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Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Malc Hough
Steve Gerrard
Steve Hart
Chris Anthony
Richard Evans
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
Nigel Caldwell
|
Sunday 6th May 2007 : A strange
week in football with lots of highs and lows. Joey Barton kicked the
week off with an astonishing attack on team mate Ousmane Dabo who
definitely came off third best - looks like the boys about to get
his P45. Liverpool dumped Chelski out of the European Champions,
runners up, third and fourth places league and Milan joined them in
the final by beating the biggest club in the world (my arse).
|
Old Vets -
A New Series
Number 1
 |
Sadly
Man City failed to do the same in Saturday's Derby game where Michael
Ball decided to stamp his authority on Ronaldo's midriff making him
about as popular as a ginger haired stepson. The ladyboy then conned
the referee with another of his outrageous dives to win the match
with a penalty. So a very eventful week. As for the Vets tonight we
had three teams of four and yet another tasty 90 minutes of stonking
action. It looked like my team was going to clean up early doors as
we ripped into the opposition with a vengeance but fitness was not
on our side and we faded as the evening wore on. Matt's team were
pretty steady all night which isn't surprising as they are loaded
with the Youth end of the Vets with Nigel as the steadying
influence. Mary's Moaners started slowly but improved game by game
with Martin and Bryn looking a very strong partnership. I watched
Keith quite closely tonight and was particularly impressed by the
fact that he wasted very few passes and tackled well but got very
little credit for his efforts. Now approaching his sixtieth year Zsu
Zsu is carrying a few injuries to his aging cockney legs but
continues to put in inspiring performances, unlike his beloved
Charlton Athletic who don't. So next week it's the final day of the
Premier League with nothing to play for so our numbers should be up.
We may even see Robbie who must have been well pleased at the
Baggies demolishing Barnsley today 7-0 to confirm their place in the
play offs. The Christmas EGM has now been pencilled in for JUNE as
our leader is off to Ireland in May. |
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Paul Garner
Malc Hough
Richard Evans
Steve Gerrard
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Matt Pink
Paul Dennis
|
Sunday 13th
May 2007 : Man Uni£ed let the nation down badly today when they
failed to beat those cheating gits from West Ham in the last
Premiership fixture thus saving them from their deserved relegation
and condemning Sheffield United instead. Not surprising that our own
cockney hippie, Zsu Zsu was there to witness it, in a corporate box
of course. As a City fan I’m glad to see the back of this season and
dread the next one when they will possibly be taken over by a Thai
crook who wants to transform us into another Chelsea – I for one
fear this is the beginning of the end.
Back to the important end of football, the vets were reduced to five
a side tonight, non stop ninety minutes of it. My full squad lined
up to start but the opposition thought we were a little too strong
so, I swapped with Matt to even it up. This worked perfectly as both
teams got stuck in to a very competitive match. Generally the
finishing wasn’t of the highest order but you couldn’t fault the
endeavour of both teams. Chris had one of his best nights with
plenty of good defending to go with some well hit goals. Matt was
missing the scoring touch as was Martin who gave a favourable
impression of Robbie on a bad night when the onion bag was crying
out to be lashed. Proudy, Paul D and Steve G linked superbly during
the first twenty minutes when their team built a healthy lead.
However with Bryn picking up his scoring quota his team started to
claw their way back into it and when you have Richard and Paul
Garner running for you there’s always a chance of scoring. At the
end of the night after the lead had changed hands a couple of times,
Proudy’s team snatched a couple of late goals to win 27-25.
We all had our moments but at the end I decided that that was the
last game this 60 year old body would play…. So next week my 61 year
old lardy carcass will experience yet another year of torture as I
raise my sights on becoming the first regular playing pensioner with
the New Mills Vets, that’s if the rest can stay the pace.
No alternative football of any importance next weekend (Including
Wembley yawn yawn) so a full turnout is on the cards. I presume Rick
is suffering burn out as he didn’t appear for either our, or the
next session tonight and there’s always a slim chance that Mooro or
Ron may appear, not often slim appears in the same sentence as
those two……. |
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Malc Hough
Richard Evans
Michael Jackson
Chris Anthony
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
Nigel Caldwell
Malcolm Stubbs
|
Sunday 13th
May 2007 : All the build up to the first New Wembley Final
turned out to be yet another "big club" non event. The two
richest clubs in the country backed by a Russian billionaire and
a bunch of hickie Yanks slugged it out in front of an estimated
¾ billion
bored armchair fans and 89,826 fleeced punters who were treated
to all that is wrong with the English game - unless that is you
have more money than sense and you still enjoy watching the same
few teams. Exciting - no it wasn't. Did the best team win - who
cares.... Thankfully my weekend was saved, I had the
pleasure of another Sunday night's football with the vets to
cheer me up and a very good one it turned out to be.
|
Old Vets
Number 2
|
Not for my
team though as we struggled to make our mark other than a few
victories at both ends of the evening. Richard got saddled with
a Dads army team as Chris, Bud and myself failed to gel into
anything resembling a team other than in fits and starts. By the
end of the night Richards usually high standards were dragged
down to match his team mates. Matt's team played well
enough with Nigel working tirelessly and Matt himself adding a
few runs and strikes. Paul and Malcolm Stubbs slotted in nicely
with Malc notching a great hat trick in one game. Team of the
night though had to be Mary's Moaners who re-discovered their
top form only losing a couple of games all night. Bryn playing
more of a deep moaning role was supplying the bullets for John
and Martin to fire. John in particular had a pretty decent night
including a brace past Matt in goal which in itself is quite an
achievement. Zsu Zsu played his custoMary role at the back
playing simple balls, what Cantona called the "water carrier"
although the old hippie looks more of a beer carrier these days.
