had been threatening to thrash somebody for a while now. Hopefully we can keep up the good form for next month's hard games.

Current position is 2nd with 12 points, 2 behind Surrey University who are in 1st.

[Animosama]

great month sir

[fat Lion1]

Cheers, not going to get excited yet though. Not after last season!

[fat Lion1]

October 2016

Shalford 3 - 3 Elm Grove Senior

Time for a spot of revenge now against the team who ended our promotion dream last season.

Both teams started off well and looking like teams near the top of the table. Chances were few and far between until the 21st min when we took lead through debutant Ollie Wild. We started to assert our dominance after the goal and it wasn't long till we doubled our lead, with Farmer scoring a great free-kick on the 25th min. We looked like we would kill off this game as we were in total control until they scored a complete fluke of a cross on the 33rd min to peg it back to 2 - 1. They grew into the game after this and had to do some strong defending to keep it 2 - 1 going into half-time.

After praising the team it wasn't long till we were all square when Elm Grove showed some great vision to put it at 2 - 2. The game went very end to end after this, but things took a great turn when Awuah forced there keeper into a mistake to put us 3 - 2 up on the 62nd min. Looking for that killer goals things got better on the 70th min when there player got injured with no subs left. We looked good for the victory and Wild missed a good chance to finish it off, when somehow they managed to get themselves a goal and put it at 3 - 3. We threw everything at them after this, but Elm Grove showed the desire that took on the brink of promotion last season to snatch a point and leave us reeling.

Abbey 2 - 2 Shalford

A difficult away trip now against Abbey.

Both teams started well with probably us just edging them out over the course of the first 20 mins. The chances were had at either end, but both teams were failing to make them count. Just when it looked like it would be a stalemate first half a penalty was award to us after a foul on Genchev. Awuah step up and banged it in to put us 1 - 0 up going into half-time.

After praising the team we came out with renewed confidence from that goal and Abbey didn't look like they could cope us. However this period of dominance wasn't followed up with a goal and Abbey scored on the 64th min. We fought back though and took the lead again on the 67th min a good strike by Okuniaya. Now we really looked like we would finish the game off and missed a few chances to do so. In the last 10 mins Abbey started to threaten for an equalizer and really had us on the ropes going into injury, we just looked like we had avoided the equalizer when bang they scored with seconds left to go and snatched a point.

Pyrford 1 - 0 Shalford

Another difficult away trip now at Pyrford.

We started well and put Pyrford on the back foot from the off. Despite the possession there wasn't much created in the way of chances just mainly half-chances going into the half-hour mark when was awarded a penalty for a foul on Okuniaya. Awuah stepped up and smashed it against the bar. Pyrford looked to be gaining confidence from this and took control of the game going into half-time at 0 - 0.

After telling the team to keep going it was pretty tight with neither team doing much in the opening minutes of this half. Pyrford had the better of the chances but couldn't find a way passed our defence till eventually taking the lead on the 78th min via a corner. We threw everything at them after this, but they looked better for the goal and took all three points in this close encounter.

Monthly Verdict

Not a good month, but not a bad month either. Elm Grove are becoming a bit of a bogey team and we need to start finishing teams off at home. Disappointed not to take three points at Abbey, but I would've taken a draw to start with. As for the Pyrford game we need to learn how to win scrappy like that. Three home games next month, 7 points is a minimum.

I added two new players in striker Oliver Wild and CB Kieran Mills-Evans.

Current position is 4th with 14 points, 2 behind 2nd placed Pyrford.

[fat Lion1]

November 2016

Shalford 1 - 2 Lightwater United

The first of three home games now starts off against Lightwater.

We started badly with Lightwater taking instant control of the game and looking dangerous on the attack. It wasn't long till they got the goal scoring on the 18th min. They still continued to dominate my lackluster team and were missing a few chances. The second goal came on the 31st min to put Lightwater in firm control of the game. We were awful and Lightwater looked a class apart. We managed to get into half-time 2-0 down, just.

