North Romford F.C

North Romford vs Cresta Park

2006-11-06T13:43:00.000Z

21/10/06
North Romford 3 -2 Cresta Park
Goals Spicy, Kev Nev (2 pens)

Line up
GK Lee
RB Danny
LB Hollamby
CB Gregg
CB Paul
RM Bosh
CM Keavo
CM Kev Nev (c)
CM Jason
LM Waddy
CF Ross

Subs
Spicy
James

North Romford vs Debden Reserves

2006-11-06T13:40:00.000Z

21/10/06
North Romford 1 -4 Debden Reserves
Goals Waddy

Line up
GK Lee
RB Hollamby
LB Danny
CB Fieldy
CB Keavo
RM Bosh
CM James
CM Jason (c)
LM Waddy
CF Spicy
CF Ross

Subs
Stu Mac
Mitchell

May & Baker Vs North Romford 15/10/06

2006-10-13T13:29:00.000+01:00

May & Baker 7 - 0 North Romford

NRFC went it to this game carrying a few injuries and this got worse on Sunday morning!
This is a game they will want to forget but a big thanks to the boys that worked hard with the 10 players we had and also a big thanks to Glynno who played at very short notice.

IF YOUR NOT AVAILABLE DO THE DECENT THING AND AT LEAST RING OR TEXT!!!!

STATS THIS SEASON

2006-10-09T12:19:00.000+01:00

Name Apps Goals
Ross 5 1
Jason 5 1
Bosh 5 1
Waddy 5 1
Spicy 4(1) 1
Hollamby 4
Gregg 4
Kev Nev 3 2
James 3(2) 2
Lee 3
Keavo 3
Danny 3
Stacey 2
Alex 1
Sutton 1 1
Glynno 1
Fieldy 1
Paul 1
Stu Mac 0(1)
Mitchell 0(1)

KIT WASHING

2006-10-09T12:17:00.000+01:00

To keep track of the Kit Washing and to make sure everyone has a turn we will keep a list.

Gaffer - II
Spicy - I
Danny - I
Hollamby - I

North Romford Vs Colbrook Royals Reserves

2006-10-06T11:55:00.000+01:00

08/10/06
North Romford 3 -2 Colbrook
Goals Sutton, James (2)

Line up
GK Stacey
RB Waddy
LB Spicy
CB Keavo
CB Gregg
RM Bosh
CM Kev Nev (c)
CM Jason
LM Clifton
CF James
CF Sutton

It didn’t look good for Romford with 10 minutes to go until kick-off. Only a handful of players had found their new home ground and someone had nicked their kit! Their blue and yellow striped shirts had been carried the length of Clayhall Park by a team that play in all red…cheers boys.

So with 10 minutes to go Colbrook must have been laughing as they did their lengths of the pitch with Romford in disarray. Romford made it to kick off with ten men, Waddy pissed off at having to play the Hollamby role and Sutton forced to play up front on his own. Oh Sutton WAS glad that he had decided to turn up again for North Romford.

Romford started brightly, JJ and Nev bossing the midfield and spraying balls out to the flanks for BOSH and Ross to chase. Romford conceded against the run of play, a miscommunication between the defence and Stace in goal allowing Colbrook to score on the cheap. But Romford dug in, and kept playing their passing game. Ross almost took the keeper’s hand off with a pile-driver and hitting the post from an acute angle. Sutton made a chance form himself only to see it drift wide of the post. But Sutton didn’t have to wait long to score his first goal for Romford after coming out of retirement, a sweetly taken volley from a pin-point Neville cross. Romford enjoyed most of the possession but just couldn’t find the final ball, and Colbrook made them pay. Keavo was forced to bring down their centre forward just outside the box and Colbrook scored direct with the last kick off the half.

Romford were still confident at half time. According to the gaffer they couldn’t be doing any better even if they did have 11 men, possibly the quickest statement ever to be proved wrong. James came on at half-time and immediately scored with his first touch after the re-start, a deft header into the corner of the net. So, didn’t need that eleventh man then eh gaffer? The second half belonged to Romford with Keavo, Spice, Greg and Waddy working their nuts off at the back and the midfield working hard to find the killer pass. When the killer pass did come JJ couldn’t quite convert. But Romford’s hard work paid off when that un-needed eleventh man scored his second of the game, and ultimately the winner. A cool finish from James after being put through by Nev made him top scorer so far this season. Spice and Waddy were in heaven as they meant that they could give James another cuddle.

Romford oozed confidence and looked likely to score from every attack. Their new pitch with grass on allowed them to play their passing game. The team were so confident that they enjoyed some banter with the ref, Waddy asking him if it was someone’s birthday when the ref threatened to get the cards out. The ref had the last laugh though, giving JJ a full pie for his earlier miss.

Romford then nearly wasted all that hard work as Stace picked up a back pass, casual as you like. Romford shouldn’t moan though, if Stace had gone to Warehouse the night before then the gaffer would have had to go in goal. Colbrook wasted the free kick, so Nev decided to give them another go and gave them the ball back just outside Romford’s penalty area causing panic stations in the Romford box. Nothing came of it though and Romford recorded their first win of the season. Romford will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season as they travel to old rivals May and Bakers next week.

Match Report by
Gavin 'Bosh' Richards.

Frenford RES Vs North Romford 24/09/06

2006-09-27T12:41:00.000+01:00

Result 4-4
Goals Ross, Nev, Jason, Bosh

Line Up
GK Lee
RB Hollamby
LB Spicy
CB Stacey
CB Gregg
RM Alex
CM Jason
CM Kev Nev (c)
LM Waddy
CF Ross
CF Bosh

Subs
Stu Mac

NORTH ROMFORD F.C 2006-2007 SEASON

2006-09-21T12:29:00.000+01:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Its that time of year again and the football season is upon us.
NRFC have prepared for the new season with a very solid Pre-Season (haven't had a friendly or even a training session!) and start this years campaign with a Away game against Frenford Reserves this Sunday (24/09/06) Play at the same ground as the Old Parks, Meet at 9:30am-9:45am.

As the Banter is always good a few predictions for the coming year:
1. Nick will hack a few people and claim it was just a late tackle.
2. Ross will also do this as well as run straight through people!.
3. Spicy will claim he wont get booked or Sent Off this year when we all know he probably will. (Honestly Boss I will shut up!)
3. Waddy will use the following lines on a opponent "Oh have you" "Oh your mum" "A bit like when I did your mum".
4. Kev Nev will get away with ungentlemanly conduct all year by screaming at the opponents as they shoot!
5. James WILL look forward to the gay embraces from Spicy and Waddy.
6. Gregg will be jealous of this and want to join in.
7. Bosh will either rare up with the biggest bloke on the pitch and tickle him or just be pulled up for saying "Oh No".
8. Smiler will pull a kit on this season after recovering from his disease....Its an ear infection!
9. Ricky will have at least one header with his 50p head on.
10. Jason will make the loudest appeals for fouls, attempt the worst dives and just annoy the opponents.
11. A row will start between ourselves at some point.....Money is on Spicy/Smiler Spicy/Conehead Conehead/Waddy.

