Latest Match Report
TUESDAY 8TH MAY 2007 UCC vs. OUTWOOD COMMON (H) DIV 1
In UCC’s final game of the season after the Southminster cancellation, title chasers Outwood Common made the trip to the switched venue at Witham. Having come from behind to beat Outwood Common 3-2 just two weeks ago, this time UCC were to go down 4-1 losers.
With the late change of venue and overcast evening, the game was shortened to 35 minutes each way by agreement of the referee and the two clubs.
Shooting downhill in the first half, Outwood Common enjoyed the territorial advantage and were first on the score sheet. A kick from the goalie bypassed the UCC midfield after a couple of missed interventions which isolated centre-back Martin Jones with the big Outwood Common forward who was to prove the difference between the teams on the night. Running onto the ball in the corner of the penalty box he hit a powerful and clinical shot into the far corner to put Common 1-0 up.
A second goal followed shortly from a corner kick. A midfield runner was simply unmarked and beat ‘keeper Turrell from close range with a headed effort.
UCC had looked to pass the ball around and press Outwood common when in possession, typified by David Kingham and Bauke van der Meer chasing down seemingly lost causes. This work rate resulted in some good attacking situations and a number of corners, the later from which UCC were to draw a goal back.
Forward Ben Allen took a corner from the right side which was flicked on to Andy Moore on the far left side. Andy showed skill and composer to swing the ball back into the danger area where Tom Westhead’s flick found Ben unmarked at the far post where he was able to drill the ball into the far corner on the half-volley.
A solid half from UCC had left them well in the game at 2-1 down, shooting downhill in the second period.
The goal that was to put the game beyond UCC came in stunning fashion. The Outwood Common striker gathered the ball from 30 yards and struck a sweet shot for his second and Outwood Common’s third.
A superb last ditch block from midfielder Matthew Jones prevented a near certain goal as he threw himself at the ball just 3 yards from the UCC goal.
UCC had chances to put pressure on title-chasing Common but couldn’t find the back of the net. Playing through the pain barrier, centre-back Joe Waller had an improvised effort on goal tipped over the bar by the ‘keeper after a scramble from another corner. UCC’s other chance of the half fell to striker John de Lacy after good work from Andy Moore had fed Ben Allen who played through de Lacy who’s effort whistled over the bar.
Outwood Common’s striker then completed a fine hat-trick. Dave Turrell came out of goal to collect a long ball up-field but was beaten to the ball by the striker who took it round Dave to the left side of the penalty area. From a tight angle and still from some distance he managed to control a powerful shot into the goal beating the covering defenders.
A harsh score-line on UCC considering a solid performance from a bare-bones squad in the concluding game of the season.
UCC: D Turrell, T Westhead, J Waller, Martin Jones, R Monk, D Kingham, B van der Meer, Matt Jones, A Moore, B Allen (capt), J de Lacy.
Man of the Match: ANDY MOORE
Goals: Ben Allen
SATURDAY 28TH APRIL 2007 UCC vs. WELCOME FC (H) DIV 1
Saturday saw UCC playing host to table-toppers Welcome FC who had narrowly won the reserve fixture back in September last year. An efficient performance from Welcome FC saw them stroll to a 4-0 victory. With the squad ravaged by injuries, the home side had only the bare eleven available to start the game, again played in glorious sunshine and barmy temperatures.
In the first half UCC produced some good attacking possession but failed to create a meaningful effort on goal. Welcome however managed several attempts and despite some great blocks by the patched-up defence and some saves from ‘keeper Dave Turrell, UCC were 2-0 down at half-time. A close range effort and a volley from distance doing the damage.
The second half saw a similar pattern of play, UCC’s attacks being fragmented by sloppy passing and some tired legs. Marc Ryan showed there to be plenty of gas left in his tank, making several surging runs forward, on one occasion breaking through the Welcome defence only to be tackled by the goalie. UCC’s best chance came from a corner, delivered by Ben Allen leaving Tom Westhead with a free header at goal, which wasn’t converted.
Overall a disappointing performance in a somewhat meaningless encounter for UCC, despite some real bright spots in performances from Martin Jones and Marc Ryan at centre-back and midfielder Andy Moore, growing in stature with each passing game.