After roasting the team we came out looking slightly better and going for that crucial next goal. Throwing everything at them, they still created chances but we managed to get one back on the 67th min through sub Lelia. We started to look more like a team now and really put the pressure on them, however we just couldn't get through and despite some minor scares Lightwater ended my recent good run against them and took all three points. Very disappointing.

Shalford 1 - 3 Surrey University

The second home game against a team running away with the league.

We started off in this match looking better than last time giving Surrey a decent game. We started to take control of the match but not creating much in the way of chances which is always dangerous. It then got worse when we gave a penalty away on the 33rd min for them to smash home. We still look good for an equalizer but just couldn't make the possession pay going into half-time.

After praising the team we were looking even better and eventually made the pressure pay when we scored what was ruled as an own goal in the 58th min. However this spurred Surrey into life and they took control of the match and it wasn't log till they got back in front scoring one in the 67th min. This was soon followed up by another goal in the 76th min to make it 3 - 1 and essentially game over. We pushed and pushed but nothing game another disappointing loss.

Shalford 1 - 1 Old Salesians

A match now against struggling Old Salesians.

This game started very tight, two out of form teams not wanting to give much away. We looked the better team, but Salesians were creating chances too. The game still remained tight going into the 30th min mark and we turned it up a bit and started to make more clear cut chances. Just when it looked like we would get in even at half-time out pops Ayina with a great header to make it 1 - 0 to Shalford.

After praising the team we were creating chances, but Salesians remained dangerous on the counter. As the half went on we started to hold back and invited the pressure on to us which we looked like we would get away with when it was reaching injury time, but no. To round off a horrible three home games Salesians equalized in the 89th min. The score remained 1 - 1.

Monthly Verdict

Well what a terrible month that was! We can kiss goodbye to any chance of promotion now. All that remains is I achieve the mid-table position asked of me so I don't get the sack, absolutely awful from this team.

Current position is 6th with 15 points, 8 behind 2nd placed Elm Grove Senior.

[fat Lion1]

December 2016

Royal Holloway Old Boys 2 - 5 Shalford

An away trip to Royal Holloway next up for Shalford.

Both teams started off well and looking dangerous, but it would be Royal Holloway who took the lead on the 9th min through a good strike. We reacted well to this and soon got our reward a foul on Awuah was rewarded with a penalty in the 14th min which he smashed home. Now Holloway reacted well and took the lead again a strong headed putting them 2 - 1 up in the 17th min. Again we reacted well and again we scored from it this time Ayina headed home from a corner to make the game 2 - 2 on the 20th min. We started to play some really good stuff after this and took full control of the game. We missed a few chances but was rewarded another penalty on the 36th min which Awuah again smashed home to put us 3 - 2 up on the 36th min. They rallied a bit after this but we held firm to go into half-time leading.

After praising the team we came out looking for more goals and they weren't long in coming when Awuah completed his hat-trick on the 53rd min with a tap-in. We really asserted confidence in this half and showing the type of away performance I had longed for. After a few subs to freshen it up McEntegart got in on the act to make it a crushing 5 - 2 victory and take all three points for Shalford.

Shalford 1 - 0 Tring Amatuer

Time to rectify our dodgy home form now against Tring Amatuer.

We didn't start as well in this gamer with Tring doing well to restrict our possession and almost take the lead themselves. However it wasn't long till we started to grow into the game and create some chances, but Tring also looked good for a goal. Ironically is when the game settled when we got our goal Lelia scoring on a rare start for the club. Tring rallied after this and were unlucky to find themselves behind going into half-time.

After praising the team we had to dig deep to keep Tring at bay. However we were still creating chances and should've really killed this game off. Going into the last mins of the game Tring were threatening big time, but we held them off and secured an important three points in our quest for a mid-table finish.

Yateley 2 - 2 Shalford

An away match now against bottom club Yateley.

