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Under 11's Lions
LGE 16/09/07 - AWAY FOREST HALL 9 0 - " 23/09/07 - HOME KINGSTON PARK 14 0 - " 30/09/07 10.30 HOME BEDLINGTON TERRIERS 5 2 - " 07/10/07 - AWAY BEDLINGTON TERRIERS 8 1 MAY(4), JOHNSON, CORNESS, PACKHAM & OG CUP 14/10/07 - HOME ELLINGTON 0 8 - LGE 21/10/07 - AWAY ELLINGTON 4 0 TONER & SYVERSON " 28/10/07 - HOME NEW FORDLEY 2 4 PACKHAM & SYVERSON " 04/10/07 - AWAY WHITLEY BAY 2 1 SYVERSON & MAY " 11/11/07 - AWAY NEW FORDLEY 3 2 MAY(2) & TONER " 18/11/07 - HOME HAYDEN BRIDGE 0 9 - " 02/12/07 - HOME AE PHEONIX 0 3 - " 06/01/08 - HOME BLAKELAW EAGLES 6 1 SYVERSON(2), MAY, KELLY & CROW " 13/01/08 - AWAY MORPETH FC 0 6 - " 20/01/08 - HOME FOREST HALL 6 1 SYVERSON(4), TONER & MAY " 27/01/08 - AWAY MORPETH 1 0 SYVERSON " 03/02/08 - AWAY BLAKELAW EAGLES 9 3 MAY(3), SYVERSON(2), TONER(2), KELLY
& JOHNSON" 10/02/08 - AWAY AE PHEONIX 1 0 TONER " 17/02/08 - HOME ELLINGTON EAGLES 8 0 SYVERSON(3), MAY(2), TONER, McLEOD &
CROW" 24/02/08 - AWAY KINGSTON PARK 10 0 KELLY(3), SYVERSON(3),CORNESS(2), BURT
TONER" 02/03/08 - HOME MORPETH FC 2 2 MAY & SYVERSON " 09/03/08 - HOME WHITLEY BAY 2 3 TONER & CORNESS " 16/03/08 - HOME MORPETH 0 3 - " 30/03/08 - AWAY KINGSTON PARK 7 0 SYVERSON(3), MAY(3) & CORNESS " 13/04/08 - HOME ELLINGTON HAWKS 6 1 SYVERSON(4), BIGNALL & ATKINS " 23/04/08 - AWAY FOREST HALL 7 1 SYVERSON(2), TONER, PACKHAM, ATKINS
HOLMES & KELLY" 27/04/08 - HOME BLAKELAW EAGLES 4 3 CORNESS(2), CROW, SYVERSON Match Reports
27th APRIL 2008
North Shields Lions 4 – 3 Blakelaw EaglesWhat makes the engine go? Desire, desire, desire.
Stanley Kunitz, O Magazine, September 2003Question: How do you give Billy and Eddie a heart attack?
Answer: Go 2 nil down at home then decide to play.!Its been a long time since NSL started a game so poorly but today we decided to play against a team which was well organisied, very well supported and had some fast, skillful players, however not to be out done we have our own special players and Mark Crow played another great game resulting in another deserved goal, then the Hitman Liam Syverson wasn’t too long in getting his name on the score sheet again which gave NSL the impetus to really attack the game and apart from a shakey last 5 minutes never looked out of control. With great performances from James Burt, Andy Packham, Luke Bignall and Connor Holmes in defense NSL played with confidence to win through.
Jonny Corness also led from the front and hit 2 goals which finally broke Blakelaws hearts and resulted in another win for NSL, and well deserved nomination of MAN OF THE MATCH.
Jack, Lets hope to see you “BACK” ( get-it ) soon!.23rd APRIL2008 - Forest Hall 1 – 7 North Shields Lions
They can conquer who believe they can.
Virgil
Roman epic poet (70 BC - 19 BC
Kick off, pass and goal to Liam Syverson, this was going to be a good game!. After the first goal the supporters were starting a book to see what the final score would be as NSL completely dominated the game. Subsequently the goals started flying in from all directions and more importantly from various positions.
