Match Reports - 2004/2005
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In a game that Southbank had to win to stay up, they came up against a determind, in form United side not willing to give anything away. Earley played some attractive football throughout the game and deservedly won 4-0. It was only United's second home win of the season, but their first clean sheet, greatest victory and longest unbeaten spell. It seems a shame the seaon ends here for United, they look to have just been getting going. Southbank never really threatened United and for a side fighting for survival, they were dissapointing to say the least. Two cracking strikes from man of the match Bartlett and two also from Perkins were all that United needed to secure victory. The second goal for Perkins moved him to top of the goal scoring chart thanks to Carpenter holding the ball up long enough for him to score with virtually the last kick of the game. Congratulations to James, a deserved tally. Finally a big thanks to 'Dave' (aka JC) for his appearance up front for United, apart from the fact that he told me he'd kick my face in if I didn't give him a mention ...I can't remember laughing so much on a football pitch ... even when injured. It's been a pleasure this season gentlemen ... let's hope we contiune next season where we left off and have a few more regular players eh? |
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United continue their good form with another empatic 4-2 victory away to (previously) 4th placed IBIS. The first half was especially close between the two sides with few chances, but in the second an inspired tacticle change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and the introduction of the long missing Williams brought a string of chances for United. Paul Newman takes the top spot in the goalscorers chart following his brace, while Richard Carpenter bagged the other two taking his tally to 8. It means now that all eyes for United will be on the Kidmore End game against Southbank this weekend to see if United's latest victory secures premiership survival. If not, it means the last game will decide all. |
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No report. |
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With a late kick off due to the Reading half marathon United dominated the first half and should have put the game out of reach. Newman scored first (his 6th in 5 games) and Richard Carpenter moments later to give the vistitors a 2-0 lead at half time (even when having a perfectly good goal dissallowed). The second half couldn't have been more in contrast to the first. Southbank took charge and bombarded the United defense with attack afetr attack but Earley stood strong and eventually hit them on the break through Carpenter, to go 3-0 up. The remained of the game remained scrappy with no further clear cut chances, but a poorly defended through ball left confusion in the ranks and Southbank pulled one back. A thouroughly deserved victory for United after last weeks dissapointment and this win now puts United on level terms with Southbank with a game in hand and the teams meet again, last game of the season. Man of the match goes to Richard Carpenter for a fine brace. |
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In a game that United desperatley needed to win, they found themselves down to 10 men within the first 10 minutes after Lee was unable to keep his cool following a firm challenge, and left the referee no choice following ugly scenes. United struggled from here on in and were first 1-0 at half-time, then 2-0 down 5 mins after the restart. After some re-organisation though United mounted thier comeback with a 2 yard thunderbolt from Perkins following a powerful jump against the keeper from Lawes. A great United move moments later saw Newman strike in the equaliser. To their credit though Ibis came back at the 10 men of Earley and scored twice within the next 5 mins leaving United scratching their heads after a gritty performance to get back in the game. Finally right on the death, Newman slotted in another for United (his 5th in 4 games), but unfortunatley it was too little too late. This week United face Southbank for the first time this season in what looks to be one of the crunch games in the fight for survival. |
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Another tough game for United but once more the proved themselves and grabbed another point in a 3-3 draw at home to Whitley Tavern Res to continue their recent good form. Since the turn of the year United have racked up an impressive 11 points from a possible 18, suffering only one defeat to second placed Theale. The game itself was hampered by the cold weather and wind again, but more so by the referees lack of control. A thunderbold from Bartlett, well judged tap in from Grange and a well crafted effort from Bartlett to get his second gave United their goals, but from being 3-1 ahead and losing a goal in the final moments, United must be slightly annoyed with themselves. |