Yateley fresh with a new manager started off this game well and it wasn't long till they scored with a strike outside of the box in the 5th min. Clearly giving them the confidence they started to dominate the match and we couldn't get near them for most of the opening mins. The game settled and we started to come into it a bit missing a couple of half-chances. However we got a fortunate penalty and dispatched this to make the game 1 - 1. It didn't stay this way for long either with the star man of the season Ayina knocking another one in just before half-time to put us 2 - 1 up.

After praising the team the game went very much end to end after this. Yateley started to dominate tho and it was this that brought them the goal on the 59th min. We created a couple of half-chances after this but it pretty much remained all Yateley who were unlucky not to win this, whilst I was happy enough with a point in the end!

Monthly Verdict

Decent month! Maybe I was a little premature in writing off our promotion hopes just yet. Our away form has been great this season and if we can just get our home form back to how it was we can still do some damage. Dennis Knight was poached by another club this month, sadly we didn't get to see much of him cos of his injuries.

Current position is 4th with 22 points, 4 behind Elm Grove Senior on 26 points.

[fat Lion1]

January 2017

Shalford 2 - 1 Ewhurst

A chance now to get another three points at home to Ewhurst.

The team started off really well against one of the form teams of the division. It wasn't long either till we got our reward with Okuniaya sending a bullet header into the net. Fresh from this great start we continued to dominate the game and Ewhurst were restricted to only half-chances. We started to really push them towards the end of the half and Nalborski got his 1st goal for the team with a scrappy finish. This rounded off a great half where we went in 2 - 0.

After prasing the team we looked hungry for that killer goal. We suffered a setback when Okuniaya got injured, but we kept going and created more chances which should've been put away. Ewhurst started to grow into the game a bit, but we managed to hold them off getting a goal, till the 81st min. A fine strike made for a nervous finish to the match. Thankfully we held firm and collected a vital 3 points in our quest for promotion.

Elm Grove Senior 1 - 1 Shalford

A huge game now 2nd against 3rd, hindered by us having only 4 days rest due to the last game being re-scheduled.

Elm Grove started the better against this much tinkered with Shalford team and it wasn't long till there dominance was rewarded as went 1 - 0 down through a Elm Grove corner. However we did really from this setback and played some really good football, unfortunately this went unrewarded. The game settled again and it looked liked it would be 1 - 0 at half-time, till Nalborski banged in a fine free-kick to cap off a decent half for us.

I told the team to keep believing and we were looking better than Elm Grove now and putting them under some real pressure. Unfortunately for us we didn't make it count and the pendulum again swung back to Elm Grove. The game continued in this manner but neither team could make it count and the spoils were shared, a depleted Shalford side picked up the point!

Monthly Verdict

Now that is what we needed. A win against Ewhurst, draw against Elm Grove put us right in contention with 5 games to go. Out of all the fixtures lists we have the most favorable so if we can just get through this next away game with at least a point then we might, just might be able to snatch this 2nd place, come on Shalford!

Due to a bit of an injury crisis we brought in LM Ghanian Prince Toku.

Current position is 4th place with 26 points , 2 points behind 2nd placed Elm Grove Senior.

[fat Lion1]

February 2017

Worplesdon Phoenix 1 - 5 Shalford

The promotion push sees the only game of the month away at Worplesdon Phoenix.

We started this game determined, instantly putting Worplesdon on the back foot. It wasn't long till we got our goal with Ayina scoring yet another goal from a corner to put us 1 - 0 up. The domination continued after this and Worplesdon just couldn't handle us and after missing one good chance it wasn't long till we smashed in another, Nalborski make it 3 in 3 games for him and putting us 2 -0 up. Worplesdon created a couple of chances after this which they really couldn't afford to miss, but lucky for us they did and we saw out this half with a solid 2 -0 lead.

After praising the team we killed the game off completely, Toku scoring a debut goal on the 47th min. By now we was having fun and Lelia got in on the act to make it 4 -0 in the 50th min. Worplesdon slightly rallied after this, but looked nothing like threatening until a lucky break saw them get one back on the 68th min. We asserted ourselves again after this and Jeannin added some gloss to the victory by make it 5 - 1 with a beautiful strike. The three points were very much ours!