It just shows the difference a regular squad makes and Mary's
Moaners certainly played like a team tonight and looked to
really enjoy their football.
On Wednesday Liverpool will have the whole country behind them
(except for the jealous Uni£ed fans and a few diehard
Evertonians) in their quest to cement their reputation as the
most successful club in Britain. I for one will be glued to the
box hoping that they can indeed win what looks to be a huge task
against a superb Milan team. They've done it before so COME ON
POOL - AVE IT!!!!!
|
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Tonight's Players
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Chris Anthony
Malcolm Stubbs
Steve Gerrard
|
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Sunday May 27th 2007 : No football for me as I travel to
Ironville to celebrate my brother John's 65th birthday
during the Bank Holiday Weekend. Chose the worst day of
the year to have a barbeque, huddled under two gazebo's
while the wind and rain lashed round us was not ideal
but a good day was had by all. Hopefully I will be able
to post a report on the footy here in the next couple of
days.... Sooner
than I thought, a match report drops into my electronic
mail box.
Only 5 (five) of us made the effort namely, Bryn,
Martin, Stevie Gerrard, Malcolm Stubbs and yours truly.
Bryn convinced us to stop for a game of Wembley i.e. 2 a
side, 3 goals to win followed by a change of keeper and
on to the next game. Hadn't realised the hall was so
expansive, like our waist lines. Plenty of space to show
off our individual skills and blistering pace. Volleys
from the keepers unbiased kick offs were the order of
the day with Martin taking an absolute thunder ball from
Bryn in the midriff. Believe we all enjoyed the outing
and we came off with only 10 minutes remaining
completely knackered. Talk about dedication to the cause
and going the last mile. At least we didn't have to pay
for the privilege this week or will the roaming
Accountant return to collect his dues. Might join Robbie
today and watch the play off final but unlike him I'll
be willing the Rams on. Sorry if the report falls far
short of the usual standard but my oxygen mask keeps
slipping off. Hope to see you next week.
Many thanks to the lads for their
effort and to Chris for the report.... Next week
we should turn out in force when the hippie returns from
Ireland suitably bleached by the non stop rain. No
excuses, get your miserable bodies down to the Leisure
Centre.
|
|
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Tonight's Teams
Chris Anthony
Malcolm Stubbs
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Nigel Caldwell
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Bud Jackson
Matt Pink
|
|
Sunday
June 3rd 2007 : As a City fan of over half a century I
have to admit to being saddened by the proposed takeover
of the club by Frank Shinawatra the crook from Thailand.
Although a few of our vets have Thai connections of
another kind, this guy stinks. It seems to be the way
our great sport is being taken away from us as
foreigners with huge wedges wreck our identities, just
ask Stevie Hart about his beloved "Jam Tarts."
Anyway at least the vets are safe from these bandits
although I'm told the Vatican keep a close eye on Mary's
Moaners. The vets tonight were back up to sensible
playing numbers although I think Bryn and Steve Gerrard
may have found the going too much last session and have
taken a rest week. The ten who graced the Leisure Centre
this evening however, all left well pleased with their
nights toil. The first half hour was an incredibly close
affair with the 4-4 score reflecting how seriously the
teams were taking it. With no referee it was also
necessary to "play the game" as the saying goes and hats
off to the lads for doing just that. Proudy had an
excellent session working hard to keep his team mates in
the contest. He scored one of the goals of the night,
after missing a sitter but, in the very next attack he
swivelled and whacked a beaut into the top corner from
distance. John also had a decent night hitting
goal-scoring form later in the session. Bud continues to
be one of the hardest defenders to get past and Nigel is
fast becoming a player in the same mould. Martin's run
of Robbiesque style finishing continues although tonight
he forced the winner with the last kick of the night in
a very creditable 29-28 score after 90 muscle numbing
minutes. |
Old Vets
Number
3
 |
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Matt Pink
Malcolm Stubbs
Paul Garner
Rick Pott
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Keith Proudfoot
Paul Dennis
Stevie Gerrard
Malc Hough
|
Sunday June 10th
2007 : There were quite a few regular faces missing tonight but as
usual the vets turned up in sufficient numbers to provide another
testing ninety minutes. Mary's Moaners kicked off the proceedings
tonight against Matt Pinks team and came unstuck when Matt's side
instantly found their rhythm. Paul Garner was back after a two week
break and looked like he he'd never been away. Malc Stubbs made his
fourth consecutive appearance, his best unbroken run since he joined
us in December 2003 and he crowned it with a couple of very neat
strikes in one particular game. In my first game we battled really
hard to earn a draw against Matt's team which set the standard for
our team as the next five games also ended in draws. Stevie Gerrard
and Proudy were knocking in plenty of goals early on but bad luck,
bad marking and some dodgy finishing all contrived to stop us
winning our first game until the hour mark when that elusive win
arrived. It was three defeats, one win and eight draws for us which
still left a pretty satisfying feeling in the camp. Mary's Moaners
like Matt's team had a pretty mixed night as they both notched up
good wins against each other. John the assassin made a couple of
brief appearances, in one incident he re-introduced Rick Pott to the
wall but in the most he inspired his team mates with his never say
die spirit. This was never better illustrated when in the dying
seconds of what was heading for yet another draw against our team,
he took a ball with his back to goal and in one movement, flipped it
round me and pumped it past the bewildered keeper for a memorable
strike and winner. Martin also looks to be coming out of his
striking dilemma with a couple of silky goals later on. Talking of
silky strikers, Robbie appeared on the balcony tonight looking
pretty fit but still dazed from the Baggies play off failure. He has
been counselled and apparently is looking forward to the
Championship next season. Three weeks or so from full fitness, a bit
like most of City's new signings, he's raring to go again. Good to
see Rick Pott back in action this evening after a nasty eye injury
at work. Zsu Zsu Mastin is trying to arrange the Vets Xmas EGM for
the last Friday of this month, 29th although this depends on Ev and
Mike who are leaving the White Hart and may have their own "do" on
this date. It will happen - eventually....
