NEWSLETTER
Issue 5    Christmas 2001
http://www.fc-crusaders.co.uk

íííA Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers ííí

This edition of the Newsletter comes with best wishes to all Crusaders players, families, friends, supporters and sponsors.  The Management Committee is extremely pleased with the way things have gone on and off the park so far in this our first season.  Thanks to you all for making it so enjoyable.  Here’s hoping for an equally happy and successful 2002 for everyone associated with the Club.  As far as football is concerned, we have some exciting matches to look forward to in the second half of the season, starting with the Lions’ League Cup Semi Final against (it is rumoured but still to be confirmed) Spelthorne Sports on 6 January and an as yet unannounced Challenge Trophy 3rd round match.  Both Dragons and Lions are looking to pick up points after the Christmas break to consolidate their league positions.  And let us not forget the Clacton 2002 experience that awaits us in June.  We realise the tour coincides with the World Cup but the England team will hopefully be able to concentrate on what they have to do in Japan and South Korea whilst keeping half an eye on Crusaders results on the Essex coast.  There is one small matter of an England match while we are away – picture the scene as up to 56 Crusaders huddle in a caravan around a 14 inch TV screen to catch a glimpse of Michael Owen driving yet another shot into the Argentine net in Sapporo.  It’s the stuff dreams are made of.

On this page, we have collated current league tables and all clubs’ results we know about.  On the other pages, we get up to date with match reports, including two special ones from Dragons Shreyas and Andrew, who have each won a prize for their extraordinary efforts.  Well done, boys.  Don’t forget, anyone – adult or child - who wants to write a match report or contribute to the Newsletter in any other way is very welcome to do so.  Please pass your material, which, if clean, is sure to be published, to Penny (penny@fc-crusaders.co.uk). Any under-10s effort is guaranteed a prize.  Traditional paper is a perfectly decent and acceptable medium if you are not into all this modern e-mail communication.

Training starts again on Saturday 5 January.  See you then !

CRUSADERS’ FIRST AWARD

We have been recommending the fc-crusaders website to you in previous editions of the Newsletter.  Well, we must know what we are talking about as Alan Dolby (our very own Worldwide webmaster mastering the web on a worldwide basis) has now been recognised by an external assessor for his excellent work.  WCJ, who must spend hours trawling the web, have granted Alan their bronze award for the quality of the Crus’ site.  Alan has also had enquiries from other Clubs wanting to know how he does it.   If you still haven’t had a chance to see this treasure for yourself, why not have a look over the Christmas holiday period?  We guarantee you will find a whole range of information and entertainment including some brilliant photos of the boys in action on the pitch, player portraits, a profile of our sponsor, ADAC, and details of other Crusaders clubs around the world.  “Go and have a look if you think you’re hard enough …”

LOST ANY PROPERTY?
Most weeks after training or matches we pick up articles of clothing, drinks bottles, even trainers or boots that have been left behind by the lads.  If you think you are missing something, please ask Penny as we are bound to have it.  There seems little point reminding the boys (who are boys after all) to take everything they came with home with them.  We should however like to suggest to parents that they should clearly identify everything that is not attached anatomically their dearly beloved offspring (especially the fleeces !) to give us at least a sporting chance of returning it to the rightful, if forgetful, owner.

GUILDFORD, SHERE & DISTRICT UNDER-1O LEAGUE TABLES, 16 DECEMBER

PREMIER DIVISION

P

W

D

L

Pts

1    Spelthorne Sports

7

6

1

0

19

2    Hurst Park Herons

7

6

1

0

19

3    Claygate Royals Griffins

6

4

0

2

12

4    Hook Youth

6

2

1

3

7

5    Molesey Juniors

6

2

1

3

7

7    Milford Pumas

5

2

1

2

7

6    LIONS

7

2

0

5

6

8    Guildford FC 2000 A

7

0

2

5

2

9    St Francis Sports

5

0

1

4

1

FIRST DIVISION

P

W

D

L

Pts

1    Burpham Juniors

8

7

0

1

21

2    Claygate Royals Swans

6

5

0

1

15

3    Windlesham Village

5

4

1

0

13

4    Stanford Youth FC

11

4

0

7

12

5    Hampton Hawks

5

3

1

1

10

6    DRAGONS

9

2

2

5

8

7    Wood Street Village

5

2

1

2

7

8    Guildford FC 2000 B

8

2

0

6

6

9    Byfleet Boys

4

1

1

2

4

10  Worplesdon Rangers

4

1

0

3

3

11  Worplesdon Pumas

5

1

0

4

0

 

Match results

 

Griffins

Lions

    FC2000

Hook

  Herons

Milford

  Molesey

SpelthSp

St Fran.