Dale Toner
Andy Packham
Billy Aitkens
Connor Holmes
Liam Syverson x 2
Elliot Kelly
In view of the way the game was going Billy and Eddie worked their magic in changing a few positions and subsequently after a dogged performance Connor Holmes got his well deserved goal which after the way he has played in defence and also deputisied in goal was an excellent achievement.
Matty Holmes also tried his hand in attack and was very unfortunate not to get his name on the score sheet aswell.MAN OF THE MATCH - DAN McLEOD
P.s Pull your “finger” out Jordan we needed our supersub to get us in double figures!
13/04/08 - NORTH SHIELDS LIONS 6 – 1 ELLINGTON HAWKS
Things do not change; we change.
Henry David Thoreau 1817 – 1862
As I sit here watching Manchester United versus Arsenal, and look on how one team has shown just what they can do when they put there minds to it. I start to realize how far NSL have come from the start of the season. I don’t think anybody can recognize this team now and how they have improved.
Whilst this was still a friendly and also being severely depleted, NSL came to the game with the same positive attitude and took the game to Ellington immediately. Luke Bignall played what I believe was his best game of the season and took the defence apart to lay Liam on for the first goal of the match, and shortly after got a well deserved goal for his commitment and attitude, after a slight hic-cup in our play we were then given what lately has become a one-man assignation of the opposition with our very own hitman Liam Syverson getting another hat-trick in a game, (plus 1). By this point it was all one way traffic with Jonny Corness, Andy Packham and Elliot Kelly all playing out of there skins and then Billy Atkins picking up on some loose defensive play after a corner to slam home another for NSL.
Another excellent display even with our absentees. Best wishes go to Jack Whitfield for a speedy recovery, in the meantime play on it as much as you can !!!!!!.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Jonny Corness
30TH MARCH 2008
KINGSTON PARK 0 – 7 NORTH SHIELDS LIONSIt just goes to show what a team building exercise can do for morale. After a brilliant performance at the Filey Tournament, NSL came out like a team possessed, confidence can make a team and today’s result proves we are definitely still on a high.
From the kick off it was all one way traffic and really just a matter of time before Liam Syverson or Jordan May put the first one away, as it happens Jordan got in first with a lovely run through, however our two top scorers are going to go right to the end of the season to see who comes out on top and just to keep us all on the edge of our seats both scored HAT-TRICKS.
However that is not the full story today, the whole team put in some great performance’s, with Johnny Corness causing havoc in midfield and scoring our 5th, Luke Bignall making some great runs down the line, James Burt holding the back line on his own, Andy Packham running the back line like a pro, Jack Whitfield as an impromptu striker, Elliot Kelly peppering the goal, Dan Mcleod putting the ball through, Connor Holmes and Matty Crow seeing who could get the coldest due to inactivity, Billy Atkins resolute in attack and Connor Johnson in a sweeping role he is making his own. Every single player in NSL played his part today.
However Man of the Match had to go to MARK CROW for his tackling and all-round play. Well done.
“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence. But it comes from within. It is there all the time”.
Anna Freud 1865 - 1982
THE FILEY CUP TOURNEMENT MARCH 2008
A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water!
Carl Reiner.What a weekend, forgetting the Artic weather conditions and lack of heating in the bar, this was an excellent weekend, the boys played together as a team, the parents drank – oops sorry socialized as a team and to cap it off this was the first time that the North Shields team got into a Filey Cup final.
The match day didn’t bode well, frost bite and hangovers tend to bring out the worst and that’s only the kids. With a slight smattering of snow on the ground and a windchill factor which would give a penguin a cold, NSL took to the field and true to form never started, however the refereeing decisions were so bad at one point I thought I was watching a different game.
Once the traditional first half lethargy wore off NSL started playing like we know the boys can and after the occasional snow storm which left us building igloos and having snow ball fights to keep warm we had managed to win through enough matches to reach the final.
North Shields Lions against Hucknell Sports a repeat of the first match, however NSL gave a much better show of themselves and whist we lost in the end the effort and commitment from the team proved beyond doubt how far we have come from the start of the season. I personally consider reaching a final in those weather conditions a victory in itself.
