NEWSLETTER	Issue 4     November 2001 http://www.fc-crusaders.co.uk

Yes, we know it’s late, but we have had a jumble sale to organise, you know ...

AND WHAT A TERRIFIC EVENT IT WAS, as all who came along and have at last recovered will no doubt confirm. Thanks to some excellent support from players’ families and friends, we raised an amazing amount, approaching £300, for club funds.  If you gave us your jumble, collected other people’s for us, helped the night before to transform the huge mess on the floor of Boxgrove’s school hall into presentable and (apparently) desirable merchandise, enhanced your negotiating skills behind a stall or simply came along to buy on the day, thank you very much.

BECAUSE WE MISSED A MONTH, we have devoted a whole page of this issue to results and reports on most of the matches our boys have played since late September.  So, sit back and relive the glories over a cup of tea and a custard cream … 

YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LEAGUE TABLES on this page that both teams are in respectable 5^th place in their divisions.  Lions are standing up proudly still in both cup competitions, with a League Cup match coming up in November against St Francis Sports and a probable bye in the Challenge Trophy due to Meadow Sports dropping out recently.

CRUSADERS TOUR - CLACTON 2002

One of the more ambitious plans we announced on launching the Club was to take one team or more on tour towards the end of our first season.  Having had a generally favourable response from chats with parents recently, we have come up with a proposal to go to sunny CLACTON next June in the half term week.  We think the trip to this exclusive Essex resort will be an excellent experience for the lads and an opportunity for them to have a fun holiday with their friends and families.  Details are on the attached sheet.  We do need to get things moving, so we are asking parents to feed back to us quickly as we will otherwise lose our provisional booking.  Not wanting anyone to miss out, the Club would be happy for any boy to tour without his parents if arrangements are made independently for another adult to take full responsibility for him.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE SLIP PROVIDED AND RETURN IT TO PENNY OR ROGER AT THE MATCHES ON 11 NOVEMBER.

Management Committee Contact numbers (01483)

Dean 826355, Roger 503387, Penny/Andrew 457998

League positions after 4 Nov matches:

22 Sep:  LIONS HOLD ON TO WIN TIE

Lions didn’t have far to travel along Horseshoe Lane to St Thomas of Canterbury School for this Challenge Trophy Preliminary Round fixture against first division side Guildford FC 2000 “B”. In a game of two very different halves, Lions confidently took control from the start to lead 3-0 at half time, thanks to two excellent finishes from Andy, a shot from Jordan that Thomas put over the line to make sure it would count and an assured performance from midfield man of the match, Pete.  It could have been four or more as James had a shot hit the post and other chances went begging.  FC 2000 woke up in the second half and fought back aggressively as Crus’ eight-man squad seemed to tire.  Despite Stuart’s and Richard’s best defensive efforts and Eddie’s usual accomplished display between the sticks, two FC 2000 goals were snatched in this period that made things a bit tighter than they really should have been by the time the welcome final whistle was blown. Lions move into the First Round proper, relieved to have come through with a depleted squad and their confidence boosted by this well deserved victory.

23 Sep:  DRAGONS BATTLE ON IN CUP

In a stirring performance v. Hampton Hawks, known to be a strong side, Dragons were not deterred in their Challenge Trophy match. Shreyas put the ball in the net for a 1-0 lead in a splendid attack involving Harrie and Alex, but Hampton equalised despite Arjun and Andrew repeatedly blocking their attack. In end to end, fast and furious play,  Alex, as captain, led by example with good ball skills. He covered the ground, attacking then falling back in defence and was deservedly named man of the match.  Jake’s performance in goal was brilliant as he tried to hold Hawks back. Harrie, Shreyas, Ted and Tomas attacked again and again but still found the energy to run back in support of the team under pressure. Paul showed tremendous skills at the back, taking the ball off Hawks’ main striker to his amazement. But, despite Dragons’ numerous attacks, the ball went everywhere but in the net while Hampton notched up more goals.  The result, 8-1, was disappointing, but the spirit and skills shown by Dragons were superb. Heads were held up throughout as the team pulled together. The boys can be proud of their performance.