Worplesdon's manager was duly sacked after this result, oh dear.

Monthly Verdict

That was an away performance I could only dream about in the seasons gone by, we have really upped our game away from home and are dishing out some real thrashings. Looking at the bigger picture we have 4 massive games awaiting us, 2 at home, 2 away. Lets just hope we can clinch promotion. Come on Shalford!

Current position is 4th with 29 points, 2 points behind 2nd placed Elm Grove Senior.

[fat Lion1]

March 2017

Shalford 1 - 3 Abbey

So here it is a huge promotion clash, 3rd v 4th let it begin!

Shalford started well and it only took 2 mins to get on to the scoreboard with that man Ayina scoring trademark header. We started to dominate the match after this creating a number of chances, but sadly proving wasteful with them. Abbey grew into this game and grew they did equalizing on the 14th min. It was very end to end this with Abbey looking like they more quality in the final third, but not managing to pull ahead just yet. An entertaining first half ended with both teams level.

After telling the team to keep believing the end to end theme continued and it started to look like the next goal would win it and the next goal did come, for Abbey. A perfect cross which Ayina turned into his own net put them 2 - 1 up. We threw everything at them after this, but they held firm. They then broke on us and sealed the victory on the 86th min with a good strike to put them 3 - 1 up and take all three crucial points in this vital clash.

Lightwater United 0 - 1 Shalford

Now to the scene of a team who would love to end my promotion dream.

Shalford asserted dominance from the off in this match and how we didn't bag an early goal is beyond me. As the half continued Lightwater couldn't get near us, but whilst we kept wasting chances they would always have a chance. Lightwater wasted one good chance before half-time as we went in 0 - 0.

After telling the team to keep up the good work we did just that again showing the same dominance. Lightwater did grow into the match and started to show some resolve of there own going into the later stages of the half. A draw would be no good for our promotion hopes and going into injury time they looked all but over, Cue McEntegart! In the very, very dying minutes of injury team Lightwater's former player smashes in a header from a corner to take a well-deserved three points for Shalford and keep the promotion dream alive!!

Monthly Verdict

Well how about that eh? What looked like the dream over, has been revived by an excellent show of determination from my side. The loss against Abbey has still made it hard for us to gain promotion but there draw at Elm Grove when we beat Lightwater has reignited hope into this promotion fight, will Shalford be in level 12 when I write the next post? We can only hope so!

Current position is 3rd with 32 points, 2 behind 2nd placed Abbey.

[Animosama]

Just believe

[fat Lion1]

April 2017

Shalford 1 - 0 Pyrford

Must win home game now if Shalford are to keep the promotion dream alive.

The team didn't looked nervous and started off really well getting the ball down and creating chances. Unfortunately as it proves so often when we dominate we didn't take our chances and the fame settled down towards the end of the first half and Pyrford could've well taken the lead, alas it remained at 1 - 1.

After telling the team to keep believing we resumed our dominance and by now I was throwing everything at them. Pyrford didn't look like a team who not won in there last few games and defended well. There resistance was finally broken when Lelia hammered one home in the 69th min to put us in dreamland. After toning down the attack Pyrford rallied after this and we had to do some defending which involved a missed one on one attempt. However despite the scares we held on to secure a massive three points with news that Abbey had lost at home to Lightwater United.

Surrey University 1 - 1 Shalford

So here it was the biggest game of my managerial career, win and we was up. However we had to beat Surrey Uni who ran away with the league and are unbeaten at home all season.

We got off to the worst possible start when Surrey asserted there dominance and took the lead in the 7th min. We looked edgy and nervous after this and Surrey were threatening to run away with the game. However we started to settle around the 30th min mark. This was followed up by us showing why we are in 2nd place creating chances and showing Surrey what we could do. However it remained 1 - 0 at half-time.

After telling the they were unlucky we came out now showing what we could do. We were dominating a Surrey team who had excelled all season, but we needed two goals and they were holding firm. The game was reaching the later stages and we was still getting no reward for our good play. After really turning up the attack on them we were reaching the last stages of the game when Mwsaile popped up with a great effort to put the game at 1 - 1, however that still wouldn't be enough. Despite throwing everything at them Surrey held firm and took a point.