UCC: D Turrell, T Westhead, Martin Jones, M Ryan, R Monk, S Wright, Matt Jones, B van der Meer, A Moore, B Allen, J de Lacy
Man of the Match: MARTIN JONES
TUESDAY 24TH APRIL 2007 OUTWOOD COMMON vs. UCC (A) DIV 1
UCC looked to bounce back from their first league defeat of '07 in a mid-week league fixture that took them away to promotion hopefulls Outwood Common F.C. A tight, competetive encounter echoed the nights other match, Man Utd v A.C Milan Champions League Semi, and ended 3-2 with a late winner in UCC's favour.
The match started on a pitch that bordered on the dangerous, badly rutted and uneven through out. Both teams set out to play football though and dealt well with the under foot conditions. UCC started the brighter linking well from midfield to attack and began to look for a way though. The deadlock was broken early on as a Sean Wright corner was swung into the danger zone and Simon Hanover rose and met the ball planting a powerfull header low through the 'keepers legs into the back of the net, for a great start in UCC's favour.
UCC nearly doubled their lead soon after as Sean Wright latched onto a well timed Bauke van der Meer through ball and rattled the far post from 10 yards only to see the ball canon out and avoid the opposite post before reaching safety at a defenders feet.
Outwood Common then started to seize opportunities as their hard working frontline caused problems. A freekick awarded for a mis-timed tackle saw the ball delivered dangerously into the box from the right side and a flick from the melee of players sent the ball flying into the net with little that could be done to prevent it. 1-1
The second half saw Outwood Common look to take all 3 points but UCC once again started sharply. Ben Allen was denied from 10 yards as the Common Goalie showed incredible reactions to stick a leg out and prevent a near certain goal.
Common then produced a great passage of football as they played intricate passes into space working the ball from the halfway line into the UCC box between a number of their players. The Outwood striker left Dave Turrell with no chance as he tucked the ball into the far corner from 10yards to give them the lead. 2-1
UCC responded to this and started to play the ball around through out the team. The sharp Ben Allen showed great skill to twist and turn past the covering defender who could only stop his progress by bringing him down on the edge of the box in the left hand corner.
The ball was swung in dangerously and Tom Westhead rose well to guide his flick to the back post where John de Lacy reacted quicker than the defender on the post to reach the ball first and knee the ball into the net from a yard. 2-2
The game then went too and frow as some good football was countered with strong defending. Late on the match appeared to be heading for a draw when John de Lacy challenged for a high ball heading into the opponents half. Ben Allen reacted quickest to the aerial ball and reached it first head the ball and release de Lacy in on goal. From a wide angle John drove the ball into the far corner of the net to complete the UCC recovery.
The remainder of the game saw Outwood Common push for an equaliser but UCC held strong.
The final minutes of a good competetive football match were marred somewhat by a Common player verbally abusing a number of UCC players. This continued for a period of 5 or so minutes after the match. The individual's behaviour was out of context with the rest of the Outwood Common team who showed grace in defeat.
The ref was excellent controlling a competetive match with minimum fuss.
UCC: D Turrell, M Woodyard (Martin Jones), S Hanover, M Ryan, T Westhead, S Wright, Matt Jones, B van der Meer, A Moore (J Martin), B Allen(capt.), J de Lacy.
Man of the Match: SIMON HANOVER
Goals: Simon Hanover, John de Lacy 2
SATURDAY 21ST APRIL 2007 SCOTIA BILLERICAY vs. UCC (A) DIV 1
UCC travelled to league favourites Scotia Billericay who had also reached three cup finals this season, including the league cup which they had been unfortunate to lose on Thursday evening. A very tight game went Scotia’s way as result of a late and controversial penalty, winning the game 2-1.
On another warm afternoon both teams coped well with the blazing sunshine and the hard-baked pitch.
UCC had the best of the chances during the first half. Striker Ben Allen released winger Bauke van der Meer down the left wing who swung over a brilliant cross to the far post, unfortunately Dan Blake’s header was wide of the mark.