Griffins

    

3-0

5-1

          

Lions

    

3-2

  

1-4

  

4-6

  

4-1

  FC 2000

2-8

    

1-1

    

0-1

    

Hook

  

3-1

    

0-1

      

5-1

    Herons

1-0

  

6-1

    

5-1

  

0-0

  

Milford

3-1

  

0-0

      

3-2

    

   Molesey

        

2-4

      

4-4

 Spelth Sp

  

2-1

4-1

2-0

  

2-1

4-2

    

    St Fran

0-5

            

2-4

  

 

 

  Burpham

   Byfleet

   Swans

    Dragons

    FC 2000

Hawks

     Stanford

Wndlshm

Wood St

     W Pumas

       W Rngrs

  Burpham

    

9-3

  

6-0

  

3-2

        

  Byfleet

2-6

                  

1-0

  Swans

      

2-0

5-1

3-2

5-3

  

3-2

    

  Dragons

0-3

1-1

    

4-2

  

6-2

  

3-3

    

  FC 2000

  

4-0

  

8-2

  

    3-10

1-3

        

  Hawks

            

8-1

3-3

      

  Stanford

      

6-2

  

0-7

  

3-9

  

 13-0

  

  Wndlshm

4-2

    

6-0

        

4-0

    

  Wood St

            

3-1

    

6-1

  

  W Pumas

0-8

          

0-9

      

7-0

  W Rngrs

3-4

      

4-0

            

 

TED GETS NOISY CRUS SEND OFF AT CHRISTMAS PARTY

It is with genuine sadness that we say goodbye to Ted, who returns with his family to Australia in the New Year.  Ted is a solid player and friend and it was clear from the ovation he received at the Crus Christmas Party last week that the lads will all miss him.  Dean presented Ted with a framed squad photo to remember his time with us.  He also keeps his No. 2 shirt and kit.  We hope to see Ted playing for the Aussie soccer team one day.  He’s already good enough !

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 Juniors 6 Dragons 0
Sep 8       (F) Dragons 3 Fleet Spurs 1
Sep 9       Dragons 0 Burpham Juniors 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 Village 5
Nov 4       Dragons 1 Byfleet Boys 1
Nov 11     Claygate Royals Swans 2 Dragons 0
Nov 18     Dragons 4 Guildford FC 2000 “B” 2
Nov 25     Dragons 3 Wood Street Village 3
Dec 9       Guildford FC 2000 “B” 8 Dragons 2
Dec 16     Stanford Youth 6 Dragons 2
Jan 6        No fixture
Jan 13      Away v Byfleet Boys (k.o. 11am)
Jan 20      No fixture yet
Jan 27      Away v Burpham Juniors (k.o. 9.30)
Feb 3       Home v Claygate Royals Swans
Feb 10     Away v Worplesdon Rangers (k.o. tba)
Mar 3       Away v Wood Street Village
Mar 10     No fixture yet
Mar 17     Home v Windlesham Village
Mar 24     Away v Hampton Hawks (k.o. tba)
Apr 7       No fixture yet
Home League match v Worplesdon Rangers and
Home/Away games v Worplesdon Pumas to be arranged.

11-Nov:     DRAGONS NECK AND NECK WITH SWANS

Dragons and Claygate Swans were well-matched teams and both played extremely well. Dragons, led by Tommy, never gave up and defended attack after attack.  We also managed to start attacks of our own, and many a time almost scored.  At one point Tomas crossed the ball and we had three attackers in Swans’ penalty box and no defenders!  But unfortunately our efforts did not achieve a goal.  In the second half Claygate managed to get past Harrie in the Dragons’ goal.  But we kept our heads up and launched more attacks, Ben making courageous runs up the wings.  Even when Claygate got past our defences for a second time we did not give up.  When the final whistle blew we were tired and covered with mud.  The final score of this exciting end-to-end match was: Dragons 0 Claygate 2.  We got on with the game and worked as a team.  Adam was well-deserved Man of the Match. Well Done!  And well done to all the players who played Claygate; in my eyes you’re all stars! by Dragons’ very own no. 5, Andrew