30 Sep:  DRAGONS SHOW THEIR SPIRIT

Away to a polished Windlesham Village in the league, Dragons went down 6-0 but fought to the end showing great strength of character.  Much of the play was at the Dragons’ end, putting Tom, Andrew and Paul under pressure in defence and giving Liam much to do in goal.  Their combined efforts, their marking skills and their determination thwarted many a Windlesham attempt.  There was stirring support from the midfield, Alex and Ben, who displayed excellent ball skills and considerable stamina.  Ben particularly put in a fine performance and was key to turning defence into attack.  Shreyas, Ted and Harrie mounted several attacks and nearly scored but they too were much needed at the back to help fend off the Windlesham strikers.  Some remarkable running by Harrie, our captain, put him in key positions to help the team and his all round performance easily merited his Man of the Match award.

30 Sep:  LIONS TAKE FIRST LEAGUE POINTS

Having knocked Guildford FC 2000’s B-team out of the County Cup the previous week, Lions welcomed their A-side to The Field of Dreams for a league fixture that resulted in an identical result as Crus ran out 3-2 winners again. FC 2000 A provided the Lions with some stiff opposition throughout the game, but thanks to goals from Andy, Jordan and Robert and some brave goalkeeping from Ed “Kamikaze “ Cooke, the Lions managed to hold on to the lead to do the double over the determined but defeated FC 2000.

7 Oct:  MOLESEY TAKE POINTS FROM BRAVE LIONS

Molesey Juniors were next to grace the hallowed “Field of Dreams” turf. The excitement was matched only by the brilliant play of the Lions as they roared into an early lead, only to be pegged back time after time by some tenacious Molesey counter attacking. The atmosphere was electric as the Boxgrove faithful urged the young Lions on.  As the second half began where the first left off, the Lions’ luck finally ran out as Juniors took the lead. The rash that was the Lions spread across the opposition as they valiantly attacked time and time again. The game was close, the encounter great. The result, 6-4,  did not do the Lions justice.

7 Oct:  DRAGONS’ EFFORTS PAY OFF

Dragons’ fine team play and stamina paid off with a 6-2 win over Stanford Youth.  The rain-sodden home ground tested the boys’ fitness as all members of the team joined the attack, then fell back in defence to hold off Stanford’s strong forwards.  The score line, with two goals each for Jake, Liam and Ted, was unusual because Jake and Liam both spent half the match in goal, showing remarkable versatility.  The goals were the result of some fine team play, with Tomas, Shreyas and Ben helping to set each one up.  In midfield, captain Ben provided strong leadership, dominating the play and Alex was powerful in the air and on the ground.  At the back, Andrew, Tommy and Adam supported each other, holding off Stanford’s forwards and running up to bolster the attacks.  Man of the Match went to Ted for some excellent ball skills, tenacity and team play.

DRAGONS FIXTURES/RESULTS

All home matches kick off at 11 am at the
Field of Dreams, Boxgrove School.
GSDL Division 1 unless stated.
Jul 27       (F) Burpham 6 Dragons 0
Sep 8       (F) Dragons 3 Fleet Spurs 1
Sep 9       Dragons 0 Burpham 3
Sep 16     (F) Dragons 0 Lions 7
Sep 23     (CT1) Dragons 1 Hampton H 8
Sep 30     Windlesham Village 6 Dragons 0
Oct 6        (F) Dragons 0 Shalford 7
Oct 7        Dragons 6 Stanford Youth FC 2
Oct 14      (LC1) Dragons 2 Wind’ham V 5
Nov 4       Dragons 1 Byfleet Boys 1
Nov 11     Away v Claygate Royals Swans  11       (k.o. 10 am)
Nov 18     Home v Guildford FC 2000 “B”
Nov 25     Away v Wood Street Village   (k.o. 12.30 pm)
Dec 2       Home v Hampton Hawks
Dec 9       Away v Guildford FC 2000 “B”                (k.o. 12 noon)
Dec 16     Away v Stanford Youth (k.o. tba)
Jan 6        No fixture yet
Jan 13      Away v Byfleet Boys  (k.o. 11am)
Jan 20      No fixture yet
Jan 27      Away v Burpham Jnrs (k.o. 9.30)
Feb 3       Home v Claygate Royals Swans (unless Swans are in LC semi final)
Feb 10     Away v Worplesdon Rangers (k.o. tba)
Feb 24     Home v Worplesdon Pumas
Mar 3       Home v Wood Street Village
Mar 10     No fixture yet
Mar 17     Home v Windlesham Village
Mar 24     Away v Hampton Hawks Mar 24             (k.o. tba)
Apr 7       No fixture yet
Apr 21     No fixture yet
League matches v Worplesdon Rangers, (H) & Worplesdon Pumas (A) to be arranged.