|
|
Tonight's Players
Paul Garner
Bryn Meredith
Steve Hart
Richard Evans
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
Keith Proudfoot
Stevie Gerrard
Nigel Caldwell
Kevin English
Malc Hough
|
|
Sunday June 17th 2007 :
A wet weekend in New Mills wasn't enough to dampen the
spirits of the vets on Fathers day. Fathers day in New Mills
is always a strange occasion, usually a day which brings
much confusion and panic to the town. Anyway on the football
front confusion was kept to a minimum as eleven of the lads
took part in a rotational session which provided some
excellent competitive games. Steve Hart and Richard Evans
returned to the fray and both gave it a good crack. Richard
had more bandages than Scouse Ron on his injured knee,
caused by a ladder fall from great height at work, could
have been worse - Goodwin can do a lot more damage than a
simple fall from a ladder. Another long time absentee, Kevin
English, made his first appearance since early April and
slotted in nicely with a very energetic contribution. It's
not often we get such a competitive session when we swap the
players around so much but, tonight was the exception. Bryn
has a superb ninety minutes and if I got my sums right only
ended up on the losing side twice, not bad considering we
get through around eighteen games.
I think the Christmas EGM is about to happen on Friday 29th
June. Providing the new Landlord can cope it is a go'er so
keep this date free and be ready for the call. As usual our
leader will be presenting all manor of awards and there may
be a few old timers turn up on the night if we can get
things organised. Come on Zsu Zsu, use your debateable
management skills and make it happen..... |
Old Vets Number 4
 |
|
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Tonight's Players
Paul Garner
John Goodwin
Rick Pott
Keith Mastin
Keith Proudfoot
Stevie Gerrard
Steve Hart
Richard Evans
Chris Anthony
Kevin English
Malc Hough
|
|
Old Vets Number
5
 |
Sunday June 24th 2007 : Another
Sunday and another ninety minutes of non stop action packed 5 a side
at the Leisure Centre. With the rain battering down all afternoon I
thought we may be packed to the rafters tonight but it was just the
minimum with eleven willing bodies dragging themselves out. As usual
a very good nights football although perhaps not quite as
competitive as of late.
Still I think the lads were happy with their lot and I for one
enjoyed the session very much. Not a great night for spectacular
goals although Paul Garner managed to fire in two stormers, both
from distance. A distinct lack of players from Mary's Moaners squad
left us playing the Scouse Ron rotation system where the spare
player referees a game and rejoins the action in the next game
playing for the opposite team he left with the player he replaced
taking over the refereeing duties - and so on. If that sounds
complicated it probably is but it works and credit to Scouse Ron the
guy who invented it, one of his better contributions to the vets. As
has been mentioned on these pages a number of times before we
haven't yet had a black player represent the vets. I thought that
had changed tonight when a dark skinned player appeared at on the
balcony but, on closer examination it turned out to be Chris who had
just returned from his annual body baking trip to Majorca. Chris
actually played quite well this evening scoring a couple of very
nice goals so the sun must be good for you.
Sad news this week when it was announced Bernard Manning had turned
his toes up. Not everybody's cup of Darjeeling but one of my all
time favourites. A man who called a spade a spade and when asked
recently about what was to become of his ashes when he died, he
replied “Ashes? When they burn me there’ll be six tons of lard
left.” I loved the man and will miss him very much.
Friday July 13th
has been confirmed by our leader
as the date for our XMAS EGM a mere 7 months late. Be there - no
excuses - The White Hart 20:00 - dress optional
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Ron Buttery
Bud Jackson
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Steve Hart
Chris Anthony
Graeme Hart
Richard Evans
Rick Pott
Paul Garner
Nigel Caldwell
Malcolm Stubbs
Kevin English
|
|
Old Vets Number
6
 |
Sunday July 1st 2007 : A big night tonight in more ways than
one. Seventeen players left us with three teams, two of which
had a spare player so they had to take turns to stand down. The
evening was graced with the return of Scouse Ron who as we would
expect made his presence felt in more ways than one. First of
all it meant a full strength Mary's Moaners squad and the
opportunity for them to go into full moaning mode which on a few
occasions they did with style. Let's not take anything away from
their football though because tonight they looked like their
tenuous link to divinity was paying off as the gods smiled down
on them because own goal after own goal and deflections galore
flowed into their opponents net at an alarming rate. But as we
all know only too well, you can't rely on a divine spirit to
carry you for the odd game or two and gradually as their good
fortune deserted them my team in particular rose to the fore.
Steve Hart's boy Graeme looked the business with a turn of speed
which his dad can only vaguely remember from his distant past.
Both however were on the mark and with Chris and Proudy both
getting stuck in it was inevitable that we would end up top team
tonight although there were no easy games. Rickard and Rick ran
and ran for their team but their scoring touch was missing. Malc
Stubbs on the other hand had a great night finding the net more
often than the roof for a change. Best on the goal scoring front
tonight though was Martin Wilde with a tidy hat trick in one
game, three being the highest score in any game this evening.