The opening goal came for UCC mid-way through the first half, scored by winger Dan Blake making his first start since returning from an injury sustained in late January. Striker John de Lacy was the provider, turning on the half-way line to play in Dan running down the right. Dan showed tremendous pace and balance to get to the ball first and take it on towards goal. He then shot right-footed into the top left corner of the net for a classy finish and to put UCC 1-0 up.
The home side hit back immediately however. A long range effort was hit powerfully and only parried by ‘keeper Dave Turrell and was followed up sharply by a Scotia player to tap home to level things up at half-time.
Winger Bauke van der Meer then had a glorious opportunity when Joe Waller sent him through one-on-one, only for his attempted lob to sail over the bar. Bauke was later cautioned for showing dissent after a series of throw-in decisions not going UCC’s way.
The Billericay ‘keeper was then at his best to prevent a de Lacy effort from putting UCC ahead. De Lacy was through on goal and struck a powerful shot across goal which was superbly blocked by the ‘keeper.
The second half saw Scotia create a few more chances, a bad miss and a couple of huge saves from Turrell kept UCC well in the hunt for an impressive win. Matt Jones in particular was commanding in the centre of the pitch, braking up Scotia’s attacks and providing service to the front men and wingers. The UCC defence of Westhead, Hanover, Sheldon and Ryan looking increasingly solid, containing some talented Scotia players impressively.
The chances were beginning to dry up for both teams. Only the lively Andy Moore’s introduction from the subs bench seemed to offer UCC a chance of creating a second goal. The other second half substitution saw Alex Chamberlain replace Dan Blake on the right side of midfield.
The decisive point of the game came in devastating circumstances for UCC as the referee made a disappointing decision to award Scotia a late penalty for handball against centre-back Simon Hanover, despite little appeal from the Scotia players and the obvious disbelief from the UCC ranks, the referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was duly dispatched into the left side of the goal to put Scotia 2-1 up.
UCC continued to press and play the ball around well, but Scotia were solid at the back and held out for the narrowest of wins.
A superb effort from all the UCC players and staff, this week not getting the result the performance warranted, UCC’s first league defeat of 2007.
UCC: D Turrell, T Westhead, S Hanover, D Sheldon, M Ryan, D Blake(A Chamberlain), J Waller (A Moore), Matt Jones, B van der Meer , B Allen, J de Lacy. Sub: Martin Jones
Man of the Match: MATT JONES
Goal: D Blake
SATURDAY 14TH APRIL 2007 UCC vs. BOUNDARY FC DIV 1 HOME
UCC resumed league buisness after a week off over Easter looking to extend the club record league unbeaten run to nine games. The last league defeat for the club was way back in November 06 away at Springfield Rouge. The obstacle to negotiate was a home tie to consistant division 1 outfit Boundary F.C who in the two previous meetings of the season, one in the divisional cup, had seen the clubs share 2-2 draws in both matches.
The weather was warm and the pitch hard but was conducive to attacking football and pace, promising an exciting match. UCC welcomed back to the bench Dan Blake who had returned from 3 months out after ankle ligament damage, a lift to the club to receive a pacey winger back at such a stage in the season. The match started and UCC looked bright and lively from the off in attack.
Positive early possesion saw them push Boundary onto the back foot and the opposition keeper showed he was alert from the start by repelling two efforts ontarget that the defenders managed to clear at the third attempt. UCC continued the good link up play and were probing down both flanks pushing Boundary back towards their goal. It was however through a huge goalkeeper's kick that the first goal came.
Dave Turrell again showed his threat from ball in hand by punting down the middle off the field. The ball bounced once and striker John de Lacy held off the centre back to bring the ball under control and then fire low past the keeper from 10 yards to see UCC crown a very positive start with a goal on 7 minutes.
Soon after UCC forced a couple of corners and looked to impose themselves further on the opposition who were reeling from the opening exchanges. The tide of attack soon turned however as Boundary began to pressure an unsure UCC defence who struggled to deal with speculative long balls. The indecision and poor shape and communication soon showed UCC's frailties and Boundary needed no second invitation to exploit this weakness. They began to play long balls from the back for their strikers to challenge against the UCC back line and found they could get in on goal with ease. The UCC team found their confidence broken and it soon became a case of stemming the constant wave after wave of attacks with little thought other than ball forward from the Boundary players which caused major problems every time.
