Ken's Bulletin 02/2010
What a few weeks it has been. With the snow eventually thawing and the temperatures rising albeit only a few degrees, we have at last managed to get some football in.
Well done to the lads who travelled to Durham last Saturday (see match report on news), who were quite superb in gaining a much deserved victory over Durham, by 2-1. We now march onto the semi finals to play the winners of Liverpool vs Cornwall which takes place next Saturday week.
It was a great experience using the "bullet" from Ebbsfleet International to St Pancras, and then the Kings Cross to Durham link. Shifting 23 of us across London including two kit bags, bottles and balls was at times fun but all eyes were on my treasured balls each time the train stopped to make sure that they did not disappear!
Huge thanks to those players who wrote t*t across my forehead, and painted stripes on my face whilst I took a well earned rest on the way home!! My thanks to the President and Chief Executive of this League, Mrs Boswell and the good Mrs B for not telling me, so that I was able to walk back through Kings Cross and St Pancras oblivious to the "joke" that was of course at my expense. I expect there are pictures doing the rounds!!!! I know who my friends are!!!
It was, in all fairness, a brilliant end to a fantastic weekend, but I will NOT be sleeping on the way back from either Liverpool or Cornwall!!!!
On Sunday, I went across to Bellingham Leisure Centre in the afternoon, and saw two games for the price of one. I went to see the Under 14 Quarter Final between Bridon Ropes and Dartford, but as the game kicked off late, I was able to watch Glebe vs Cray Wanderers Under 15s, which was lively with 5 penalties and a red card!!!! Glebe won the game 5-2 I believe.
The Cup game was a real good advert for the League which Dartford won 1-0. Physically Bridon were much stronger than Dartford, but Dartford were well organised and had 4 or 5 very good players and in the end their organisation won the game.
The left back of Dartford whilst being the smallest player on the field, had a superb left foot and technically was outstanding. He was not overawed by the size difference and is one for the notebook along with the skipper, centre back, and goalscorer!!! Won't be long before they are under 16s!!!
I am now planning my trip to Liverpool next Saturday to cast my eye over the two teams ahead of the semi final, and have decided to go by train to save on hubcaps!!!!
We have a League Management Committee meeting tonight which is always fun and before that I am at Junior Brooke's school to see her teachers for the one time of the year!!! Important as GCSE's in the Summer. She is then off to Prague over half term to play with the School Orchestra (plays electric guitar), but is travelling by coach!!!!! The schools do know how to spoil them!! Could have flown to Oz in the time it will take! At least she will see much of Europe en route!
I hope you are still watching Sky's Search for a Star and monitoring Ben's progress. Loved the sunshades last weekend and looking "cool"! No jealousy you understand!!!
Finally, picking up Daniel Wyatt tonight to take him to Lordswood for the meeting. Only Referee I ever had who sent my keeper off twice when he refereed one of my games at Welling!!! Have never let him forget it, but he is one of the FA's highest earners based on yellow and red cards :) :).
It gives us a good opportunity to discuss the merits of the game and in particular to get a Referee's perspective on things!! (I will try and stay awake!!! :) :)
Finally, Finally, does anyone have a spare £30 million to save my beloved Crystal Palace?????? What a sad state of affairs, and there is plenty more to run on this story (have lots of good info!!!). This may be the tip of the iceburg but it is very worrying when it is "your" club that has fallen foul.
More soon, and carry on enjoying your football.
Ken