Thankfully the 13th
July (Friday) is confirmed for the Christmas EGM at the
White Hart where at last you will be able to have a night out
without having to fill your lungs with the stale smoke from
those unfortunate souls who wish to shorten their lives with
this disgusting habit. It was quite strange on this first no
smoking in public confined places day, to see all the little
groups puffing away outside all the pubs in New Mills while the
rain gently soaked them through - desperate or sad??
And finally - Thaksin Shinawatra the Thai crook now looks odds
on to take over my beloved club so I like many others will have
to embrace the situation but for my protest I refuse from this
point to call him Frank or any other patronising nick name 'til
the day we extradite him back to ladyboy land to face the music.
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Malc Hough
Steve Gerrard
Chris Anthony
Nigel Caldwell
Richard Evans
Rick Pott
Robbie Westwood
Paul Garner
Kevin English
|
|
Old Vets Number
7
 |
Sunday July 8th 2007 : Another
eventful week for me as my 6th Grandchild, Ruby, arrived on
Wednesday, Sven Eriksson became City manager on Thursday after
the Thai crook gained control of the club. It really bugged me
to shell out my hard earned dosh to renew my City Membership and
pay for my first two matches, £85.00 winging it's way into
Shitawatra's grubby pocket. The really serious stuff of the week
though took place at the Leisure Centre tonight as we were again
blessed with three teams again. Robbie returned to the fold and
found himself the surrounded by the youth team vets with Kevin,
Richard, Paul and Rick clearly the quickest players on view.
Speed is useful but you can't beat a good old 'un as they say
and there were plenty of those shuffling round. The Mary's
Moaners lived up to their name again but gave as good as they
got as did all the teams in a very even series of games. Nigel
hit probably the best goal I have seen from him tonight with a
delightful volley from a tight angle. Martin, Rick and Steve
Gerrard were the pick of the strikers tonight but goals were at
a premium generally with the scores very close. Overall a good
night's sport.
Onto the Christmas EGM on Friday, please make the effort to
attend, it should be a good night and hopefully our leader has
contacted everyone - 8:00 Friday 13th at the White Hart - New
Mills - see you there.
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Ron Buttery
Keith Proudfoot
Malc Hough
Graeme Hart
Chris Anthony
Steve Hart
Rick Pott
Richard Evans
Matt Pink
Robbie Westwood
Malcolm Stubbs
Kevin English
Colin Ramwell
|
|
Old Vets Number
8
 |
Sunday July
15th
2007 : The Xmas EGM passed without incident on Friday night. I
have to say the highlight of the night was being able to breathe
in the White Hart - smoke free at last! Steve Gerrard received
his player of the year award for 2006 but didn't appear tonight
as a precautionary measure because tomorrow he leaves on
tomorrow for a short break in New York with his family before
taking them on a two week Caribbean cruise. Come next Sunday
he'll be pining to return as the boat dodges the expected
hurricanes. Martin who is also off in the morning to the more
glamorous Majorca chose not to wimp out tonight and joined
the other moaners at the Leisure Centre for their weekly fix.
Martin certainly didn't hold back and took a few whacks as did
Bryn but, it seemed to pay off as the Mary's Moaners ended up
the top team this evening with a quite powerful and dominating
ninety minutes. Although not an excuse both the oppositions
teams were left unbalanced as players had to drop out to even
the numbers up causing more than a little lack of continuity.
Still this was the moaners night with an excellent all round
team performance. Proudy's team suffered from an inability to
convert their many chances and Matt's team had no trouble
scoring but just couldn't hold a lead. Goal of the night came
when Robbie conjured up a delightful piece of skill to leave Zsu
Zsu floundering much to the delight of his team mates. Just to
rub it in a couple of games later he lashed in another past the
same bemused Moaners keeper with a volley from an astonishingly
acute angle for his third of the night. Nice to see Colin
Ramwell back in the fray, his last appearance was way back in
October last year. Time has taken it's toll with some wayward
finishing but a few weeks back would soon put that right. So
next week as well as Stevie G and Martin, Proudy's off to
Lanzagrottie and Zsu Zsu the man who really knows how to push
the holiday boat out will have the chance to do so in Southport,
am I jealous - naaaaaahhhhhh.
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Kevin English
Bud Jackson
John Goodwin
Ron Buttery
Malc Hough
Chris Anthony
Steve Hart
Nigel Caldwell
Richard Evans
Malcolm Stubbs
Paul Garner
Rick Potts
|
|
Old Vets Number
9
 |
Sunday July 22nd 2007 : The
new football season is creeping up on us with the friendlies now
in full swing. This week New Mills grabbed a famous draw with
Accrington Stanley and I had managed to take in City's youth
team games at Hyde United and Curzon Ashton. Nice to watch
football at grass roots level.
Down at the Leisure centre tonight we had a real humdinger of a
session with Mary's Moaners battling it out with our vets youth
squad. Richard, Paul and Rick, the quickest three players we
could muster on the night plus Malc Stubbs made a pretty
formidable team. Certainly too good for my side who boasted
three over fifty year olds together with my own six decades of
ever aging bones. We didn't manage a win all evening and only
hit the net half a dozen times much to the amusement of the
Moaners. Steve Hart showed remarkable control as Nigel, Chris
and myself chose this evening to have an off night. Richard's
team on the other hand were full of running and passing making
the Moaners dig deep into their reserves of moaning and
intimidation in order to compete. To be fair they did indeed
compete and possibly shaded the nights spoils with some tight
games where Kevin provided the legs and enthusiasm. John and Bryn were the main scorers but Bud Jackson
chipped in with a couple of winners at crucial points in the
games. Malc Stubbs is scoring on a regular basis now and
one particular goal I saw from the balcony was bent in with
great skill. A good night overall in that special atmosphere that only
the Mary's Moaners at full chat can create. I can only imagine how much
Stevie Gerrard will be kicking himself for missing tonight as
his boat meanders from Isle to Isle in the Caribbean or, how
Proudy counts off the days as his skin gets ruined in the baking
sun of Lanzagrottie and, how Zsu Zsu just wishes it would stop
pissing down in Southport.