18-Nov: DRAGONS RAISE GAME

Rain and a cool wind made the spectators shiver, but didn’t dampen Dragons’ spirits in their match against Guildford FC 2000.  A few minutes into the match and a well co-ordinated attack by capt. Shreyas, Adam, Andrew and Harrie gave Andrew the finishing kick to open the score for the Dragons.  FC 2000 fought back, putting the Dragons’ defences, Paul, Alex and Tommy, under pressure and testing Jake’s goalkeeping.  They held the line well and Liam and Ben’s midfield powerhouse switched the game from defence to attack.  Liam scored and then Adam, both getting deserved results from excellent play and giving Dragons a 3-0 lead at half time.  FC 2000 came out fighting and, despite some superb Dragons tackling, eventually broke through and managed to get a goal back.  With Dragons playing particularly well as a team and having raised their game, their efforts paid off with Liam scoring again.  Man of the Match went to Liam for his superb individual and team play.

25-Nov: DRAGONS FIGHT FOR A WELL DESERVED DRAW

Dragons had a hard match against Wood Street Village. In the first few minutes of the first half they played brilliantly with lots of chances from Tomas, Arjun and Andrew. In defence Tommy, Paul and Alex tackled and tackled but unfortunately they went down 2-0 by the time it reached half time. Then they were on full fire with amazing play by Benny, Adam, Liam, Jake, and Alex and scored a lifeline from Liam. Then Tomas attacked from the right and netted a lovely goal to make the score 2-3. Wood Street were very defensive but the Dragons had more chances. Then an attack by Tomas and Adam led to a brilliant strike from Jake that made it 3-3. Then both teams were desperate to score. Dragons may have hit the post a few times but still tried their hardest. Dragons will be very happy with this result. Man of the Match went to Tomas for a brilliant performance. This report is by Shreyas (No. 10)
.

9-Dec: DRAGONS GO DOWN IN  LOCAL DERBY

In an exciting return match against Guildford FC 2000, who Dragons had beaten just two games before, FC 2000 levelled the matches one apiece.  Within seconds of the kick off, FC 2000 stormed through and scored; Dragons had yet to settle by the time they were 3-0 down.  Then, in his superb debut league match for the team, Oliver scored an excellent goal, raising spirits.  The balance had turned and Dragons were on the attack.  Team play from Adam, Andrew and Ted broke the defences and Ted scored, bringing the score to 3-2.  Adam nearly drew level with a cracking free kick that just clipped the post.  FC 2000 rallied, attacking with accurate long kicks.  Led by captain and Man of the Match, Paul, Dragons drew deep into their reserves, covering the length of the muddy pitch. Dragons continued their attacking play, supported by Alex’s big boot from goal through to Jake’s determined midfielding and on to the attack force.  With end-to-end play, the Dragons were in with a chance, but the decisive breakthroughs were all FC 2000’s and the final score was 8-2.

16-Dec: DRAGONS FIGHT HARD  IN STANFORD REMATCH

Stanford retaliated for Dragons’ previous victory in and end to end exciting match.  Early into the match a cross from Stanford floored Paul, who will probably sport a black eye to prove the power of the kick, and went into the Dragons’ goal.  Despite valiant defending by Harrie, Adam and Andrew, a skirmish in the goalmouth put a second in for Stanford and a stud shaped lump on Jake’s lip.  Half time at 2-0 down and Dragons were determined to fight back.  Impressive team play involving capt. Tomas, Ted, Shreyas and Liam led to an excellent goal by Liam and another by Shreyas, scored via a Stanford defender.  With play end to end, the match could have gone either way.  The final result, 6-2 to Stanford, masks the many near misses by Dragons, the heroic goalkeeping by Arjun, the end to end  coverage by the team and the team spirit that kept the battle going right to the end.  Man of the Match went to Liam for his all round quality of play and teamwork.

Christmas soccer quiz:
1.        Who scored the 10,000th goal in the history of the FA Premier League ?
2.        Who scored the very first FA Premier League goal ?
3.        Which player has scored most goals in the history of the FA Premier League ?
4.        Which team has scored most goals in the history of the FA Premier League ?
5.        Which team has scored fewest goals in the history of the FA Premier League ?
6.        Who is FIFA world player of 2001 ?
7.        Who is the new manager of Glasgow Rangers ?
8.        Who does Robbie Fowler now play for ?
9.        Which countries will England play against in the first stage of World Cup 2002 ?