14 Oct:  MORE LIONS CUP GLORY

Before the half term break, Lions were in action against the 1^st Division’s Byfleet Boys, whose manager was fresh from a UEFA coaching course. The game began in traditional Crusader style with yet another campaign of sustained Lions pressure. As the boys laid siege to the Byfleet goal it seemed only a matter of time before success would come. But, brilliant Byfleet defending and goalkeeping meant the Lions’ efforts went unrewarded until, on the strike of half time, Jordan popped up to fire his side into the lead with a blistering right foot shot low to the keeper’s right.  For most of the second half, the inspired Lions bedazzled the battling Byfleet and, during a period when there were more shots on goal than arrows at the battle of Agincourt, Robert seized the moment with two brilliant goals to put the game beyond reach, leaving Jordan to seal the opposition’s fate with goal number four.  Byfleet simply had no answer to this onslaught in yet another game to challenge the cardiac resilience of our now hyperactive yet equally ecstatic supporters.  Well done one and all !

LIONS FIXTURES/RESULTS

All home matches kick off at 10 am at the
Field of Dreams, Boxgrove School.
GSDL Premier Division unless stated.
Aug 26     (F) Lions 6 Burpham Juniors 3
Sep 8       (F) Lions 2 Fleet Spurs 3
Sep 9       Lions 1 Hurst Park Herons 4
Sep 16     (F) Lions 7 Dragons 0
Sep 22     (CT1) GFC 2000 “B” 2 Lions 3
Sep 30     Lions 3 Guildford FC 2000 “A” 2
Oct 7        Lions 4 Molesey Juniors 6
Oct 14      (LC1) Lions 4 Byfleet Boys 0
Nov 4       Lions 4 St Francis Sports FC 1
Nov 11     Away v Hook Youth FC  11     (k.o. 10.30 am)
Nov 18     Probably no fixture as Challenge Trophy 2^nd prelim round match v. Meadow Sports is assumed to be off due to their withdrawal from the competition. 
Nov 25     (LC2) Home v St Francis Sports
Dec 2       Home v Claygate Royals Griffins
Dec 9       Away v Spelthorne Sports FC                 (k.o. tba)
Dec 16     No fixture yet
Jan 6        League Cup Quarter Finals
Jan 13      Away v Molesey Juniors (k.o. 10.15 am)
Jan 20      Home v Milford Pumas Youth FC
Jan 27      Away v St Francis (k.o. 2 pm !)
Feb 3       League Cup Semi Finals
Feb 10     Away v Hurst Park Herons (k.o. 10 am)
Mar 3       Home v Spelthorne Sports
Mar 10     Away v Guildford FC 2000 “A”                (k.o. 10.30 am)
Mar 17     No fixture yet
Mar 24     Away v Claygate Royals Griffins (k.o. 11am)
Apr 7       Home v Hook Youth FC
Apr 21     League Cup Final
AWAY League match v Milford Pumas Youth to be arranged.  Meadow Sports have withdrawn from the League.