Anyway as last season we will take it in turns to write the match report.
Also going to create a post for the Man of the Match votes.
And last but not least a Post for Kit washing, and just because Nev and Gregg live together now if one of you does it it doesnt count as both your goes!

STAY AS WE ARE!

North Romford v Astra 26/03/2006

2006-03-26T15:32:00.000+01:00

North Romford put in a fantastic performance full of grit and determination to run out 3-1 winners despite playing for 50 minutes with just 10 men.

Goals
Neville 2
Sutton

It was always going to be tough for Romford as they approached this game with a depleted squad but they worked together as a solid unit and ground out the result despite starting the game with only 9 men and going one down just before the break.

The clocks falling back an hour caught a few players out, however most were able to make it in time for kick off. Sutton joint the game 5 minutes in to boost the numbers to ten and NRFC looked as though they would have to play the whole game with a one man disadvantage.

Despite the disruption, the shape was still good, Brownie was as big and commanding as ever in goal and he pulled off some great early saves to give much needed hope to the side.
With Cordell's absence Jase Johnson dropped into the center half position along side Spice, JJ also had the skippers armband on as Neville was on his way back from Luton, and he really took command. His vocal presence alone at the back was enough to install confidence in those around him.
Spice was one of the players to really benefit from JJ's presence and he never put a foot wrong. Every header, volley and interception he made was made with such positive efficiency. Nick and Rick also put in very sound, no risk, performances at right and left back respectively which gave NRFC a real solid base to build on.

The middle four of Alex, Waddy, Cassidy and Clifton had their work cut out as they had to win their personal one on ones as well as offer support to Sutton the lone front man.
They did this however, with relative ease. Cassidy and Waddy were relentless in the middle as they won tackle after tackle and the non stop running from wide men Alex and Clifton caused endless problems for Astra.
Despite all the hard work and commitment, Romford were finding it tough to carve out any real chances. Sutton worked tirelessly up front and held the ball up with some nice one and two touch play but with four defenders as company he found it hard to get into any clear cut chances.

Just before the break, a moment of madness caused the only lack of concentration of the game from Romford and it cost them dear. Ricky put in a strong challenge on Astra's right winger and a complete over reaction from the Astra players forced the ref into a few bookings and talking too's.
With minds focused elsewhere, a long free kick evaded everyone and bounced to an unmarked Astra player who managed to flick it past Brown with a cheeky back heel. To go in one down was a touch harsh on Romford but they were boosted by the news that club captain Kevin Neville was only minutes away and would be able to join them for the second half.

As it was, Micks frantic shouts of 'Nev's here, Nev's here!' 5 minutes before half time were a touch premature. In fact Nev wasn't there until the second half had started, and even then it took him ages to get changed!

5 minutes into the second half and NRFC were back to full strength, Nev slotted into the middle and having an extra man in their soon began to pay off.
Alex and Ross were able to push on more and Cassidy seemed to be a man on a mission starting wave after wave of yellow and blue attack as Romford pushed forward in seek of hope.
Hope came in the shape of a corner with 20 minutes remaining, Sutton took control of a long ball forward and was able to force a corner for his troubles. JJ whipped the corner over and Neville arrived to power a header into the back of the net and level the scores!

The NRFC tails were up and you could hear the Escape to Victory quotes...
"we can win this"
"who said that?"
"what do you mean we can win this?"
"watch him back there, watch him"
"Colby, Colby, I want to play"

With around 10 minutes left on the clock Sutton again that received the ball with his back to goal just out side the box, he again held the ball well with limited options and drew a foul from his marker.
Again it was JJ who whipped the ball in, and again it was Neville who arrived unmarked to head home at the far post! 2-1!

Romford did not stop there however and they kept the pressure on looking for the final nail in Astra's coffin. It arrived courtesy of another JJ corner.
He whipped it in with pace and again Neville was on the end of it this time with a cushion volley from close range. As the ball made its way to the back of the net it clipped Sutton on the line and like every true goal scorer he is adamant that the goal is his. Seems harsh on Nev, but if it hit him, its his goal.

Regardless of who scored what, this was a fantastic team performance from start to finish. Every single player pulled their weight and not one player failed to stand up and be counted. With two games to go NRFC have clearly not written off this season and are looking to finish as strong as they possibly can giving them the perfect spring board for next season.

Team
Brown
Hollamby Spice JJ Ricky
Alex Waddy Cassidy Neville Clifton
Sutton

Ascot United v North Romford 12/03/2006

2006-03-23T20:37:00.000Z

NRFC won 2-1 with goals from Neville and Edwards.

After a strong start from North Romford, playing into the wind it became apparent that they were not going to let their season drift to a pointless end.
Neville put them one up after some outstanding determined play from Clifton on the left making a mockery of the Ascot players around him (mind you their right midfielder was the worst player to ever grace a football pitch bar none - this was backed up when he kicked it out of play with a stiff leg shinner). After seeing off three defenders Clifton knocked it to the far post and the skipper was there to cooly head home for 1-0.

Romford then pounded the Ascot back four with some flowing football and good efforts from Sutton, Clifton, Neville and Cordell were all met by first class saves from the Ascot Keeper.

NRFC were then caught on the break from their own corner and a long ball found the Ascot forward who smashed it past Brownie to level the score.

Clifton continued to batter the opposition and he was blatantly brought down after again bursting down the left, however the ref decided that it was no penalty (even though Ascot were all dishing out a rollocking to the clumsy full back, making it obvious that it was a foul).

Just minutes later with that still fresh in the mind, JJ was sent through and after rounding the keeper he was brought down in the box... this time the ref gave it.
Top scorer Sutton stepped up with confidence, but his guess that the keeper would dive left him with egg on his face when his tame penalty flew straight into the keepers hands.

So it we reached halftime at 1-1 with NRFC feeling they really should be two up.

The second half followed a similar pattern with NRFC in control for large spells.
A lack of oxygen forced off Spice (1st half) and Waddy (2nd half), but to be honest they were just happy to be there after being fronted up by a whole family the night before for spoiling a young girls birthday party. This saw the introduction of Jason Edwards and a long awaited return to the side for Garry Smith (is his real name).

After a reshuffle saw JJ drop to the back four and Sutton drop into the middle, mainly due to Edwards lack of desire to run back after each attack, Romford settled down and reverted to the plan of using Clifton out on the wing. His endless running caused Ascot problems all day and when he had the chance to link up with Smith, who was also full of running, NRFC posed a real threat.

It was down the right though that NRFC were able to force the killer break through. After a Sutton corner was not fully cleared Neville slipped a neat through ball back into the corner, and Sutton was able stride into the box unchallenged and square the ball to Edwards who flicked it up, fell over, sat on the ball and back heeled it in. Showboating of the highest order if he ment it (he didn't).

Although NRFC stayed in complete control of the game Ascot were still able to force a few openings, the best of which was a fierce shot, met by a first class save from the big man in goal.