On behalf of all the parents and the team I would like to thank Billy, Eddie and Sue for all their hard work and effort put into the weekend.
A few reminders
1) Paul’s taste in shirts. 2) Searching in the dark for the caravan.
3) Sue and Eddies Taxi fare. 4) The girl being sick in the fun fair.
5) Setting fire to the cushions – no names.
6) The cooker door – no names again.Don’t knock the weather. If it didn’t change once in a while, 9 out of 10 people couldn’t start a conversation.
Kin Hubbard 1868 - 1930
16th MARCH 2008
North Shields Lions 0 -3 MorpethWith such an important game and potential resulting place in the league, NSL came out with all guns firing and Liam Syverson took it up himself to give all of the parents heart attacks with first hitting the post and then the cross bar! – on any other day we would be 2 goals up!.
However today was not going to be the day for victory, even with NSL having most of the game, we somehow managed to lose, this was a gritty hard fought match, just ask Mark Crowe and his bloody nose, all the team gave as much as they possibly could, inconceivably however today we came away with nothing.
Lets just give the same effort to our last match and we will come away with a result!.
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered with failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy or suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory or defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt 1858 - 1919
9th MARCH 2008
North Shields Lions 2 – 3 Whitley BaySuccess is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.
Arthur AsheDoing a Chelsea today was the most unexpected result, I personally think, of the season. With ALL of the possession and all of the attack it only looked a matter of time before we were scoring for fun, and true to form Dale Toner put what was hoped to be the first of many in the net within 15 mins, however that was the result at the end of the half. However once again NSL completely overran Whitley Bay in the second half and after 8 or 9 goal kicks in succession Liam Syverson returned a header from the kick which if it had gone in would have been goal of the season, however almost immediately Jonny Corness returned a goal kick with a beautiful lob / shot which had NSL in the ascendancy again. With Connor Holmes using his “head” and Connor Johnson “bleeding for the cause” who would imagine the final result. Just goes to show football is definitely a game of two halfs – sorry had to use that one!
I believe in the last 20minutes the Lions were looking forward to the sponsored walk so much they completely forgot about the game.
M.O.M. Liam Syverson
*****************************
If anyone wants to do the walk again I would advise whips and chains or have the team walk primary school “hand-in-hand” coz
a) It would be quicker.
b) Tail end charlies might move a bit faster.A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu ( circ 604bc ) The Way of Lao-tzu
2nd MARCH 2008
North Shields Lions 2 -2 Morpeth FCAnother windy day playing Morpeth – go figure!
After a few minor alterations to the goal post housing with a bloody large hammer we were ready to start.
North Shields Lions allowed the away team to play with the wind, hopefully a tactical decision which would prove advantageous in the second half for NSL. Unfortunately the first 30 minutes were extremely difficult for the home team with the extreme weather conditions causing havoc for the defence, however with NSL giving nothing to the wind or Morpeth, Andy Packham, Jack Whitfield, James Burt and Connor Holmes played a really tight game most of the time on the edge of the box, and it was only due to an excellent corner from Morpeth which gave them a 1 nil lead going into half time.
The second half looked really favorable for NSL and almost immediately we took the game to Morpeth and it was only a matter of time before Jordan May got our equalizer. With Jonny and Dale pushing through their defence, the next opportunity by Jordan was a crashing strike at goal which beat the keeper, however was saved by a defender on the line illegally resulting in a penalty for NSL, even though the player was not red carded up steps Liam Syverson and slams home our second and what looked like the winner!.
However a lapse in concentration in the last seconds of the game gave Morpeth the upper hand and equalizer. Whilst NSL were disappointed, two things we can take from this game:
a) WE DIDN’T LOSE
b) THE WEATHER WAS TERRIBLE AND 2 – 2 IS A GOOD RESULTMAN OF THE MATCH LIAM SYVERSON
24th FEBRUARY 2008
KINGSTON PARK 0 – 10 NORTH SHIELDS LIONSRubber Duck – Rubber Duck WE HAVE A CONVOY!!
If I had known we would have to traverse an obstacle course to get to the match I would have came prepared with a map and compass.