10.      Where will the England’s last stage 1 match be played ?

PUZZLE:  Enter a number from 1 to 9 in each square so that the sum of each row and that of each column is 20.  You can’t have any numbers the same in each row or in each column.  (Answers next time.)

    3

      
 

    5

    
   

   4

  
     

   9

Answer

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) Guildford FC 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     Hook Youth FC 3 Lions 1
Nov 25     (LC2) Lions 5 St Francis Sports 0
Dec 9       Spelthorne Sports FC 2 Lions 1
Dec 16     Lions 2 Claygate Royals Griffins 8
Jan 6       League Cup Semi Final
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 Sports (k.o. 2 pm !)
Feb 3       Challenge Trophy
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)
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.

11-Nov:  LIONS HOOKED IN FIRST AWAY GAME

Having beaten St Francis 4-1 the previous week, the mood in the Lions camp was one of excitement and optimism as they travelled to their first away game of the season.  Despite wet and muddy conditions, Lions started the game with their trade mark blitzkrieg attack on the Hook goal. Hook responded well and, as the game took shape, the supporters were treated to some classic end to end football. Robert had several attempts on goal culminating with one shot going agonisingly close, but wide!  As the Lions waned, the Hook response was swift, with two goals in quick succession.  The second half saw a rejuvenated and focused Lions team take the game to Hook, yet, despite some brilliant football and fantastic individual skills by man of the match Pete, Lions conceded a third goal. Despite being three down the boys battled bravely with "Jimbo" Bolton leading charge after charge and winning corner after corner and free kick after free kick.  Just as the sands of time of time had seemed to run out, Jordan won a free kick 5 yards outside the Hook box. As he picked his spot, the young Lions flooded the area. Jordan lifted the ball majestically around the wall with pace and the dipped it into the Hook goalmouth. The keeper got his hands to the ball but the shot was too much and Lions scored a much-deserved goal.  3-1 on the day with the promise of an exciting rematch at the Field of Dreams.

c

DID YOU SEE THE ARTICLE AND PHOTO IN THE SURREY ADVERTISER ON THE UNVEILING OF THE BOXGROVE SIGNS ?  WE’VE HAD A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR SAYING HOW MUCH SHE ENJOYED MEETING THE LADS.

The Management Committee would like to thank:
Ian Lee for his help, yet again, this time with the sound system and lights for the Christmas party.
Sandra Bateup for organising the raffle at the party and all those who contributed prizes.
Maria Hollands for the excellent food she laid on for us, with, she admits, a little bit of help from “ MC ” Dean who, when not donning a red coat at Butlins (we jest !), ices a mean fairy cake.
The boys for joining in and making the evening fun for us all.
If you’re interested, here are the words to the unofficial club song.

“CRUSADERS” (sung to the tune of “YMCA”)
Young man, there's no need to feel down
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground
I said, young man, if you’re losing the game
There's no need to be unhappy

Young man, there's a place you can go
I said, young man, if you’re wanting to know
You can play there and I'm sure you will find
any ways to have a good time

It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
We have Dragons and Lions, two very good teams
Inspired by Roger and Dean !

It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
We can score a great goal then let in three or four
Then fight back for a well-earned draw

Young man, do you hear what I say?
I said, young man, where do you wanna play?
It’s at Boxgrove on the “Field of Dreams”
But you've got to play for the team

No man, does it all by himself
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf
Why not go there and be one of the CRUS?
We’re a team if we win or lose

It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
We have Saturday training that we all enjoy
‘Cos we hang out with all the boys

It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
We can roll in the mud then jump straight in the car
‘Cos we know that annoys our Pa !

Young Man, I was once in your shoes
I said, I was down and out with the blues
I felt, no man cared if football was fun
I needed the help of someone

That's when Dean came up to me
And said young man do you want to be free?
There's a team where, whether goalie or sub, 
You’re at the Friendly Football Club !

It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
There are so many things for us all to enjoy
We can hang out with all the boys

CRUSADERS It's fun to play for CRUSADERS
Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down
Young man, young man, pick yourself off the ground

CRUSADERS It’s fun to play for CRUSADERS
We have everything, yeah you know what we mean
We even have Roger and Dean !

Management Committee contact numbers (01483):
DEAN (Chairman/ Lions Manager):                826355
ROGER (Dragons Manager):                        503387
PENNY (Secretary) / ANDREW (Treasurer):  457998