It was a basic throw in from the Boundary left hand side that produced the inevitable leveller. The ball was launched into the box and a striker had time and freedom to control the ball, turn with it past a marker and find himself open in front of goal from 5 yards. He duly hit the ball low into the near post corner past an exposed, somewhat shocked Goalkeeper on 23 minutes.
UCC then had to reshuffle as soon after as centre back Joe Waller was hurt in a tackle and could not continue. Dan Blake took the pitch for his anticipated return to the club. The back line was then reshuffled with a new centre back and two new full backs looking to reduce the defensive frailties.
The remaining 20 minutes of the half improved little with UCC's attacks now dried up completely and a continuation of the defense versus attack that saw Boundary looking to captilise on their opponents seeming unprovoked calamaties. Half time was a real saviour for UCC and so was the somewhat gift of a shared scoreline.
In the second half UCC looked to improve on the first half performance and take the intiative that had been so weakly lost after the first 15 minutes of the match.
Within 5 minutes it was clear the undefeated run was no fluke. UCC again looked imposing in possesion, concentrated and clinical in defence and sharp through out the team. A real, real testament to the players attitudes in transforming that first half display into the real never say die, honest mentality that each player had shown since the turn of the year.
The back line looked much more commanding and began to provide a base and confidence for the midfield to start the attacks and help UCC once again threaten the opposition. The Boundary attackers were now forced into thinking much more about how they created their chances and soon the balls hit straight up front began to prove fruitless.
The half saw UCC's tempo and link play return but the game as a contest remained tight with little between the sides to seperate them, as the previous two results between the teams had proved. Boundary thought they had grabbed a winner late on in the match as the otherwise faultless Dave Turrell saw a goal kick scuff to a retreating Boundary attacker who in fairness did well to control the ball and run in and lob the ball into the net over a defenseless keepers head. Que the celebrations that in such a tight game could be forgiven for mistaking as a winning goal on 80 minutes.
You do not go unbeaten in 9 matches for nothing though and the body language of UCC players including keeper' Turrell showed a positivity and belief that the contest was not over even in those circumstances. A complete turn around from the first half attitude! From the kick off Sub winger Josh Martin took control of possesion on the left wing and slid the ball inside to midfielder Bauke van der Meer. Bauke then fed the ball deep into the right corner and Dan Blake showed willingness and belief to force the Boundary defender to put the ball out. The resulting throw in was flung into a crowded box and half cleared but the second ball was fed back into the danger zone and fell to Ben Allen who controlled cooly and teed up equally unmarked partner de Lacy 10 yards out, who fired the ball past a helpless keeper inside the near post left footed, on 83 minutes. 2-2.
There was still time, as this level of football has shown us heart breakingly before, for a winner. At any time during the 90 minutes of the match mis-concentration or a slight relaxing of effort can be punished. A Boundary striker took possesion on the edge of the box and waltzed past a couple of half-hearted tackles to find shooting opportunity at close range, mercifully for UCC he hit the inside of the far post and the ball came out, rebounding to a Boundary player on the edge of the penalty area but he could not finish summing up the oppositions frustration through out the match. A heart in mouth let off for an otherwise accomplished UCC defensive second half performance. The match, as the previous two, again finished 2-2 with nothing seperating the team. The point was well earned in the over view of the whole match and has secured the clubs division 1 status for next season.
A fantastic achievement for the club to remain undefeated in 9 consecutive league matches in it's second season in the league and one that could reach double figures with a result at Scotia Billericay the following weekend.
UCC: D Turrell, T Westhead, M Woodyard, J Waller(D Blake), M Ryan, S Wright, Matthew Jones, B van der Meer, A Moore (J Martin), B Allen (capt.), J de Lacy
Man of the Match: MARC RYAN
Goals: John de Lacy 2
SATURDAY 31ST MARCH 2007 STOCK vs. UCC DIV 1 (A)
UCC travelled away to rivals Stock United on Saturday and came away with all three points after winning 3-2.
Playing against the wind in the first half UCC battled well to share possession and territory evenly with the home side.