Late on NRFC had a chance to put it beyond doubt when the most blatant handball you will see from an Ascot defender, gave away a second penalty. Sutton, undeterred by his first effort stepped up to make a means and this time placed his shot hard and low to the corner, but it was met by a great save from the keeper at full stretch. Sutton, like most others could not believe it, it will be interesting the next time NRFC get a pen!

Despite missing chances to wrap the game up, some solid defending made sure of the three points.

Team
Brown
Hollamby Cordell Rabey Wadsworth
Alex Neville Johnson Cassidy Clifton
Sutton

Smith Edwards

North Romford v Ladzio 26/02/2006

2006-02-23T10:00:00.000Z

NRFC went down to an embarrassing 7-1 defeat in a game that actually saw them on top at half time!!!

Playing on the show pitch with a strong wind whipping from end to end, it was always going to be a tough game. But NRFC could not have been prepared for such a huge second half collapse.

Romford started the stronger, with both wingers pushing on and the midfield trio bossing the tempo of the game Ladzio were made to look very ordinary.
The early pressure was soon converted into a goal for the home side. JJ whipped in a deep corner, Nev headed it back across goal, and Bosh arrived to smash it home on the volley.

Then came a blip. After some poor Refereeing from a Peter Kenyon look 'a' like, the home side were clearly rattled and picked up two tame bookings in quick succession. First Rabey was booked for saying "its too late now Ref" then Sutton for saying "well done Ref you have got what you want now, you idiot".

Romford did manage to re group and seemed determined to put on a show for their biggest home crowd of the season. Chances came and went but NRFC failed to really test the keeper. Even top scorer Sutton could not find the answer, he was put clean through by JJ just before half time, but thought twice about a lob, before scuffing a shot wide.

Half time arrived and NRFC were in confident mood, however the second half was to be nothing like the first.

Playing into the strong wind, Romford looked like a different side.
Their attempt to repeatedly hit long balls played right into Ladzios hands, and as the ball held up in the wind the Ladzio defenders simply smashed through the back of anyone that tried to stand in their way, returning the ball deep in to the Romford half.
This took the strong North Romford midfield out of the game and allowed the Ladzio wingers to run at the home defence as they were trying to push out. The result was cross after cross leading to chance after chance, and eventually goal after goal.

As the goals went in, the Romford heads dropped and the game turned nasty.
JJ became the third NRFC player to find his way into the book. After being blatantly brought down in the box and denied a penalty he took his frustration out on the weak Ref by calling him a C**T!! I guess the only reason he did not walk was that the Ref actually agreed with him??

Next up in the book was Bosh... For fighting! That is not a miss print! Bosh was fighting!
After thinking he was clean through Bosh was savagely brought down by the last man and the red mist descended. Bosh ran at his opponent, swung a few windmills, then ducked his head low, wrapped his arms round him and gave him a manly squeeze. I guess the only reason he did not walk was that it was such a gay fight??
The incident would not have boiled over had it not been for Pube Head, at right back. He put in his penny worth, and everyone else decided to put in theirs.
It was calmed down and Nev struck the bar with the resulting free kick.

Minutes later Pube Head was at it again! This time his tackle on the edge of the box was one step too far for most of the NRFC players and he received a quick jab from Waddsy. This lead to Pube Head (Art Garfunkle) bouncing on his toes and bobbing and weaving like an old school boxer looking for a bit of action with anyone. Ricky ("I'm losing my temper with you") and Clifton were in the thick of things pushing and shoving, and Browno ran the length of the pitch to straighten someone out.
Meanwhile the Ref, who would have been out of his depth in charge of a subbuteo match, just stood back, made notes and licked his lips at the amount of bookings he was about to hand out.
Browno was an obvious choice and picked up NRFC's 5th booking, but Waddy seemed to have got away with it when the Ref had a look around for him and could not find him.
Cue Bertie 'Spice' Smalls...
"number 4? he's over there Ref!"
Waddy later got his own back by getting Tight Shorts (who was playing on the next pitch - but his arse was on our pitch) to admit that Spice was the downs kid in the Fantana match report.

All jokes aside, it was a second half performance that lacked any real quality and passion (the right sort of passion anyway). When things are not going right you need to be able to change it around, dig in, and get back to playing your football. North Romford just could not do that.

Brown
Hollamby (6 booking and he did not get one??) - Rabey - Cordell - Ricky
Bosh - Nev - JJ - Waddy - Clifton
Sutton

Racing Club Fantana vs North Romford 12.02.06 Result 0-4

2006-02-19T16:42:00.000Z

Goals: Ask (3)
Kev Nev

North Romford beat Racing Club Fantana 4-0 on Sunday.

NRFC started the game with 8 players playing a 4-3-0 formation and really just running their bollo.cks off.

This was due to Cordell, Ask and our really slow Right back being stuck in traffic.
When 2 finally turned up the player count was up to 10, you do the maths, and this still saw Nick "I don¹t mind being late and strolling over" Hollamby take the slowest walk over while the rest of us got caked in mud.

When NRFC finally had 11 players on the pitch they produced some good football but still needed Colin "The salad dodger" Brown to keep them in the game with a couple of vital saves.
"Wadsy I've been called fat twice in 2 seasons"

NRFC then started to create more chances with the best being from Kev Nev who rattled the bar from distance.
Oh that was a ting!!

NRFC then took the lead with good passing move involving Cordell, Ask and Nev led to Cordell getting in behind the right back, with time and plenty of space looked up and drove a delightful ball in to the Racing area, a great step over dummy from Ask completely bamboozled both centre backs and left Nev free on the back post to slide in.

A long kick from Browny led to the second, the ball was flicked on by Nev who was putting in his usual skippers performance and was brought down first time by Ask, with a neat turn he found himself facing goal 40 yards out, with minimal backlift he produced a fantastic strike that Pascal Chimbomba got nowhere near(maybe he should have left them bigger gloves on), a more casual celebration hasn't been seen since the Shearer one handed salute.

NRFC went in 2-0 up at Half Time hutch.

The 2nd half started with NRFC playin with create confidence and playing some good football.
The back four were holding firm even with the rubbish right back playing and this even allowed Ricky to perform the slowest backheel ever seen!!
Once the banter started it was left to Wadsy,Spicy and Jason to be in the thick of it.
With the Racing number 9, Spicer, able to use the lines "We are having a day out on the 9th April" and "What division you playing in next season?".
As he used the 2nd one his left back completely shanked the ball out of play!

The second half onslaught that every Romford player expected at half time didn't ever materialise from Racing, with The Big man(getting bigger by the season??) rarely called in to action and when he was fully milking every save.

Good pressure from the Romford midfield 3, saw the ball broke to Bosh who took the full back on and skinned him for pace, the covering centre half come across and manage to get a block in at the last moment, corner to Romford. From the resulting corner, Cordell delivered a inch perfect near post cross and Ask done it all the justice it deserved, rising like a salmon on a cold winters morn and bulleting the ball in to the back of the
net.
3-0.