However due to Abbey losing 2 - 1 at Pyrford, Shalford clinched 2nd placed and were promoted!!!!!!!!

Monthly Verdict

Well we did it, we finally did it! See the next few posts for all the reaction to this amazing promotion which we have longed for.

Final position was 2nd place with 36 points, 11 points behind 1st placed Surrey University.

[fat Lion1]

April 29th 2017

Shalford Are Promoted!

Well we finally did it, thanks to Pyrford doing us a massive turn and beating Abbey who failed to win there last three games after looking in control for promotion when they beat us last month. I really didn't think this would happen when we failed to win any of those home games in November. However it certainly was a case of its not how you start, its how you finish!

Credit to all the team they played there part, but a special mention must go to Ayina he has been an absolute rock in defence and a very loyal player. However like I said all the team have contributed in some way or another and we finally achieved promotion in my fourth season.

So goodbye Surrey County Western Intermediate Football League Division One and hello to level 12 of English football: Surrey County Intermediate Football League Premier Division.

[fat Lion1]

We did it Animosama we finally did it.

[fat Lion1]

Season Verdict

What a great season this turned out to be, to finally get that promotion after trying it with two clubs. Shalford have progressed year after year when I've been here and despite having our players poached I have molded a great team. The key to promotion this season was our away form, who would've thought we would have the best in the division haha. Then we picked up at home in the second half of the season and that clinched it. Unfortunately Jeannin and Awuah won't be with us next season due to retirement, thanks for everything guys!

Position: 2nd P 22 W 9 D 9 L 4 F 40 A 27 GD +13 Pts 36

Positives

- Promotion of course

- Ayina an absolute rock of a defender

- Away form

- Dishing out thrashings

Negatives

- Average home form

- Strikers underperforming

- Players poached

- Losing them three games in a row

Season Rating: 9/10

Previous Club

Lightwater United finished 6th with 32 points, we finished 4 places and 4 points better than them.

[Animosama]

Lol finally man

[fat Lion1]

Onwards and upwards!

[fat Lion1]

Season Five

Board Expectations: Stay clear of relegation

Transfer Budget: £0

Wage Budget : £973

Media Prediction: 12th

[fat Lion1]

Surrey County Intermediate Football League Premier Division

This is the division I will be playing in this season. Standing at level 12 of the English football pyramid the league consists of 13 teams who play 24 games, playing each team twice. There is two relegation spots and one promotion spot. The promotion spot is decided in a play-off match consisting of 1 leg between the teams who occupy the top two final places.

[fat Lion1]

Pre-Season

So as mentioned before Jeannin and Awuah have retired, but we managed to bring Jeannin back as a scout for the club. For some reason the club has gone semi-pro which many clubs at this level do when they get promoted so the upside of that is I can keep players contracted without them being the poached, the downside is every player costs us a fee from now on.

I brought in a new GK Scott Bennett to replace Charles-Cook who left. LB Larry Miles to replace Jeannin. CM from Barbados George Demetrious and ST Maldini Costa. I also made Prince Toku a striker since we have enough cover on the left midfield.

Results:

Shalford 0 - 1 Shalford Reserves

Shalford 1 - 3 Clanfield

Shalford 2 - 0 Ifield Edwards

Shalford 3 - 1 Park Street Village

Shalford 4 - 2 Bowers & Pitsea

Avon Rockleaze 2 - 1 Shalford

Was nice to play some different teams at pre-season for once. It was a decent enough pre-season with the team impressing attacking wise. Roll on the season!

[Animosama]

good luck

[fat Lion1]

August 2017

Shalford 0 - 1 Woking & Horsell

So here it is, a historic first game in our new league!