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Earley started the game with only 9 men and from the off found themselves on the back foot as Tilehurst went close with their very first attack. Only moments later they found the back of the net when a poorly defended cross was met well and headed in to put the home side one up. Earley picked themselves up though and with the late arrival of one of their players (making it 10) started to look like much more of a team passing the ball well when in possession. It was all Tilehurst in the first half though as United struggled to come to terms with having one less player .... that was Until Roberts arrived and made things a little more even. Earley had a few chances of their own towards the end of the first half and a rebounding ball off of the post hit Roberts, who smashed the ball into the back of the net, but only for the ref to award a free-kick for hand-ball. From this point though United (Earley) suddenly looked much more competitive. In the second half the tables turned completely. Earley had the wind behind them and after ending the half so well they all put in an excellent performance. Great work by Newman & Bartlett down the left led to the first opportunity which when crossed by Newman, was lashed into the roof of the net by J.Perkins. The second for Earley and Perkins came soon after in similar circumstances and the visitors made it 3-1 with Newman getting the third to cap another outstanding performance. Tilehurst pushed hard for the final 20 minutes and grabbed a goal with moments to go to make it interesting, but it was all about the Although every Earley player on the pitch deserved man of the match for their efforts, this week it has been shared between Chris Dye and Nigel Roberts. |
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The Earley derbies this season (one cup and the other league) were close fought encounters with the cup game going to penalties, and this was much the same. On a boggy pitch that made it hard work for both sides, it was united who stuck first when a fine through ball from Morgan-Jones was latched onto by the 'returning to form' Newman, who buried into to bottom corner. It was nothing more than United deserved after some fine play in the first half, but again it was only some fine defending and great keeping that kept the score 1-0 at half time. The second half was much the same as the first with both teams having good chances to score, but the equaliser came from a fine solo effort. A great turn and powerful run by Home Gaurd's striker put him inside the United box and desipte consant pressure from Dance and good positioning from Elton, a well struck shot fround the roof of the net to tie the game. Man of the match this week has been awarded to Kris Morgan-Jones for a typically good display, despite another fine performance from Skipper John Lawes. |
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United never really got going in the game and due to a few injuries and hang overs, it came as no suprise. The game was pretty even throughout although Theale were much the better side in the opposing third of the pitch. |
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No report. |
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A strong United side kicked off 2005 with a great victory away at 3rd placed Alfred's Head. Another physical encounter saw United turn the tables from earlier this season and take all points in a 2-1 victory. United had much more of the play on the day but with Alfred's skilful forwards they were a danger on almost every attack. The first goal for United came early in the second half when (back on form) Newman beat 3 and slotted home with ease. United were unlucky not to already be 1-0 up when Lee pounced on a defensive mix up and lobed the keeper only to see the ball rebound of the crossbar. United pushed for a second and it came through substitute Bartlett who unleashed a 30 yard drive in to the top corner leaving the keeper clueless. From that moment on United tried to shut up shop and it was almost their demise when from a corner Alfreds pulled one back. Then, as always, controversy ..... Keeper Elton came for a deep ball through and when outside of his box the ball struck his hand while defending his face. The referee insists he had no other option but to send him off, but the intent wasn't there and United felt it was a mistake. Page stepped in goal, but with only 10 men United defended well for up to the final whistle. Alfreds could have quite easily grabbed an equaliser at the death when a fine strike beat the bewildered Page and stuck the post, but that would have not been a fair result after such a fine performance from United. |
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We was thrashed. |
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No Report. |
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On a good but heavy pitch the two bottom clubs of the premier division battled it out both desperate for points. Both teams played some attractive football through the mud, but it was United who took the lead midway through the first half. It took Southcote a while to get back into the game and Earley must have felt pretty gutted when a long range shot bounced akwardly under the keep Elton to draw it level. Southcote started the second half brightly and were rewarded midway through the second half to take the lead 2-1. There were chances for both sides to score before the sending off of a Southcote player for a string of bad challenges and spitting, but it was United who grabbed the equaliser with seconds to go to take a share of the points. Man of the match has been awarded to Rob Page for a good performance in a rare central midfield role. |