Again Romford look dangerous down the right with Bosh working hard offensively and defensively, another corner to Romford saw another great delivery from Cordell, this time slightly deeper it was met by JJ who headed just wide of the Racing upright. A quick break from Romford saw Ask taken out on the halfway line and the usual few seconds of Romford madness to begin, only for Danny "E.T Hawk eye" Curran to remind everyone that the score was 3-0, thanks Sherlock.

Romford pushed forward and always looked the more likely team to score again.
Racing did all they could to get a goal back and this including throwing on the Stuart Nethercott "Tight shorts" midfielder from the subs bench.
He should have stayed there really, either that or loosened them shorts!

Romford continued to press forward, from yet another good corner from Cordell the ball broke to the edge of the area where Wadsy collected the lose ball, he cut inside and was caught(just) and went down easier than most of the birds in Envy on a Saturday night, his dive was so slow he looked like he went down in instalments, from the resulting free kick JJ got the ball up and over the wall but unfortunately never come down quick enough to trouble the goal keeper.

The 4th goal was a carborn copy of the 3rd with Cordell delivering a inch perfect near post cross and Ask done it all the justice it deserved, rising like a salmon on a cold winters morn and bulleting the ball in to the back of the net.
That was copied and pasted as I couldn¹t be bothered to write anything
different. 4-0

It was at 4 that the real banter started number 10 who constantly kept referring to Hollamby's lack of hair was told in no uncertain terms by Waddy "Not being funny mate, keep the banter going because its funny, but if you are gonna do it, raise your f*cking game, because you playing like a c*nt" which pretty much summed up what everyone else was thinking.

The tempo of the game continued to be as high from Romford in the last few minutes as it had been in the first few, what do they put in the kebab meat in the Pinar? With Bosh showing great desire tracking back and earning himself a caution for his troubles.

Romfords team spirit was a joy to watch with everyone working hard for each other.
In the dressing room after the players were jubilant after such a good win and hopefully we can continue like this for the remainder of the season.

Match report by
Jamie Rabey & Daniel Wadsworth

Team
Fatty, Old man, Ricky, Spicy, JJ
Wadsworth, Clifton, Kev Nev, Bosh, Cordelli Ask

SKIPPER done like a KIPPER!!!

2006-02-08T16:57:00.000Z

The internet...
A wonderful way to meet new people, and in particular, very handy if you are struggling to pull the birds, or on a baron spell.

However it is rare that you would ever find a NRFC player on such a site as we pride our self on being the best looking team in the league (if not the world).

HOWEVER...
Looks like there are some amoungst us that are not as studly as they would have us all belive.
The following was spotted on one such site by the sister of a former NRFC player (and Legend) when she was searching the site with her mates at work.

If everyone could find the time to go to http://www.mysinglefriend.com (you dont need a username or password) and search as a female, looking for a male, in the 24-29 age range, in Essex, you might see someone you recognise???

Never thought you would have to resort to these tactics skip?

Racing Fantana v North Romford 12/02/2006

2006-02-08T11:01:00.000Z

This week NRFC have a tough League game away to Racing Fantana, in a game that brings back memories of the epic Cup clash just a few weeks ago.

Even though its an away game players have to meet at the home dressing room at 9.45 am.

Kick Off 10:30

NRFC received some good news this week as Garry (is his real name) Smith announced that he will be moving back into the area and making his NRFC comeback very soon. Smith, who has played just a handful of games as a left winger for the club, hopes to be available before the end of the season, but his realistic target is the start of next season.

North Romford v May & Bakers 29/01/2006

2006-01-30T10:29:00.000Z

After last weeks disappointment in the cup some avid NRFC followers might have thought that their season was already over, and after watching this 7-3 humiliation they would be forgiven for feeling that these thoughts had now been confirmed.
NRFC looked totally disinterested in this game and the result was a performance that was servely lacking in passion and quality.

Goals
S'ts

There was the odd glimpse of passion, Clifton and Brown, and likewise there were occasional moments when NRFC produced signs of the quality they are cabpable of.

Racing Club Fantana v North Romford 22/01/2006

2006-01-21T18:30:00.000Z

North Romford lost 3-2, despite taking the lead, in an end-to-end Cup quarter final tie that killed off any hope they may have had of silverware.
Goals;
Neville
S'ts

It had been said that this would be the game of the season as the winners would surely go on and be favourites to lift the Cup, and it was a game that lived up to its billing.
From the very first whistle it was clear that NRFC were up for this one and Fantana were clearly shaken by the commitment on show.
The noise level was high, the spirit was even higher and it seemed that every lose ball had a yellow and blue shirt snapping onto the end of it.

The passion was there for all to see, but Fantana are a strong side and a well organised one at that. They made it hard for NRFC to create chances in a very tight first half.
The midfield trio of Nev, JJ and Cassidy were well on top and did start off a few flowing moves but the end product just seemed too hard to come by.
Clifton’s non-stop battling out wide on the left was nearly rewarded when S’ts helped it on to him, his bursting run and shot was saved well by the keeper.
Another good move down the left shortly after, involving Nev and Clifton, ended with JJ curling an effort past the keeper but over the bar.

For all their hype Fantana were made to look very average at times in the first half, they defended deep to combat the attacks from NRFC’s midfield but at times had 5 players back against just the one NRFC forward. They were clearly expecting weaker opponents in this game and had adjusted their tactics accordingly.
However Fantana did pose a constant threat going forward, with runners from the midfield and balls into space causing problems.
A few well timed (and some not so well timed) tackles were enough to end most of these attacks, and when the home side did manage to break through they found Brownie in top form pulling off some fine saves and rushing out to collect any scraps.

NRFC were probably the happier side at the break, and if they could keep the tempo up and keep the game close they knew they had a shot at winning this tie.
Fantana were clearly not happy and made a tactical change, taking off ‘Fat Legs - Tight Shorts’ (who was like a whale swimming up stream in the Themes against our midfield) and sending on ‘Big Gloves’ who’s claim to be Pascal Chimbonda only made things worse for him.

After some good pressure at both ends and a string of misses from Fantana, North Romford forced a corner on the counter attack.
JJ whipped it in, and skipper Neville was unmarked in the box to turn home the opener. A well deserved break through that was greeted by a team bundle!

Fantana went in search of the equaliser and got it just after a nasty clash of heads had left Spice dazed. As the centre back lay flat out you would expect some sympathy or concern… not a chance, his team mates just stood there mocking the ridiculous noise he made when he fell. After he told Gregg that he could ‘still fu*king hear him’ everyone assumed he was back to his old self.
Shortly after NRFC conceded a corner and with Spice still reeling from the clash of heads they looked less organised then usual. A quick corner was played to one of the Fantana players on the edge of the box, who’s shot was screaming wide to shouts of ‘all day’ until it was deflected in from 7 yards out. The forward’s reactions have to be commended, but why is it in football the ball always seems to fall right for other teams?

North Romford were then forced into a re shuffle as Spice (head) and Bosh (Hammy) were forced off. Ricky came on at full back with Waddy pushing into the middle and Alex went out wide. North Romford had to sacrifice the attacking creativity of JJ at this point however his performance at the back for the remainder of the game was 1st class.