4 Nov: DRAGONS FIRED UP

This league match against Byfleet showed again how the Dragons are improving.  Minutes into the game, Shreyas scored an excellent goal, setting the tone of Dragons’ impact, in which they threatened to, but, despite the ball hitting the post several times, just could not score another goal.  Play was undoubtedly physical and Liam’s eye, clobbered in a tackle, may, by the time you read this, have turned into the club colours of red and black !  Captained by Ted, who played an inspirational game, the team looked strong.  Teamwork practised on Saturdays was in clear evidence as the ball was passed with accuracy and skill.  The goalkeeping was split between Jake and Harrie, both showing they are as strong in goal as on the pitch, with excellent performances.  Paul raised his game and proved secure in defence, while Man of the Match went to Arjun for a superb performance, with amazing ball skills and good team play.  Byfleet drew back, making the final score 1:1, but this was an enjoyable game and the Dragons may be justifiably proud of their efforts and this result.
Reports brought to you by Dean, Roger, Penny and Andrew.  Does anyone else fancy a go ?  (It’s great fun !) FC Crusaders“The Friendly Football Club”

Competing for the                               , the boys will play in a 7-a-side tournament held at Clacton Football Club and adjoining grounds, organised by R&T Tours.  Self-catering, 4-, 6- or 8-birth caravan accommodation for the four nights from Tuesday 4^th until Saturday 8^th June is at Seawick Holiday Park, close to the beach at St Osyth, which we are told provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for our stay.  There is a large indoor heated pool, an adventure play area, amusements, riding stables, a games room and satellite tv.  For the adults, a cabaret bar, gym, sauna and steam room are on offer.  A supermarket and a fast food diner are also on site.  All this for just £59 per person plus travel costs !

PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (nothing decided – just to give you an idea)

Tuesday 4^th June                

Leave Guildford late morning for the roughly three hour trip, arriving at the holiday park in time to use up some of the boys’ pent up excitement by making use of the wide range of facilities described above or perhaps by taking in the beach.  We can access the accommodation at around 4pm.  The evening is free for amusement. (Dean and Roger will have to attend a brief managers meeting to get to know the tour representative.)

Wednesday 5^th / Thursday 6^th         

Tournament days.  The format depends on the number of teams taking part.  We are promised a well organised and planned event with every detail taken care of and the maximum amount of football permitted by the FA on each day of the event in which we participate.

 Friday 7^th

A free day for us to enjoy the Essex coast area.  The highlight of the tour is the Presentation Evening, a truly spectacular and memorable evening for the players, their families and supporters alike, hosted by a famous soccer personality, such as Sir Geoff Hurst, Peter Shilton and Harry Redknapp (previous hosts).

Saturday 8^th

Leave for Guildford at 10am, arriving at around 1pm.

Clacton-on-Sea is almost an English institution.  Along with the nearby resorts of Walton on the Naze and Frinton-on-Sea, it has been providing the familiar mix of clean, sandy beaches and affordable all round entertainment for over 100 years and is as popular today as it has ever been.  Whether your idea of a holiday by the sea includes a walk along the pier, enjoying the bracing sea air or a white knuckle ride on a helter-skelter, Clacton has what it takes to keep the whole family happy.

�       YES, I/we would like my son(s) name(s) ______________________________________________ to go on tour with the Crus from 4^th to 8^th June 2002.

�       I/we would like to go on tour too and intend to travel as a family of _____________, including the player member(s).

�       I/we would be interested in travelling by coach.

�       I/we would prefer to travel to the resort by car.

�       I/we will not be travelling with my/our son(s), who will be looked after by ____________________________

�       I ENCLOSE A DEPOSIT OF £20 PER PERSON.

�       I AGREE TO PAY THE £20 PER PERSON DEPOSIT BY SATURDAY 17^TH NOVEMBER 2001.

�       NO, I/we would not like my son(s) name(s) _____________________________________________ to go on tour with the Crus from 4^th to 8^th June 2002.

Signed ________________________________________________________________Date ____________________