Was a steady start from both teams with neither creating much in the first 10 mins. The game picked up the pace and now both teams started to create chances which were subsequently wasted. The game calmed down again and with half-time approaching it looked like it would be 0 - 0, however a great cross was headed in by the Woking players on the 38th min to put them 1 - 0 up which it remained at half-time.

After telling the team they were unlucky we came out looking for the equalizer, however Woking were holding firm. We continued to push and time was running out going into the 80th min with Woking looking good for the win. We threw everything at them going into injury time and had a goal from Lelia questionably chalked off. Our first game in the new league ended in defeat.

AFC Spelthorne Sports 1 - 3 Shalford

Time to register a point or three as we reacquaint ourselves with Spelthorne.

We hardly had time to get into the game when a stunning 25 yarder put Spelthorne 1 - 0 up. However we reacted well from this setback and started to take the game to them. It wasn't long till we was rewarded either with Toku scoring a tap in on the 10th min. We preceded to dominate the game with Spelthorne hardly getting a chance of the ball and on the 29th min we forced them into conceding an own goal to put us 2 - 1 up. We really should've put the fame to bed before half-time such was the domination, however it stayed at 2 - 1.

After praising the team we came out still looking for that killer third goal. Spelthorne looked a bit better but Toku silenced them on the 53rd min with a good one on one finish. I tighten things up after this and Spelthorne did come after us, however the defence with the rock that is Ayina was holding firm. We had a few hairy moments and chances from Costa and Lelia to put more gloss on the result, but it stayed 3 - 1 and we pick up our first win in the division.

Monthly Verdict

Happy enough with that start. We looked a bit shaky against Woking and I feared it would be 2 losses out of 2 when we went behind against Spelthorne, however we showed the type of away form that got us to this division in the first place and ran out comfortable winners. This season is mainly about enjoying the experience of being in the new league and learning from it, whilst hopefully avoiding relegation!

Current position is 6th place with 3 points, 1 point behind 2nd placed AFC Leatherhead and 3 points in front of 12th placed AFC Cubo, 12th place being the relegation zone.

[fat Lion1]

September 2017

Shalford 4 - 0 AFC Leatherhead

We start the first of four games this month at home to AFC Leatherhead.

Shalford had one of those majestic starts they pull out every now and again. Within 5 mins Billings got himself on the score sheet with a great header. The goals kept flowing as that man Toku got in on the act to put us 2 - 0 up in the 9th min. This wasn't the end of this quick goal fest as Billings bag himself another one on the 13 min to essientially kill the game off and make it 3 -0. Leatherhead clearly shocked by this, didn't really offer much in a way of response. We were still looking good for the 4th goal as the half went on, but Leatherhead showed some defensive skill to keep us at bay until half-time.

After praising the team at half-time Leatherhead looked a bit better and started to attack us more. Things would look better for them when LB Miles got himself sent off and left us with 10 men. However this seemed to rally us somewhat and once again we took the game to Leatherhead and as the game was coming to an end we got another one a forced own goal the 88th min to put us 4 - 0 up. This wasn't the end of the drama as Costa got himself sent off to leave us with 9 men for 2 minutes. A resounding Shalford victory!

Horsley 1 - 2 Shalford

Now an away game against a team who were playing in level 11 of English Football last season.

The game started very end to end, but not much created in the way of chances. We started to take control of the game after this and should've been ahead by the half-hour mark. Horsley hit back and were unlucky not go ahead of themselves, but an entertaining first half ended 0 - 0.

After praising the team it wasn't long till we did take the lead CB Gierke heading in his first goal for the team in the 48th min. They were clearly shaken by this and we started to dominate them and doubled our lead when Genchev got in the act to put us 2 - 0 up. I tighten things up after this and they did come on to us, however we look good defensively and held them at bay. They eventually broke through via a Goalkeeping error gifting them a goal on the 76th min. However we did a good job of keeping the ball after this and restricted them to half-chances, holding them at bay and recording another great victory away from Shalford Park.

Shalford 0 - 1 Chobham Burymead

Time to keep up our good home form against Chobham Burymead.