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Bryn Meredith
Kevin English
Bud Jackson
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Malc Hough
Chris Anthony
Paul Garner
Rick Potts
Robbie Westwood
|
|
Old Vets Number
10
 |
Sunday July 29th 2007 :
Zsu Zsu Mastin returned to the fray this evening looking
suitably bleached after his trip to not so sunny Southport. So
the Mary's Moaners were back to almost full strength with Scouse
Ron dropping out and Kevin English again standing in although in
fairness Kevin is sadly lacking in the moaning department but,
that will no doubt improve with an extended run. My squad was
down to its bare bones or, should I say old bones with Chris and
myself as the sole representatives. We joined up with Paul
Garner, Rick Potts and Robbie Westwood in what looked on paper a
rather unbalanced side. And so it proved to be as the Moaners
raced into an early 5-0 lead. There was no lack of effort but a
total lack of cohesion as we battled gamely to try keep the
rampant Mary's men at bay. The best we could manage was a goal
for every two the opposition scored and that was never going to
be enough. Kevin was like a human dynamo as he covered the pitch
from end to end and the goals flowed as a result. John and Bryn
had a field day and celebrated with the dignity they have become
famous for. For my team Rick Pott had one of his most lucrative
goal-scoring nights with the lions share of our goals. Robbie's
recent scoring vein hit the buffers with a vengeance as he
searched for that elusive first strike which never looked like
arriving. A real good work out though and a deserved win for
Mary's Moaners who could well have their full squad out next
week with the return of the Scouser and Martin. Hopefully
Proudy, Steve Gerrard and Steve Hart will also be back to take
the strain off Chris and myself with Paul Garner having the
Youth team back round him as well to give the Moaners a proper
test.
John's off in the caravan next week touring the South of England
so if you see him on the M5 give him plenty of room and keep an
eye on your wing mirrors, he may be behind you!!
|
|
Tonight's Players
Bud Jackson
Ron Buttery
Malc Hough
Chris Anthony
Richard Evans
Paul Dennis
Kieth Proudfoot
Matt Pink
Keith Mastin
|
|
Old Vets Number
11
 |
Sunday August 5th 2007 : Watching
the pre season game at City yesterday struck me as a major change to
those I watched as a nipper in the early 1950’s. It was the first
team versus the reserves then with no substitutions and a five
minute kick about before the kick off to warm up as opposed to the
45 minute warm up they go through today. Now they are called
prestige friendlies and you can have any number of substitutes The
vets pre match warm up consists of someone standing in the goals
while the lads pummel them with footballs from every angle. No
stretches, limbering up or any such over exertions, just straight in
there. Tonight was no different as the nine vets who turned up gave
it a good go on a hot clammy evening. We played four a side with the
benches in place across the goals with the spare player refereeing
and rejoining the action on the opposite side from the one which he
left, affectionately known as the Scouse Ron Rotational System. The
games were well contested and in the main very close and the goals
were quite spectacular at times. As usual Matt wasn’t intimidated by
the benches finding the net with ease but for the rest of us it
becomes a serious challenge. One on one with the keeper is bad
enough but when a lump of wood prevents a certain goal it can be
very frustrating. Goal of the night had to be Bud Jackson’s, a mazy
run past the three out field opponents was crowned with a glorious
shot into the top corner. Not far behind was Scouse Ron’s volley
past me which flew in like an exocet missile. Ron’s comeback is
starting to show dividends, tonight he was marginally quicker than
the benches but it was another session completed which can’t be bad.
Proudy was back tonight, tanned and fighting fit but Bud brought him
back to earth early doors when he dumped the big fellow to the
ground with an up and under that Mick McManus would have been proud
of. Zsu Zsu Mastin was suffering from a groin problem, probably
picked up during his second honeymoon trip to Southport, which meant
he stayed in nets all evening.
Well the Jocko’s Premier league kicked off yesterday which means
Hearts are only three points behind the leaders but it’s the
Edinburgh Derby tomorrow night so will Stevie have a smile on his
face next week, definitely possibly maybe but I think not. Next Saturday is the English
Premier kick off so the proper season really starts next week……….
COME ON CITY
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Tonight's Teams
The Whites
Ron Buttery
Bryn Meredith
Steve Gerrard
Nigel Caldwell
Martin Wilde
The Coloureds
Malc Hough
Bud Jackson
Richard Evans
Paul Garner
Kieth Proudfoot
|
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Old Vets
Number
12
 |
Sunday August 12th 2007 :
I'm always chuffed to see lads turn up when their team is live on
SKY and tonight Bud Jackson and Bryn, who has adopted Uni£ed as his
team since Stalybridge Celtic have become a bunch of also rans,
chose to support the vets instead. Good move really as the red hot
title favourites bored the pants off the nation as they struggled to
gain a point off mighty Reading. Poor old Rooney fractured his foot
in the process so will be on sick pay for a week or three. Nothing
boring about the vets tonight though as they fought out a
scintillating draw after 90 minutes of hectic action. Team selection
was basic as the five lads in white shirts took on the five in
coloureds. Stevie Gerrard returned from his Caribbean Island hopping
cruise to put in a more than half decent show with some fine goals.