It was Stock who took the lead as an attacker got free on the right hand side of the penalty box and crossed. The cross was met by a poorly hit shot which went into the ground and bounced over a flailing Dave Turrell and under the bar.
After a slow start the goal woke the UCC side into life and it wasn’t long before they were on terms. Good defending by full-back Mark Woodyard released the ball to forward Ben Allen who curled a ball round the back of the defence. Striker John de Lacy managed to win the ball before beating two defenders and slotting the ball home for a well composed finish.
The UCC defence were looking increasingly solid, dealing excellently with a series of Stock corners, and reducing the home team to long range efforts which were dealt with well by ‘keeper Dave Turrell.
Great work from both wingers; Sean Wright and Andy Moore, meant UCC looked the most likely to score the next goal. One fabulous cross from Andy Moore’s left foot was just too high for the strikers to get a head to. Sure enough though, the goal came, and right on the stroke of half time. A long pass from ‘keeper Turrell found Ben Allen in space in the centre circle. He released Sean Wright down the right wing who then played in Ben on the edge of the box. Ben controlled and shot into the far corner of the net despite the ‘keeper getting finger tips to the ball.
The second half saw the centre midfielders begin to dominate but UCC were struggling to find another goal up front. UCC’s failure to push on saw Stock grow in confidence and they eventually found a second goal to equalise.
Stock’s number 8, a menace all game, managed to wriggle free of the defence with a question over a possible hand ball, but finished superbly well to make it 2-2.
UCC responded by re-taking the lead with 15 minutes to go. Tom Westhead, excellent all game, put in a corner from the right side which was met by Joe Waller at the far post who beat his marker to head in the winning goal.
As Stock became increasingly physical, and the referee decided to turn a blind eye, UCC controlled the closing stages and proved the fitter of the two sides, thanks in no small way to the returning Bauke van der Meer who came on in the second half.
A deserved victory meaning UCC have taken all six points off Stock and continued their unbeaten run in the league.
UCC: D Turrell, M Woodyard, S Hanover, J Waller, M Ryan, S Wright, T Westhead, Matt Jones, A Moore (B van der Meer), B Allen (capt), J de Lacy. Subs: Martin Jones, D Sheldon.
Man of the Match: TOM WESTHEAD
Goals: John de Lacy, Ben Allen, Joe Waller
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2007 BOUNDARY vs. UCC; DIV 1 (A)
UCC maintained their unbeaten run in the league as they earned a battling point away to Boundary of Orset. Despite UCC taking the lead twice, Boundary were to equalise with just a couple of minutes to go and the game finished 2-2.
With a number of injuries and absentees, UCC had an unfamiliar line-up to recent weeks but still managed a good performance to continue the clubs progress in the league.
Playing against the wind in the first half UCC coped well despite Boundary dominating territorially. Despite several dangerous moments the home side were unable to break down the UCC defence and create a clear-cut chance.
The first attempt at goal for UCC saw manager John de Lacy unleash a fearsome half-volley from 25 yards which just caught the wind and drifted a foot wide of the top right corner of the goal.
UCC continued to look dangerous on the break and soon scored a goal of devastating pace. Having defended a Boundary attack winger Sean Wright carried the ball out of defence and fed de Lacy on the half way line. De Lacy powered forward and played in strike partner Ben Allen down the left channel. Ben cut inside the defender into a central position and then shot early into the far right corner from 20 yards with the goalie hopelessly out of position.
The lead wasn’t to last long however as the Boundary left back scored a wonder goal. Striker Ben Allen was caught in possession in midfield and then defender Mark Woodyard missed his tackle to leave the left back through down the left wing. From a crossing position 35 yards from goal he let fly a thunderous bullet shot which went over the outstretched Dave Turrell and dipped under the bar into the centre of the goal.
The second half saw the wind drop and consequently decrease the potential advantage to UCC. As the half wore on Boundary were increasingly dominant, creating but not taking their chances. Several shots blazed high and wide and one Schmeichel-esque block/save from ‘keeper Turrell after a scramble saw Boundary frustrated and UCC sniffing all three points.