This game started very to end to end only in this match chances were being created. Both teams were unfortunate not be ahead and both were looking lively. As the half went on the game settled and a more dour affair started with neither going back to the relenting pace of the first 20 mins as half-time came around.

After telling the team to keep believing. The game continued in a dour fashion with very little happening in way of chances. After using some subs to freshen things up a bit we started to perform better with this fresh impetus. However it looked like the game would finish 0 -0 when Chobnam sent a looping cross over to seal a 1 - 0 victory for them. We threw everything at them but didn't get the equalizer.

Old Farnboronians 0 - 1 Shalford

A chance to keep up our perfect away record now against Old Farnboronians

We shot out of the tracks in this game and it wasn't long till we got our reward with Toku scoring on the 10th min to get his 5th for the season. However we didn't capitalize on this as Farnboronians came back and looked threatening. We really had to dig deep to keep them at bay, but we did and it remained like this for most of the first-half. We had a couple of half-chances before half-time but it remained 1 - 0.

After telling the team to keep focused we looked more threatening this half and should've doubled our lead. Farnboronians also looked like they may get a goal but couldn't get passed our rock solid defence. As the half went on they started to dominate, but were getting no reward. We started to keep the ball in the dying minutes of the match and this proved to frustrate them as we kept up our 100% away record and won this match!

Monthly Verdict

Another solid month. We have settled well in this league and put plenty of points on the board early on in the season which should help us against relegation. I'm starting to think in Prince Toku we have a another Ghanian legend a successor to Awuah. I could complain about the loss at Chobham, but to come out with 3 wins out of 4 I won't bother!

New players were brought in the shape of GK Mihai Gherasim and ST Liam Cusack.

Current position is 2nd with 12 points, 1 point behind 1st placed Woking and 9 in front of 12th placed Horsley.

[Animosama]

Okay month

[Spav]

Congratulations on your promotion last season.

[fat Lion1]

Thank you.

[fat Lion1]

October 2017

Shalford 2 - 3 Knaphill Athletic

Time to do something about this dodgy home form now against struggling Knaphill.

Shalford started well and it wasn't long till we were celebrating our first goal via Ginnelly on the 5th min. However rather than go on to dominate the game Knaphill were buoyed by this and soon started to create chances of there own. We missed a great chance to put us 2 - 0 up and then paid for it when Knaphill scored on the 26th min via an own goal. Fresh from this equalizer Knaphill were in full control of the game, but it did look like we would get in at half-time to re-group. Knaphill took a deserved lead on the 40th min and put them 2 - 1 up at half-time.

After telling the team to buck there ideas up we reacted in the worse way possible when Knaphill went 3 -1 up on the 46th min. Really up against it now we started to actually play some football, but Knaphill were holding firm and we couldn't get through. Unfortunately we missed a few good chances to even get the game level and in the end only had a consolation goal in injury time to show for it. Knaphill take the 3 points.

Chiddingfold 0 - 3 Shalford

A tough away trip now at high-flying Chiddingfold.

Both teams started well and an entertaining contest looked to be shaping up. However it wasn't long till we started to put in our customary away performance and take control of the game. We were missing some decent chances though, but this all changed when Genchev scored on the 26th min. We continued to dominate and they were struggling to deal with us when we scored again 10 mins later via Mwsaile to put us 2 - 0 up. Playing some really fine stuff here and not wanting the half to end Ginnelly crashed one in from 35 yards to kill off the game and make it 3 - 0 in the 41st min and it stayed like that till half-time.

After praising the team I tightened things up at the back and our defence looked solid against Chiddingfold. They didn't seem to create much and we had our chances to go 4 or 5 in front. In the end it was a dour second half but we had completed our job and took all three points from this one-sided affair.

Monthly Verdict

Well I'm happy with our away form obviously, but we are struggling at home. We are going good in the league and I would've certainly took the results we have got so far if I had been offered them at the start. If we can get this home form right we can start to do some real damage in this league, but I am content with how we are at the moment.

Current positon is 3rd with 15 points, 1 point behind 1st placed AFC Cubo and 9 points in front of 12th placed Horsley.