The goal along with a host of changes and seemed to rock the confidence of NRFC and they soon fell behind.
Fantana were having no joy down the middle so pushed the ball into the wings at every opportunity. Their left-winger put over a dangerous ball and it was fired home from close range.
With NRFC still reeling, Fantana doubled their lead in near identical style. A good ball in was met by a fierce shot, this time the shot was blocked, but fell kindly again to a green shirt before being dispatched into the net.

Most teams would have thrown in the towel at this stage but there was a never say die attitude about NRFC, and they threw everything at it in true Cup style, switching from one up front to three.

The change had an immediate effect, Clifton went on a powerful bursting run and made it inside the box before being brought down by a tired looking Fantana defender. S’ts stepped up to slot home the penalty and there was a glimmer of hope for the away side again.

It was at this stage that NRFC really threw everything at it, Neville was the first to go close but as he scrambled an effort towards the goal it was cleared just short of the line, despite his hopeful (but quite loud) appeals that it had gone in the ref played on.
Then a long throw into the box found its way to Waddy, his header was not strong enough to beat the keeper, and as the rebound fell it was just too far to S’ts left. He stretched to meet the ball on the up and produce a half volley but could not keep it down and it flew over the bar.
There was still time for one last mad scramble, NRFC had every single player in the Fantana half (Brownie and Gregg went up there for what seemed like 10 minutes) and won a free kick on the right wing. The free kick was dropped into the box and the pinball began. Four or five blocks met four or five shots and the ball was finally cleared.

With just seconds remaining the game threatened to boil over for the very first time, which is testament to both sides after such a fast and fiery game. I guess that Hollamby had just kicked their left winger one too many times, but still it was people off the pitch that had a problem with it as opposed to the players on it who just got on with it.

All in all much respect was gained in this game by two sides that produced a display of passion, tough tackling with quality football to match.
North Romford can certainly hold their heads high at the end of a game that – had the draw been kinder - could have, would have, and maybe should have been an amazing Cup Final.

Browno
Hollamby, Cor-deli Spice, Waddy,
Bosh, JJ, Nev, Cassidy, Clifton,
S'ts,
Subs. Ricky, Alex,

to see their side of the story ...
http://www.racingclubfantana.co.uk/

Lonsdale v North Romford 08/01/2006

2006-01-05T10:58:00.000Z

North Romford won by 6 goals to 4 but made hard work of it after taking a 5-0 first half lead.

Goals;
S'ts 4,
Richards
Clifton

NRFC got the new year of to a flying star, playing some of the best football they have played all season, in a first half that could not have been anymore one sided.
Lonsdale were simply blown away by the pace at which North Romford set about this game and were second best in every aspect in the 1st half.

NRFC looked unstoppable going forward, and the quick attacking play was mirrored by their strong and solid defending. On the rare occasions Lonsdale were able to beat the back four's off side trap Rabey or Cordell soon coverd round and snapped into a tackle.

Playing as well as this it was not long before the pressure was turned into a goal.
Clifton was causing havoc with his power and determination and stole the ball from his marker to set up the attack. After bargeing his way past the full back Clifton squared to Neville who let fly from just inside the box, the keeper could'nt hold onto the ball and as it rolled towards the goal line S'ts stole in to make sure it went in. (Neville will undoubtedly suggest that it was already over the line, but it was'nt, so see me Nev!)

Puffin (the stand in keeper for the day) did have a one-on-one to save to make at 1-0, it was an important save that was crucial to the result. He later pulled off a tip from the centre-forward's head, and should get lots of praise for being a goalie!

Soon after, the visitors doubled their lead with another quick counter attack. This time it was Richards who was set free down the right wing to run in on goal, he fired off a shot that the keeper could only push into the path of S'ts, and from two yards he doubled his, and NRFC's tally.

North Romford were in boyant mood and were pouring forward in numbers against a hapless Lonsdale back four, so it was inebitable that goals 3 and 4 would soon arrive.

The third came when Neville released Richards down the right wing again for a run at goal. This time the winger gave the keeper no chance with his effort, crashing an unstoppable shot into the the net for 3-0.

The fourth was a fine example of the flowing counter attacking play that NRFC were producing. It was started by a quick throw out from Puffin, which found Neville, his turn and pass released Clifton who ran down the line, cut back and sent over a pin point cross for S'ts, who vollyed home for a first half hat trick. 4-0.

The flowing play continued and JJ went close with a half volley after yet another great move. With the chances still falling their way it looked as though NRFC were in for a real goal feast, and they added the 5th before the break.
Richards picked up a short corner and his delivery found Cordell with his back to goal, he didnt have time to even think about laying it off as he was flattened by the Lonsdale keeper (Keith from Eastenders), penalty! S'ts stepped up to side foot home his fourth of the game and it was 5-0.

The NRFC half time team talk was all about how many goals they could get but in ture NRFC style it was not to be that simple.

There was a relaxed attitude about the side in the second half and the high tempo game that had caused the home side so much trouble had stpped. Having said that, chances still fell their way but the final nail in the coffin was proving hard to drive in.

Then came the collapse. With 25 minutes remaining Lonsdale scored from a corner, and credit where its due, were able to raise their game and force NRFC onto the back foot.
Two more goals came from corners and another after the whole side stood still, and all of a sudden it was 5-4 and game on.

Thats the way it stayed as NRFC realised they had to tighten up, push out and go in search of that final goal.
After a nasty clash of heads had left Neville dazed and confused the elusive 6th goal fnally came.
Cassidy started the attack down the left and cut the ball inside to Neville, who dispite his blured vision was able to roll the ball to Clifton, who went through one on one. Clifton calmly slotted home NRFC's most important goal of the game as it seemed to finaly kill off the home side.

There was still time for Waddy and Ricky to both get a run out, they were both able to sure things up with their tough tackles and Ricky also had time for some comedy throw on's. (left)

So all in all it was a typically excitng North Romford performance, they looked at one point as though they could end the game with a plus goal difference but were happy to just take the points in the end.

Parmenter,
Hollamby, Rabey, Cordell, Curran,
Richards, Neville, Johnson, Cassidy, Clifton,
S'ts,

Subs - Waddy, Ricky,

NRFC looking for a good 2006...

2005-12-31T12:19:00.000Z

As we move into 2006 NRFC are in reasonably good shape.
5th in the table - only two wins off 2nd spot - and in the quarter final of the cup, with the chance to meet Lonsdale in the Semis.

The team has a rejuvenated spirit about it now which must be a welcome sight to the new gaffer Timid Mick, as they hit an early low point away to May & Bakers.

A few new faces arrived and a couple of regular players returned to the fold which saw the results turn around too.

NRFC are now looking to kick on in the second half of the season and pick up as many points as they can in their remaining 9 games to boost their final position and even target a top 3 finish. Their first scheduled game of 2006 is away to Lonsdale on the 8th Jan, but this has the potential to be moved due to NRFC's cup game.

In that cup game, they face high flying Racing Club Fantana in a game that has twice been postponed. Should the boys manage to get through that tough tie they can look ahead to a semi-final against Lonsdale, and a possible place in the final against Ladzio or Ascot who play on the 8th of Jan.