On another quick break, John de Lacy drove forward to play in Ben Allen who las then dragged back by the last defender on the edge of the area only for the referee to give an astonishing offside decision. Boundary’s failure to provide a capable and willing assistant was to cost UCC on more than one occasion.
With 8 minutes to go UCC took the lead for the second time. Striker de Lacy broke free down the right channel and had his shot saved, Sean Wright followed up and his shot was blocked on the line, de Lacy then got to the ball first and went round a defender who attempted to trip him. With the advantage lost the referee pointed to the spot. De Lacy stepped up and dispatched the ball into the corner to put UCC 2-1 up.
Another wrong offside decision ruled out a de Lacy goal after he had ran through and rounded the keeper.
UCC were unable to hold out however as Boundary won a very dubious free kick on the corner of the penalty box. The ball was delivered to the far post where an attacker was able to control the ball on his chest, turn and blast the ball into the roof of the net.
Despite being just minutes away from a win, the draw was still a good result for UCC when accounting for the balance of play throughout the game. The result keeps UCC ahead of Boundary in the table and preserves the undefeated league record in 2007.
UCC: D Turrell, M Woodyard, D Sheldon, M Ryan, I Gregory-Smith, S Wright, T Westhead, Matt Jones, A Chamberlain (Martin Jones), B Allen (capt.), J de Lacy.
Man of the Match: BEN ALLEN
Goals: Ben Allen, J de Lacy (pen)
SATURDAY 17TH MARCH 2007 UCC vs. SILVER END, DIV 1 HOME
UCC entertained Silver End at Chancellor Park, a team placed second in the league and through to the league cup final. Having lost out in the semis, UCC put things right in the league running out comfortable 3-0 winners.
In a very even first half, chances were few and far between and the battle was played out in midfield. Silver End came closest to opening the scoring when a speculative effort from distance hit the post. Another long-range effort was brilliantly struck but was straight at ‘keeper Dave Turrell who saved comfortably.
A persistent back injury forced striker David Kingham off after just 30 minutes, making way for the returning Ben Allen, having been out injured for the past 9 months.
The best opening of the half for UCC was provided by young winger Josh Martin who won the ball and released Ben Allen down the left channel but could only shoot tamely.
The second half saw a continued excellent team display from UCC and soon this was to be rewarded by goals. Joe Waller was first on the score sheet, with a first time finish from close range. Josh martin took a throw-in deep in Silver End’s half on the left wing to John de Lacy who worked the ball into the box where Joe Waller was on hand to provide the finish.
UCC were relatively untroubled at the back with all four defenders looking in top form and solid as a unit. Going forward UCC continued to be a threat and soon they had the ball in the net again. Good closing down from Ben Allen gifted the ball to right winger Sean Wright who provided a quality ball over the top for de Lacy to run onto. One-on-one de lacy made no mistake in putting the ball past the ‘keeper for a 2-0 lead.
UCC continued to get numbers forward in order to put the game to bed and did so with a third goal with 20 minutes to go. John de Lacy had the ball down the left wing and played a back-heel to the overlapping Marc Ryan who cut inside and played a square pass to striker Ben Allen who passed the ball into the left hand corner from 6 yards.
Troubled by his groin muscles, Josh Martin was replaced by Andy Moore out on the left who provided some good passes to the forwards.
Silver End upped the pressure in the closing stages but the outstanding defence of Nick Gough, Joe Waller, Dave Sheldon, and Marc Ryan were dominant in the air and on the ground, also well shielded by centre midfielders Tom Westhead and Matt Jones.
John de Lacy nearly made it four near the end but for a fantastic save from the Silver End goalie. More good work from Sean Wight provided Ben Allen with the ball who released de Lacy who beat the ‘keeper to the ball and looked to lift the ball over him but he somehow managed to get a hand to the ball as he came rushing out.
An overall outstanding performance and result which means UCC have taken 14 of the last 18 points available in the league.
UCC: D Turrell, N Gough, J Waller, D Sheldon, M Ryan, S Wright, Matt Jones, T Westhead, J Martin (A Moore), D Kingham (B Allen), J de Lacy.
Man of the Match: DAVE SHELDON
Goals: Joe Waller, John de Lacy, Ben Allen
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