Martin Wild was also back after a months break putting in a good
ninety minutes. Having myself and Bud, the two senior players in
their team meant that Proudy, Paul and Richard had to work that
little bit harder which in all fairness they did. Richard does have
a knack of knocking in goals just when you need them and when his
side dropped ten goals behind at one point he gave them the
impetus to get back in it. Bud was superb in goals tonight
frustrating Bryn and Ron on more than a few occasions. Nigel had a
good night especially as a last line of defence with some last ditch
tackles. It was very satisfying to bring the scores level in the
last couple of minutes and then Proudy put the coloureds in the lead
for the first time but Scouse Ron equalised to set up an
interesting golden goal. After Bud had made a couple of excellent
saves Stevie Gerrard knocked the decider in to bring a very
enjoyable 90 minutes to an end. Going back to the Premiership I see
City are in second spot, another win on Wednesday night and suddenly
the Derby Game next Sunday looks like a six pointer against the
rags.... COME ON CITY
|
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Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
Bryn Meredith
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Kevin English
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Paul Dennis
Chris Anthony
Rick Westwood
Richard Evans
Paul Garner
Matt Pink
Robbie Westwood
Rick Pott
|
|
Old Vets
Number
13
 |
Sunday August 19th
2007 : A stunning win for City against the rags today at the COMSTAD
ensured that the vets session would be a Uni£ed free zone. Pity
it wasn't a trouble free zone as well. Scouse Ron's thuggish
behaviour reappeared in all it's ugliness as he attempted to assault
Chris Anthony for reasons best known to him. Thankfully Chris
managed to avoid any major contact but the intent was clear for all
to see. Bryn's unsporting actions don't help matters which is a pity
because his football skills far outweigh his strange desire to
intimidate people. The evening took a downturn quite early on when
Richard Evans unfortunately went over on his ankle and had to
withdraw from the action. Paul Dennis suffered a similar fate and
also had to stop playing although he did volunteer to referee. Bryn
himself took a few knocks in tackles but in fairness accepted them
without too much fuss. Martin Wilde came a cropper in the last ten
minutes with a nasty fall, Martin does have back problems so
hopefully this won't turn out to be connected with those. In between
this mayhem there were some rattling good games with Mary's Moaners
setting the early pace until Proudy's team turned them over.
Matt was finding it difficult to hit the target with the soft ball
but got better as the evening wore on. One person who had no trouble
controlling the ball was Rick Pott who just couldn't stop
scoring, this was definitely Rick's best game since joining the
vets. Nice to see Robbie's lad having a game with his Dad and a neat
young player he is too although he wouldn't have been over impressed
by the conduct of his elders. Will he be back, I doubt it somehow
which is a shame.
Going back to the derby game, how good to see the blues regain their
rightful place as the Pride of Manchester, it must have been pretty
miserable on the Euston trains tonight as the rags fans made their
way home. I couldn't help wondering if Fozzie was amongst them, it
would be great to hear from him again and even better if he could
make an appearance. Hopefully Zsu Zsu will be back next week
to bring some semblance of discipline back to his Mary's Moaners
team, in the meantime let's hope Martin, Paul and Richard all
get over their injuries as quick as possible.
|
|
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
Bryn Meredith
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Rick Pott
Bud Jackson
Malc Stubbs
Kevin English
Keith Mastin
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Old Vets
Number
14
 |
Sunday August 26th
2007 : I was quite surprised tonight to see 12 vets down for our
Sunday thrash. What with injuries and holidays it looked like we
were about to have one of those weeks where the benches would
appear. Good to see Martin and Bryn had recovered from their
injuries and with Uni£ed on the box Bud made the effort to come
down. Not so lucky though were Richard Evans and Paul Dennis who
both look to be out for a few weeks.
The games this evening were very tight but with plenty of goals.
Difficult to separate the teams in terms of results but Mary's
Moaners started well although Bud Jackson's team seemed to get the
better of them overall. Proudy's team failed to beat the Moaners all
night although we did manage a draw or two but, they beat Bud's team
each time they played which just goes to prove the old adage, it's a
funny old game! Martin hit the goal trail again with a glut of
quality strikes. Kevin and Chris also had their moments when it came
to finding the net but for me Malc Stubbs was the player who caught
the eye with some very nifty footwork. So a very satisfying session
which I think the majority of the lads thoroughly enjoyed - I
certainly did.
Zsu Zsu Mastin has somehow convinced the Carnival Committee that we
are worthy of a cash injection and a substantial pile of readies are
to be presented to our leader which he proposes to use to buy a set
of bibs, emblazoned with our crest and numbered. He also felt that
they should be personalised with our names but I feel this is
unnecessary and would probably instigate an influx of EBay
sales in the memorabilia section. What price a Buttery these days or
a signed Goodwin?? Anyway well done Keith, not only does the
old hippie keep us afloat financially but now he has raised our
profile a notch or three with his wheeling and dealing in the higher
echelons of the Towns fundraisers.