2005 Christmas Drinks

2005-12-13T16:51:00.000Z

The NRFC Christmas drinks were once again an unmissable night.

I guess the writing was on the wall when the frost hit on Saturday night and most games in the area fell victim to a rock hard pitch.
Our game was actually called off as the ref could not get there due to an accident the day before... the drunk-driving, junkie, reckless mug! (this is not confirmed, and could be completely not true)
We decided not to take our hosts up on their offer of a friendly, telling them they would be better off having their legs in tact for Christmas. They looked disappointed especially as they had just finished a 2 hour warm up that consisted of every drill you can think of and lots of shouting "one team one dream"... Mugs!

With so many Sunday league teams and so little playable pitches we thought that Romford was going to be full loads of boozy groups of blokes... and it was, so when in Rome!

We kicked off in The Place, Spice and Smiler got there early doors to secure the VIP lounge, and the Spurs fans amongst us got there shortly after to watch their boys on the box.

By the time the second game (and main event in most peoples eyes) kicked off most of us were in the VIP lounge making bets with each other and passing the ash tray round, to be honest it was all starting to get out of hand early doors. Smiler was relaying his nodding head/keys in hand story, and Waddy sat there doing impressions of a deaf girl, in front of the slow waitress "are they serving food yet?" "what is your name?".
His reason for the impressions... Puff has (allegedly) employed a deaf girl to work on the phones... that company never cease to amaze me!
Spoof was called at half time, Sutton lost, Marky P won and for some reason called Brandy?? Sutton ordered one extra but was saved from doing the double by his little cuz and big skipper Neville who decided to take it for him even though he had only just got there.
Gregg and Spice were snuggled up on the sofa for the rest of the game and as we got more and more boozy we made the decision to head to 131 for the lure of cheap drink.

Spice went straight to the bar and it was skittles all round, Waddy's ex came in and requested F U Right Back, and Sutton called Spoof. Flavoured Zambouca was the drink of choice, and Marky P was the loser this time round.
Hollamby joint up with the group and it was not too long before spoof was called again, Bosh lost and the drink was paint stripper (or that's what it tasted like).

It must have been at this point that the doorman started to think 'how the fuck am i gona get this lot out later if they carry on drinking at this rate', and asked us to start thinking about moving on. Even though it was funny watching Hollamby ask them how they planned to move him and Marky P on, with Rossell just itching to get in on the act as well, we decided to spend our money elsewhere... Edwards the obvious choice.

This is where most of the Sunday sides still standing (use that term loosely) had headed to but there was no hint of it getting ugly.
Apparently Noel Gallagher was in there?? as was Gregg in 10 years (and stones) time.
Sutton was being a menace, making Puff smell Waddys arse was a good example of that!
Nev was networking with some bird and then Waddy the Sniper went over and it all went tits up. Nev was so scared he was gonna ruin his chances that he put his hands over the birds ears and made a la la la la la noise really loud. As it turned out the bird was all over the skip anyway and Nev went over to thank Waddy after as apparently he kept telling the birds that Nev had a cock and half on him.
Spice went to Speak to Gregg at the bar who was talking to a freak (well, being spoken to by her is more accurate) and she tried to get Gregg out the way so Spice could get to the bar?? don't think she fully took the hint until Waddy and Sutton sang the whole 4 and a half minutes of 'Mandy' hanging off his neck and climbing into his t-shirt.
Mark just kept saying "Spicy I want a double vodka Red Bull" (and by the way he took his hangover quite well, sick 3 times the next morning).
Gav didn't talk for about 3 weeks!! Spice and Puff were playing a 'who can spill the most drink on me?' game, it was a close call between Ross and Smiler!! Smiler had earlier thrown Sutton's drink all over the leather sofa (which Waddy then came and sat in) so i think he should win.
Ross turned into the hulk for a little while at the bar, but then he pulled a bird and calmed down a bit.
There was a hint of homo in the air too, Waddy decided to plant kisses on anyone and everyone in an attempt to play gay spoof, but he got caught out when Sutton threw the tongue in! Bosh was seen kissing Hollamby and Hollamby was seen kissing Marky P!!! However they quickly regained their macho image again by seeing off some geezer and making him say sorry to Waddy for no apparent reason. The bloke then went home (what did they say?)

Waddy spent most of the night talking to Katie the temp, who was repeatedly called 'fuck in a tent' by Sutton, and despite lots of sharking Clifton was told that Nev and Sutts youngest cousin and her mates were off limits!
As the lights came on and the music stopped most people went their separate ways, Nev picked off a young ginger girl in the middle of the chippy, he later threw his portion of chips at her as she walked away. His reasoning... she made me drop my fucking sausage in batter, and i really wanted it!
Some bloke fell flat on his back outside on all the slippery chips and that was just about the perfect ending to a great day out!

Astra v North Romford 11/12/2005

2005-12-12T10:09:00.000Z

Patience was the key for NRFC as they fought back from a 3-1 half-time deficit with a superb 2nd half performance to record an impressive 6-3 victory.

Goals;
Johnson 1
Sutton 2
Neville 3

Timid had no selection problems for this one as there were only 11 fit players to choose from. Ricky slotted in for Smiler at left-back whilst James (aka Orlando Bloom) slotted in at left midfield. With the return of Mr Tony Sutton and Ross, Spicy was returned to his familiar Centre-Half position after his goal scoring exploits last time out. Kev Nev also returned to the side and slotted straight back in to the middle.

The game started with NRFC looking sloppy at the back, a ball over the top left the NRFC back four looking for offside, Smiler didn't bow to the pressure to put his flag up and the on-rushing forward slotted the ball beyond the oncoming Brown.
It was at this point NRFC seemed to wake up a bit, within 5 minutes, the ref gave a dubious hand-ball decision around 25 yards from goal, up stepped Jason Johnson to sublimely curl the ball into the top left hand corner, 1 - 1.
Ross then decided that he wanted to play his own game of kill the opposition left back.
A crunching, yet legal, tackle saw the 1st choice left back off, the shoe bomber's brother came on and Ross then saw him off with another crunching challenge!
Back to the game, and another innocuous ball over the top left the Astra forward with a one on one with Browny, the big man seemed to of done enough and pushed the player away from goal, with the NRFC defenders piling back to the line to protect the goal, the player tried his luck and managed to get a shot away, Spicy had taken up a perfect position on the line, but only managed to head it straight onto the left peg of the oncoming Brown who perfectly volleyed the ball into his own net, 2-1.
Heads seemed to go down at this point, and it wasn't long before some slick passing from the opposition carved open the NRFC back four and the right winger went through on goal, a majestic finish made the score 3-1 to Astra.
Just before the break NRFC believed they had made it 3-2, Johnson with another free-kick (no where near as good as the last one), which was fully wilfed into the net by the Astra keeper, only for the ref to give offside on the basis that 3 NRFC players were running towards the goal, what a pathetic decision!!
Half time came and some much needed tactical changes were required, step forward Assistant Manager, Daniel Wadsworth. After some consultation with Timid, NRFC reverted to a 4-5-1, with Rossell moving to left midfield and James moving to a more central position, Waddy believed that this would release the ever energetic Kev Nev to get forward more, and my god was he right!
The final half hour saw NRFC produce some of their best football of the season. With 60 minutes on the clock they were back in it, a through ball saw Sutton one on one with the keeper, he went for power rather than precision and smashed the ball into the net leaving the keeper with no chance.
Just after that the game looked to be in danger of getting called off due to bad light when a cloud of smog floated over reminding everyone of Independence Day.