[Animosama]

Maybe you need to change your tactics for your home games

[fat Lion1]

I'll be updating this soon

[fat Lion1]

November 2017

Shalford 4 - 0 Surrey University

The worst home form in the league takes on promotion partners Surrey University.

Shalford started well and it wasn't long till we got in the lead, Mwsaile banging one in on the 6th min. What followed was complete domination. Shalford showing some decent play at home for once keeping possession of the ball and creating chances. As the half went on it stayed like this, but no more goals to show for it and Surrey would be happy at it being 1 - 0 at half-time. However Billings quashed that for them scoring a scrappy finish just on the 45th minute mark.

After praising the team the dominance resumed. Surrey had a few half-chances, but the match was killed off when Billings got his second on the 60th min to make it 3 - 0. Surrey came on strong after this, but just couldn't finish for toffee. The goal just never came for Surrey and another scrappy goal was scored by Shalford when Cusack got his first ever goal for the team making it 4 -0 in injury time.

Shottermill & Haslemere 1 - 2 Shalford

Shalford go looking for there third win in a row at Shottermile & Haslemere.

Decent start by Shalford against a team looking nervous. Not much was created in the way of chances in the opening stages, but we having all of the ball. Shottermill started to grow into the match but didn't look very threatening going forward. Both teams started to stifle each other as the half went on and some good chances went begging Shalford's way. The half drew to a 0 - 0 conclusion.

After telling the team to keep the faith we came out looking good for this goal. More chances were missed on either side whilst eventually Shottermill took a slighty undeserved lead on the 64th min. I threw on some subs to freshen it up and after Shottermill missed a great chance the game changed in our favor. However it didn't look like it was going to be our day with these chances being missed, until Mwsaile combined with Okuniaya to score a great goal. Now it was game on again and we really wanted this second goal which came in the 87th min via a brilliant Mwsaile free-kick, he single handily turned the game for us. We tightened up and saw out the victory for our third win in a row.

Shalford 1 - 2 Godalming & Farncombe Athletic

Shalford attempt to make it a fourth straight win at home to Godalming & Farncombe Athletic.

Shalford had one of there slighty common nightmare starts at home with Godalming scoring in the 3rd min. They preceded to dominate and was restricted to half-chances. As the game went on this flavor continued and despite us missing a few decent chances, Godalming doubled there lead on the 31st min. We were lucky they didn't put this game to bed in this half after missing some beauty chances the half finished just 2 -0 to Godalming.

After roasting the team and making a tactical switch at half-time we came out looking much better. We were the ones dominating now but without the reward. Godalming had a strong defence and were finding it hard to break down going into the hour mark. This continued and the game looked lost as we went into injury time only for Lelia to score a brilliant solo effort, however too little, too late.

Monthly Verdict

We keep registering these solid months and I'm very happy about it. Each game in this new league brings more experience and that can only be a good thing. Time for a tactical change at home now cos barring the Surrey game who were awful, something just isn't right at home. Shout out to Mwsaile and his brilliant solo performance away at Shottermill.

Current position is 2nd with 21 points, 2 points behind first placed AFC Cubo and 14 points in front of 12th placed AFC Spelthorne Sports.

[Animosama]

Get that first place

[fat Lion1]

Well tbf Animosama 1st or 2nd its still a play-off to go through between the top two teams to decide who goes up.

[fat Lion1]

For some reason the computer I use to play this account on is not working right for me. Hopefully I'll get it sorted soon.

[Animosama]

yea it would be sad to lose this save

[fat Lion1]

Shame how this ended, cutting me down when I just got going.

However I will be starting a new career with a team in Level 14 who I will aim to take to the big time once the database is sorted out.

So keep an eye out for that

[Nick Rodriquez]

Please continue with this after you sort out the DB issue, as I have become a regular follower of your journey.

[fat Lion1]

Cheers Nick, but the file for this has long gone unfortunately, computer issues.

I'll have a new one going with similar circumstances to this along with a few improvements.