|
Mary's Moaners
Keith Mastin
Bryn Meredith
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Malc Hough
Bud Jackson
Chris Anthony
Kevin English
Karl English
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
Nigel Caldwell
Rick Pott
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|
Old Vets
Number
15
 |
Sunday September
2nd 2007 : Having watched City lose to Blackburn today I needed
cheering up and what better way than to get the old body down to the
Leisure Centre for a challenging session of 5 a side. That's just
what we got with three evenly balanced sides giving it their best
for ninety minutes on a damp September evening. A few leaks from the
ceiling made it a bit dodgy underfoot but overall it was great to
see the lads all leaving with smiles on their faces after what was
after all one of the most enjoyable sessions for a good while. Karl
English made a welcome return, just in time to bolster my squad who
were having a bit of a thin time of it until his left foot started
to hit form. Bryn and Martin had set the standard with a rash of
strikes early doors as the Mary's Moaners slipped into gear. Matt
Pink was having a bit of a mare for once with some wayward shooting
but Paul Garner surely made up for that as he hit a purple patch mid
way through the evening. He hit some blinders from all over the
pitch. Goal of the night for me though was John Goodwin's classic
when he took one touch to turn the ball round his opponent before
slamming it into the net with his second touch, great skill. Nigel
continues to put himself about with some great defending but Rick's
scoring feats of last week hit the buffers as he struggled to match
the high standards he set himself. One incident tonight moves me to
suggest a rule change. As Bryn was about to receive a pass which
would have left him with an open goal he was unsportingly pushed
into the area for which he was awarded a free kick. In all fairness
this should have been a penalty as should any foul of this nature.
Next week should see the return of Proudy complete with smug grin on
his face after Rovers win against City today and hopefully, Steve
Hart & Steve Gerrard so Chris and myself can have the luxury of a
full squad for once. Also we need injury checks on Richard Evans and
Paul Dennis. Additionally next week I hope to publish our new Logo's
for your approval - these will be embroidered onto the new tabards
which our leader has acquired for us. |
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Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
Bryn Meredith
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Bud Jackson
Paul Dennis
Rick Pott
Keith Mastin
Vets proposed
Tabard Badge |
|
Old Vets
Number
16
 |
Sunday September
9th : England and Scotland comfortably won their Euro 2008
qualifiers this weekend but, the big crunch matches are in mid week
when Russia come to Wembley and Scotland go to France. I thought our
own Old Jocko would grace the Leisure Centre tonight buoyed by his
countries run of form but it wasn't to be. Still there were a number
of England shirts on view which at times became a problem as white
seems to be the popular colour at the vets 5 a side sessions. As our
tabards haven't yet been manufactured you had to have your wits
about you to pick out the right team mate. Stevie Gerrard returned
to the fold this evening and slipped back into his team with ease.
Backed up by Proudy they made a formidable back bone to our squad
and easily ended up the top side on the night, losing only three
games. Chris and myself found the going a lot easier in what for
once was a near full squad. Mary's Moaners did have a full turnout
although Keith dropped into Bud Jackson's team. The Moaners had a
decent enough night and with a little better finishing could have
ended up top dogs. Scouse Ron's passing at times was excellent and
Bryn has started to find his scoring touch again. Paul Dennis was
back with us again looking fit and no worse for wear after his
injury. Rick as usual ran his socks off and took a few knocks on the
way including a couple from me which I put down to wearing my sons
trainers, two sizes too big. Nearly goal of the night was my
wonderful flying header which cannoned off the bar. Scorer of the
night had to be Steve Gerrard who slammed in four during one game.
Anyway here's hoping the England and Scotland teams do the business
on Wednesday evening which is the night we are to be presented with
our Carnival money to buy the much needed Tabards / bibs.
|
Mary's Moaners
Keith Mastin
Bryn Meredith
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Malc Hough
Bud Jackson
Chris Anthony
Matt Pink
Latest
Vets proposed
Tabard Badge |
|
Old Vets
Number
17
 |
Sunday September
16th 2007 : Not for the first time in my many years playing with the
Vets on a Sunday night, indeed it's 19 years now, I turned out in a
quite depressed frame of mind. On Thursday I lost one of my dearest
friends who was killed in a road accident on his way home from
London in the early hours. Grief is a very difficult animal to
control and thankfully for me something as simple as a kick about
with my mates was a welcome distraction and hopefully as the days go
on that awful feeling of wasteful loss that we have all felt from
time to time will recede to manageable proportions.
It surprised me somewhat that Stevie Hart didn't show tonight after
Wednesday's unbelievably great win for Scotland in Paris followed by
Heart's thrashing of the Gers on Saturday, maybe he's still in a
state of shock. I await his sick note! A good turnout of City
fans tonight even though Sky clashed with our session. Indeed it was
a rollicking ninety minutes this evening with the Moaners playing
the rest in a four a side contest. The Moaners took the first half
in a surprisingly low scoring game leading 11-6. The second half was
just the opposite as Chris and Matt opened with a flurry of goals to
leave the Moaners with an impossible task to repeat their first half
dominance. They weren't helped when Bryn had to drop into goals
after taking a couple more hefty knocks on his already dodgy ankle
which was a shame because he was having a pretty decent night. We
called it a night a few minutes before the end to save Zsu Zsu from
crippling himself as he looked to be struggling (what's new!)
|
Tonight's Teams
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Paul Garner
Kevin English
Rick Pott
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Nigel Caldwell
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|
Sunday
September 23rd 2007 : With very little distractions on the
TV other than yet another boring Uni£ed v Chelski match (I
wonder if Fozzie still travels up from St Albans with all
his cockney red mates on the Virgin Special to OT?) to
compete with the vets tonight although only 10 turned out.
Not a red in sight although Nigel does prefer them to his
home town team of Cheltenham. Still it made for a very
competitive game this evening with both sides giving it max.
Zsu Zsu's team started brightly and demonstrated the art of
creating space and quick passing as they took an early lead.
Kevin smacked a couple of stunning strikes which absolutely
flew in. Rick was yet again on the end of a few boisterous
tackles which I feel are the result of his own speed and
ability to slip past people in a very unorthodox way,
resulting in a tap or three on his ankles. My team played
like a bunch of HOMO's this evening, "you know, Hit One,
Miss One!!" In fact we missed a hatful. To be fair we did
end up the dominant team although we didn't take the lead
until the last twenty minutes. Chris scored the golden goal
at the end minutes after John had netted his first of the
night. Paul had the miss of the night but in general the
finishing all round wasn't anything to write home about.