The game did go on and it was time for Nev to turn in a captain's performance and score what may well be the quickest hat-trick in NRFC's 20 year history, (someone get the record books out!) His 1st was a complete shank into the bottom right hand corner after some good link play from the NRFC midfield and a neat one-two with Sutton.
Within 3 minutes he had made it 4-3, James went through one on one with the keeper, only to check back, then back again, then back again, before passing to Sutton and his cut back was met by a fierce drive from Neville which the keeper managed to let squirm under his body.
Two minutes later the skipper had completed his hat-trick with the best of his 3 goals, with the Astra back four nowhere to be seen, Skip put in a strong challenge, picked up the lose ball, then calmly chipped the it over the keeper into the net, a quite superb hat-trick!

NRFC stepped off the gas for 5 minutes after going 5-3 up, panic set in the back 4 and Ricky decided that he had had enough of all the game being played in the oppositions half, from an Astra goal-kick, instead of heading the ball forward, he decided that he wanted to enter "50p head of the season" competition and headed the ball in a direction that gratified belief, very amusing but quite possibly the worst header ever seen on a football pitch (nb Smiler - our other left back wrote this report), to be fair though, Ricky put in an impressive display for his left back debut.

As time ticked away, another flowing move from NRFC saw the ball break to Sutton on the edge of the box, and he calmly slotted the ball past the on rushing keeper, 6-3.
The show wasn't over yet though. Another free kick saw Sutton produce what would have not only been the goal of the game, but would of seen him complete his hat-trick, the Ref decided to rule the goal out for the same reason as the earlier one, ridiculous!
There were a few debates in the crowd as to who would of kept the match ball had the goal been allowed to stand, one thing is for sure though, if Nev and Sutton did fight for it, it would have been a buff bout! (nb i would have let him keep it as it was his first ever hat trick).

Back in the dressing room Timid gave his most positive Teamtalk to date claiming every single NRFC player deserved to be man of the match, this prompted the reaction from our hat-trick hero, "What a load of Bollocks!". Whilst most of the credit needs to go to the players some credit is reserved for Waddy for his tactical awareness, there was a lot of talk a while back about Waddy becoming a Football Agent, get him on the coaching staff I say!

Team: Browny, Hollamby, Cordelli, Rabey, Ricky, Bosh, Johnson, Neville, James, Ross, Sutton.

North Romford v Lonsdale 04/12/2005

2005-12-06T09:51:00.000Z

North Romford, hit by a depleted squad went down 5-1 to their rivals but put in a spirited performance.

Goals;
Rabey

With 5 players not available and four injured, NRFC went into the game with a heavily depleted squad so the battling performance that the team gave has to be commended. It also has to be said that the 5-1 scoreline was a bit of a harsh in the context of the game.

Lonsdale have always been seen as great rivals to NRFC so this defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, especially taken into account that they have had a disastrous start to the season and should have posed no threat at all.
The NRFC goal came when a ball in from the right found Spicy with a defender close by him, and as the ball bounced up he lobbed it over the keepers head and into the back of the net.

A special thanks has to go to the boys who played with injuries and those who came over at the last minute to help us out (Glynno & Tim Cordelli).

Its a shame we never seem to get the luck other teams get in calling games off when we have so few players available, but i guess that's football.
We need to put this one behind us and pick ourselves up for the next game.

Team;
Colin,
Ricky, JJ, Gregg, Smiler,
Gav, James, Tim, Glynno,
Spicy, Waddy,

Esprit v North Romford 27/11/2005

2005-11-24T10:20:00.000Z

On a cold windy day North Romford went down 5-3 to Esprit and also picked up some injuries and suspensions.

NRFC Goals,
Richards
Clifton
Cassidy

North Romford went in to Sunday full of confidence following 2 straight wins, but once again proved they travel worse than Mr T on an Aeroplane.

Timid Brought in James “I have found my reply all button” O’Cassidy in place of Waddy for his first start of the season.

Romford started slowly with some players clearly showing some ill effects of the night before. The first 15 minutes went by without Romford keeping the ball for longer than a second and the inevitable happened, Chico sailed through the Romford defence and was up ended by Brown, the ref pointed to the spot without hesitation. Despite the protests from William Gallas the ref kept his cards firmly in his pocket (for the time being anyway). Once again Colin (well your too formal Sutton) proved himself to be the worse penalty saver since Peter Shilton Italia 90 and was sent the wrong way by Wally. 1-0

It was at the point Romford decided to start playing and wasn’t long before they were back on level terms with Bosh tiniging one from the edge of the area. Once Romford scored one it was only a matter of time before the second one arrived and when it did it was worth waiting for, a long free kick in to the danger area by JJ was beautifully met by Clifton, the ball was past the keeper before he even had chance to move. 2-1 Romford. Two soon become three when a diagonal ball in behind Gallas caught him fast asleep and James nipped in for his first of the season.

Everything was going brilliantly and Romford looked like scoring every time they went forward. Half time was soon approaching but there was still time for Cordelli to log his entry in to ‘Gay header 2005’ and with December almost upon us the boy is in with a great chance of winning let me tell thee.

It was half time when once again for some reason Romford decided to stop playing and allow Esprit to come back in to the game. The score line quickly become 3-3 (we won’t dwell on the details). As soon as it had Romford again proved they had no bum for a fight (unless it’s after with a bunch of Boso’s) and there was only ever gonna be one winner.

Wally “I love a penalty against North Romford” went over quicker than a bird does for Nev (Spicy and Wadsy just watching) and the ref once again pointed to the spot. Yep you all guessed it Browny went the wrong way. 4-3 Esprit.

It was at this point the standard collapse and loss of heads was complete and number 8 went through to make it 5-3.

Spicy then came off with a suspected broken foot and was replaced by Wadsy.

Sutton then received a red card for something that goes on every week (a shoulder barge that was deemed as Violent Conduct???)(TS) and Hollamby got a yellow for one of his better tackles. Wadsy then fell off the pitch kicked all the oppositions drinks over and broke his ribs (oh am glad I came on).

The game finished and some serious questions needed answering in the dressing room, none more important than “What is Hollamby’s dad’s real name” answers on a post card.

With only one game before the Christmas break Romford really do need to get back on track this week.