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United are fast becoming 'The boys to entertain you' with another thriller at Soel Joel which this time produced 10 goals. United took the lead with a fine move rounded off with a great header from James Perkins, but were unable to hold the lead for long as Home Guard struck to level the scores. Again United took the lead with John Lawes once more at the back post to head in a Sean Bartlett corner. United looked good with their new 5-3-2 set-up and a cracking move from United was finished with style by the now '2 in 2' Carpenter to make it 3-1. Then back came Tilehurst with two fairly quick goals to level the scores once more at 3-3 (the second was a most unfortunate own goal). United continued to play well and once more took the lead when top goal scoreer James Perkins netted his 2nd of the game and 5th of the campaign. No such luck of holding the lead for long though as Tilehurst once more managed a comeback and drew level. Earley again pulled up their socks and were rewarded when they took the lead for the forth time, thanks to Tain Mcdonnell who powered home to make it 5-4. Somehow .... Tilehurst came back once more and a deep corner was met at the far post to give them a share of the points and the game finished shortly after 5-5. United's manager could not be best pleased with scoring 5 and not taking all the points, but again, despite being let down by a couple of players, United showed great character and skill throughout the game ... they just need a couple of wins now. Man of the match goes to James Perkins for a quality brace. |
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Two weeks in a row the Earley teams clashed. This time at Home Guards ground and this time in the Madjeski cup. In a cup game that saw 8 goals, two sending offs, several bookings and a penalty shoot out ... some of the watching fans could consider themselves lucky not to be charged. A cool finish from Newman and two headed goals from each center back (Lawes & Dye) replied to Home Gaurds three and took the match into extra time. Then two sending offs. Home Gaurd lost one of their defenders following a string of bad tackles and moments later Danny Perkins saw staright red for a wild challenge. United battled hard though and took the initaitive scoring first through Richard Carpenter but in the dying seconds Home Guard equalised (4-4) and took the game to penalties. There's no need to name names, but United lost 4-1. Man of the match goes to Richard Carpenter for an outstanding performance throughout midfield. |
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The first Earley clash was a hard fought game which was mostly battled out in the midfield. Both sides had chances throughout the game, but the best of which fell to Home Guard who, if it wasn't for some fine goal keeping from Elton could have easily been 3 or 4 up. United had a fair share of chances too but were undone in the final minutes following a misjudged ball over the top, which the striker fired home to win it. Another much improved performance from United, but the lack of points even at this early stage must be a concern for the manager. Chris Elton was by far the man of the match on the day. |
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United played in parts the best football this season so far, but all efforts were not enough to stop them crashing out of the cup 3-2 to 10 man Hammers. United started well and played some nice football in spells and were rewarded when from good work from Chocky in the box the ball fell to James Perkins to rifle home his 3rd of the season. Woodley replied quickly though and although it appeared like a foul on Lawes, they powered home to equalize with little time remaining in the first half. Earley started the second half much the same as the first, but Hammers were coming more and more into the game as time went on. With the assistance of a hand blocking Chris Elton's clearance, they took the lead midway through the second half. With time running out Keith mad a few changes to the squad and was fast rewarded when Page (now playing along side the hard working Chocky) robbed a back pass and slotted home (just) to draw things level. United seem to sit back after the goal, maybe anticipating extra time, but a string of good chances by Hammers was finally converted following a good through ball to win it. In summary for United it was a good performance in a cup they were never likely to win and at last they showed in places their true colours. Man of the match goes to Richard Chicocki (Chocky) for a great performance in an unfamiliar position. |