Steve Gerrard and Proudy were on the mark for their team but
could have doubled their totals with a little steadier
finishing. Top 90 minutes, more of the same next week
- The big talking point in the dressing room - Where is
Steve Hart??? We need to know. |
Old Vets
Number
18
 |
|
Tonight's Players
Keith Mastin
Martin Wilde
Malc Hough
Robbie Westwood
Bud Jackson
Chris Anthony
Keith Proudfoot
Keith Mastin
Paul Garner
The Vets Tabards
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|
Old Vets
Number
19
 |
Sunday September
30th 2007 : Couldn't believe just how good my beloved City were
yesterday, haven't seen football like that from them for years. So
it wasn't surprising to see a good showing of Blues down at the
Leisure centre for our weekly bash. The Scouse one was back with us
and a decent show from the lad over the ninety minutes. Also
returning after a seven week break was Robbie who looked a little
rusty but ever the willing runner. Robbie's Baggies were on the box
today in a 5-1 destruction of QPR, goals going in from everywhere
but, sadly Robbie struggled to find the net tonight. In a rotational
session there were some very good games although you can't beat the
competitive edge of the regular squads. Proudy had the misfortune to
be paired with myself and Chris, both of us feeling the effects of
man flu. Still the big fella managed to put in a pretty impressive
show including four in one game. Martin and Paul also had a good
night with both players managing to to find the net on a regular
basis. Goal of the night was Scouse Ron's mazy dribble (mainly
trying to control the ball with a modicum of success) before
swivelling like a whirling Dervish and planting the ball into the
far corner from an acute angle. As Ron said, he turned quicker than
a two week old bottle of milk. Bud quietly got on with the game and
bagged a few goals in a really worthwhile nights football. So where
was everybody tonight? Next week I'll be taking a holiday in
Cephalonia so we may be short of playmakers. With a big bit of luck
the tabards' may be ready as Zsu Zsu has finally settled on the
design.
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Tonight's Players
Keith Mastin
Karl English
Paul Garner
Chris AnthonyMartin Wilde
Nigel Caldwell
Kevin English
Ron Buttery
|
Sunday 7th October 2007 : The
absence of ageing playmaker Malc Hough was very apparent
tonight, with the football being of the highest quality and no
diving. Despite competition from victory drinking at the City of
Manchester Stadium, if not the White Hart, eight of the regulars
turned out for another dose of heavy breathing and chronic groin
strains, with Nigel, Martin, Kevin and Limping Ron taking on the
might of Zsu Zsu, Carl, Paulo and Chris. With the score at 18-15
to Zsu Zsu’s team when the defibrillators were brought on at
half-time, there was a remarkable come-back by their younger
opponents and the score was 36-all when the whistle went for
full-time, with the normal hunt for a Golden Goal abandoned
following a quick risk assessment of player fatigue. All played
well and enjoyed a good evening, but there’ll be a whip-round
next week for a new zimmer frame for Nigel, whose legs went awol
for a brief and worrying period early in the second half.
Houghie should be back from
his Grecian training camp next week, which should see a return
to mediocrity. Would be good to see Stevie H and G again, and
where’s Johnboy?
|
Tonight's Teams
Keith Mastin
Karl English
Martin Wilde
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Anthony
Keith Proudfoot
Matt Pink
Malc Hough
|
Sunday 14th October 2007 : What a week
for British Sport - Wins for England and Scotland in the Euro
Qualifiers and the magnificent England Rugby Union team in yet
another World Cup Final. Can they beat the South Africans? Why not!!
Returning from Cephalonia stoked up with excellent Greek food and
the fine Mythos beer I was looking for a nice easy session at the
Leisure Centre this evening but with only eight willing bodies it
turned out to be anything but. Still you have to adapt and it turned
out to be a brilliant nights football all round. Two nicely balanced
teams battled gamely in a three legged thriller. Zsu Zsu selected
two oldies and two runners in each team which turned out to be very
fair although I would have liked to see all the oldies in one team
to test old heads against young guns. The first leg was the closest
with Zsu Zsu's team just shading it 10-9 after being behind for most
of the game. Martin hit scoring form early on and Karl backed him up
with a bagful off his trusty left peg. Having said that it looked
like Chris's team would dominate the night but with wayward shooting
from the quartet they couldn't capitalise on their early dominance.
The second leg also went to Zsu Zsu and his team 10-8 with the
cockney hippie giving a wonderful performance in goal with many
outstanding saves. Nigel as usual was working over time in defence
making it difficult although his passing wasn't up to his usual
standard. In the third and final leg Chris hit top gear and inspired
his team mates to a 10-5 win to take the overall contest 27-25. It
was in that final game that Zsu Zsu pulled off the save of the night
taking the full force of a mighty drive from yours truly square in
the nuts, sadly for him though I tapped in the rebound. Matt
struggled to find his usual scoring touch although he whacked in his
fair share. Highlight of the session was the appearance of Proudy's
new Metallic Red Nike Trainers which hit the target more often than
the old Silver ones which were unceromonially dumped after the
session. Finally the golden goal went to Chris with a fine drive
after taking the ball off Zsu Zsu to cap a very satisfactory ninety
minutes.
Steve Gerrard should be back next week after a slight chill but now
Bryn joins John Goodwin, Steve Hart, Rick Pott, Richard Evans on the
where are they now list. |