Team;
Brown
Hollamby, Cordell, Rabey, Curran,
Richards, Nev, JJ, Cassidy,
Sutton, Clifton,
Waddy,

On a brighter note this is first picture of the forth coming North Romford Hunks 2006 calendar, it was taken in Chadwell Heath Sauna Club…

"I love you Neville... can I have your autograph? "

Ladzio v North Romford 13/11/2005

2005-11-14T10:22:00.000Z

NRFC made it four wins out of six (champions league form ain’t it?) on Sunday with a 4-2 win and strong all round team performance against a Ladzio side that seemed more intent on living up to their bad boys reputation than actually playing football.

NRFC Goals
Richards
Sutton (3)

Romford started brightly with Bosh seeing a lot of the ball down the right flank and Nev, Waddy, JJ and Giles Grimandi trying to unlock the Ladzio defence for Sutton. The first goal came midway through the first half, Bosh tinging one into the roof of the net from an impossible angle prompting Sutts and the rest of the team to ask "how the fuck did he get that in from there?" Not sure even Bosh knows to be fair.

Romford looked in control with Spicy and Dawson easily dealing with any Ladzio attacks, but it wouldn’t be a true NRFC performance without a mad ten minutes and it happened just before half-time. Romford were incensed when a Ladzio player did an El-Hadj-Diouf and gobbed at Waddy with the referee’s back turned. Romford were now concentrating on arguing with ‘Spitter’ and the ref rather than getting to half-time with their lead still in tact. Ladzio had succeeded in winding the Romford players up but the cheating mugs weren’t finished there. Dawson and Smiler were caught out by the Ladzio striker who, thinking he was playing for the Harlem Globetrotters, knocked the ball past the Romford defence with his hand and nipped in to poke the ball past an outrushing Brownie.

It was a bad time to concede but half-time gave timid Mick the chance to get Romford organised and focused again and it worked. Romford came out fired up for the second half and aided by the downward slope of the pitch were able to pin Ladzio back for most of the half. After a few years out in the wilderness, Gilles Grimandi struggled to get the pace of the game in the first-half, but along with Nev and JJ started bossing midfield as the game wore on.

After all this pressure and good chances for Dawson and Nev, Romford still needed a goal. Step forward Tony Sutton. His second half hat-trick was arguably the best since Ronnie Rosenthal against Southampton in ’94. His first a tasty dribble and finish that was so good that Waddy didn’t mind the enthusiastic celebrations "as long as you aint killed it dead with your first touch, gone past two players and finished from a tight angle with the outside of your boot, i dont mind!" His second was the most casual penalty you’re ever likely to see, won by Rossell as he drove into the box…more like a yard outside the box! Nev was so confident Sutt would score he had a bet with the opposing full back, and Sutton abliged by sticking it in the top corner. Sutton completed his hat-trick with a sublime looping chip from well outside the box after being put through by Gilles.

Overall it was an accomplished performance with all 14 players doing a job and the improvement since the May and Baker game is easy to see. The defence was rarely troubled, (even when Spicy had to go off to chuck up all the booze he drank at Life the night before) and what few chances Ladzio had were easily dealt with by the Big Man. Smiler’s composure on the ball and good balls into the box made up for him throwing the ball backwards at a throw in! Nev and JJ once again ran their opponents ragged all over the park. With so many good performances timid Mick will be having selection nightmares this week ahead of the cup game…surprised he hasn’t gone to Spain to ease the pressure!

There was a bit of a fracas after the final whistle, inevitably involving Hollanby, and Ladzio’s eastern European contingent. A few bottles were thrown, a bit of pushing and shoving in the changing rooms, then a naked stand off in the showers.

There was even rumour of a metal bar awaiting NRFC when they left the dressing room. Ladzio eventually decided that ‘The METROPOLITAN POLICE Sports ground’ probably wasn’t the best place to start hitting people with metal bars and drove away with their tails between their legs. The response to Waddy being asked out for a fight with ‘Spitter’ and co summed up the great team spirit now being shown in the NRFC camp...

“we dont do one on one's mate, you hit one of us and we will all give you a pasting!”

Team,

Brown,

Hollamby, Dawson, Spice, Smiler

Bosh, Nev, JJ, Grimandi, Waddy

Sutton

Subs; Cassidy, Eric, Clifton

North Romford v Esprit 06/11/2005

2005-11-02T11:35:00.000Z

North Romford ran out 4-2 winners in a very funny match against Esprit

NRFC Goals
Sutton (2) Neville Johnson

North Romford returned to winning ways with a good 4-2 victory against Esprit's lookalike XI. In quite bad conditions NRFC started brightly with a lot of desire in the tackling and closing down of players. Esprit then caught NRFC with a lucky goal which was actually a cross that looped over the big mans head and into the back of the net.
This made NRFC more deterred to get back into the game straight away with Bosh seeing alot of the ball against Mido's dad who was playing left back.
Spicy and Hollamby then found their names in the ref's book (I dont think this was much of a surprise to most people). Spicy's was more for calling the bloke a cheat than the actual tackle and Hollamby's was also for dissent.
NRFC then got a deserved equaliser when after a mix up at the far post Sutton managed to hook the ball home. From this point on NRFC bossed the game and the pressure paid off when they won a free kick just inside Esprit's half which Jason whipped into the box and Neville rose like a salmon to thunder a bullet header home.
There was also time for a very camp "Ohhhhhh" from Smiler in a Frank Spencer voice!! and for Neville to appeal for offside and realise Hollamby was about 50 yards behind the rest of the defence!!
2-1 At Half Time.
The 2nd half started with NRFC playing into a 100MPH wind! Then a long ball caught Hollamby over the top and James "Michael Dawson" tried to make a last ditch tackle in the area but just ploughed through the back of 2 players causing the number 8 (Spicy's mate!) to collide with his own player and bust his nose open. Couldnt have happened to a nicer fella in my eyes!!
Anyway while he was being treated the game turned into a farce with Neville and JJ digging the penalty spot up!, abuse being thrown at the deaf bloke Wally (Thats his name!!) from not only our players but their's as well, Waddy telling the Scotch egg right back that he didnt think he had been the same since Mandy Dingle left him the Butch lookalike and plenty of shouts of "Its Chico time" towards Diego!!!
Anyway once it all settled down the penalty was put away with ease.
NRFC were still very much in control and they soon regained the lead with JJ Heading home from all of 2 yards!!! Then went mental jumping up and down!!
As Esprit pushed forward NRFC's back 4 held tight, so tight in fact that Smiler chose to stand next to Spicy at the near post for a corner!!! Then Bosh broke down the right and crossed into the box and when Esprit failed to clear properly Sutton shot home from a tight angle to wrap the game up for NRFC. Lets all say a big thank you to Gav. THANK YOU GAVIN!!

There was even time for Sid the Greek and Erik the Turk to appear on the same pitch together!! Although they didnt pass to each other.

Team:Big Man, Veteran, Student's mate Dawson, Spicy, Smiler, Student , Ace, Bugs, Waddy, Sutton , Rossell
Subs:Sid the GreekErik the Turk

Match report by: Jamie Rabey

4 shots and he still cant score!

2005-10-31T09:49:00.000Z

Ronaldinho

wwww.youtube.com/watch.php?v=aRHk8ol0vTw