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A good performance from United this week, but again they lack the minerals to take all 3 points. United took the lead early in the first half when the ball bounced off a defender to the feet of James Perkins, who coolly finished from close range which now makes him top scorer. United were in control for the remainder of the first half and it came as quite a shock when Kidmore struck with seconds to go to level the score. The start of the second half was much like the first with United having nearly all the play, but poor finishing from them kept the scores level. Until that was, step up Chocky! Good play from united lead to a wonderful strike from 35 yards out which left the keeper no chance. Then (as almost every game) controversy!! A stick on penalty when James Perkins was upended in the box was waved away by the ref. A few more missed chances by United started to let Kidmore back into it and a badly defended throw-in was met at the fast post to see the score line leveled once more. From that moment on United were on the back foot and Kidmore took their chances very well indeed to score a further 2 in the last 10 minutes, and make it 4-2. United deserved something from the game but a defensive mistake and missed opportunities at this level, will win nothing Man of the match was awarded to Rob Page, despite being part of a back from that conceded 4. |
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A tough encounter against promotion hopefulls Abbey Rangers saw United go down 4-1. It was a mixed start to the first half. Abbey had most of the play and at half time United found themselves 2-0 after being over run in the centre of the park. The second half however United made a change to their formation (5-3-2) and looked like a different side. 'Pub player' John Lawes rose 'like a salmon' at the far post to make it 2-1 and shortly after came fine effort from United struck Abbey's crossbar. Then came another controversial decision .... again an ignored foul led to a long ball which was finished well to make it 3 with 10 to go. All the arguing in the world wouldn't change the decision and infact made matters worse as United had a player sent off for foul and abusive language. United pushed on to try and get back in the game and were hit once more on the break. The slightest of touches was enough to send the Abbey forward tumbling in the box, and they scored from the spot to make it 4. To be fair it was a deserved result for Abbey. United had few chances, but if taken, it may have been a different game. Man of the match this week goes to Chris Morgan-Jones for another typical solid performance. |
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An under strengthed united site took the field in their second league match with only 10 and were more than thankful for the efforts of Tain McDonald who played, despite being injured to make up the full squad. United started brightly enough, but it was quite evident early on that United were going to find it tough. Midway through the first half however, a quick 25 yard free kick from Rob Page put the home side 1 up. From then on Alfreds Head kept the ball well and threw attack after attack at United, but the goal came under controversial circumstances. John Lawes went down with a facial injury following a elbow from the opposing striker, who also handled the ball. The referee saw nothing wrong and with Lawes bleeding, Alfreds equalized with the help of a double deflection. Two more goals came fairly quickly for Alfreds after defensive lapses in the United ranks, and a couple of missed opportunities to get back in the game, sealed United’s fate. Man of the match was awarded to goalkeeper Chris Elton who had another fine performance despite being beaten 3 times. |
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The blistering heat played a huge part in the quality of football by both sides, but United showed their experience The deadlock was broken early in the second half by an in swinging corner from Bartlett, nodded back in at the far post by Lawes, for J.Perkins to tap home. Video restarted with intensions of throwing everything into attack, but moments later clever play by Newman robbed the last defender and he calmly drove the ball left footed into the bottom corner to make it 2. United lost there shape a little with 15 to go and only some fine saves from Cris kept Video at bay. With 5 mins to go however, a powerful drive from their centre forward was too much for Cris to hold and the ball squirmed through his hands to give Video hope. It was all too late though. All in all a scrappy performance, but attractive football doesn't always win matches (as United know only too well). Man of the match was awarded to Rob Page for an all round good performance. |
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In rather hot conditions United comfortably beat a newly entered Woodley Wanderers side. With once again only 10 players, United this time looked like a Premier outfit and the front partnership of Newman & Williams showed great skill and experience in demolishing Woodley's defence. Man of the match has been awarded to Robbie Williams for 4 goals which topped off a fine individual display. Goals also came from James Perkins (corner) and 2 from Paul newman. |
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The day didn't start too well with the original pitch double booked, and when a second one was located, no lines, nets or sufficent players were available for united. Woodlands dominated the most of game and as time went on chances became much more frequent. United in contrast only had sporadic moments of good play and from which came only a handful of half chances. Chirs Elton has been awarded Man Of The Match for a string of fine saves late on. |