The game always had the makings of another scorcher, after the first was a 14 nil thumping and it didn’t disappoint with Dale Toner and Elliot Kelly both coming close within the first few minutes. Then after 10 minutes one of the many crosses put in by Jonny Corness resulted in Elliot getting his first of the day, then shortly after with Dale hitting the post Elliot latched on to the ball in the box to get is second. Sensing something special Billy “Jose” changed to a back three for a more attacking formation which as the result would prove was an inspired decision.
Not to be out done Liam Syverson making one of his trademark runs opened his account for the day, then shortly after Elliot finished the day with his hat-trick. Well done Elliot.
The second half couldn’t start soon enough and NSL continued their domination of the game, however my bloody coffee got cold coz I couldn’t keep up with the score and almost on queue James Burt picked up his first of the day with some determined forward play and NSL’s 5th. Sensing blood Liam picked up his next by running through on goal and it was inevitable by his entire game that his hat-trick was only a matter of time. Two hat-trick hero’s for day!.
Jonny Corness then took on what looked like the entire team to score his first of two, the parents of course were then hoping for another hat-trick just so Mick could pay his dues!. Dale Toner then kept up his goal tally per game; however all his inter play deserved applause.
Apart from a very quick second half (20mins ish) the entire team played with determination and resolve. Great Result!!!!.
We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and GOALS to achieve.
Maxwell Maltz 2004MAN OF THE MATCH DALE TONER
17th FEBRUARY 2008
NORTH SHIELDS LIONS 8 – 0 ELLINGTON EAGLESNorth Shields Lions proved today that they can start the game with a high tempo and within the first 5 minutes Dale Toner scored the first of what would be a master class in taking control of the game and not letting go!.
Possession, passing and inter – play was the watch word for today and soon after Liam Syverson scored the first of what would be a brilliant hat-trick, two of the goals Liam simply took on the defence and left them standing. Dan Mcleod then poured on more pressure with a hard fought goal which gave NSL a commanding lead going into half – time.
One potentially massive decision given against NSL’s however, when James Burt played an excellent last ditch tackle, running back which unbelievably was given as a foul and then incredibly a PENALTY. Up steps our top keeper Matty Crow who pulled off yet another great save resulting in another team shut out.
The second half started the same as the first and very quickly we had our other top scorer Jordan May putting away another brace of goals, we definitely have a race between Jordan and Liam for top scorer of the season, (Sue will be taking bets on Wednesday!). Not to be out done Mark Crow coming off the bench for the second half put away another goal to make it 8. An excellent final result for NSL.
Quote of the week for the referee (ITV: circa 2008)
SPECSAVERS HAVE A 2 FOR 1 OFFER THIS WEEKMan of the match was a very hard decision this week due to some excellent work by Liam, Jordan, Matty, James and Andy Packham; however the final decision was given for his goal and work ethic for the entire game.
MAN OF THE MATCH - DANIEL McLEOD
10th FEBRUARY 2008
A E PHOENIX 0 – 1 NORTH SHIELDS LIONS
After the fashion show led by our very own “TWIGGY” ( hi Sue ), the parents attempted to work out the correct sizes for our team – can I just say watching grown men ring home to find out what sizes to order was a picture to behold!.Anyway, best get back to football.
Following on from a 3 nil win by AE Phoenix earlier in the season and sitting just below us in the league, this game was never going to be easy, however from the kick-off one could see the improvements in North Shields Lions with a defensive line up designed to stop Pheonix dead, so much so NSL played the 30 minute first half and 45minute second half completely in control.
The one goal of the game came from some excellent inter play between Jordan May and Dale Toner who finally slotted it through for what eventually proved to be the winner. Please note however this was a team result and EVERYONE played their part in the victory.
“Every day you make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever- ascending, ever-improving path.
Winston Churchill 1874-1965
MAN OF THE MATCH - LIAM SYVERSON
3rd FEBRUARY 2008
Blakelaw Eagles 3 – 9 North Shields Lions
“Cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war“(SHAKESPEARE)From the initial kick-off NSL had all the possession in Blakelaw’s half and it only looked a matter of seconds before we scored first, unbelievably however the two times Blakelaw eventually got in our half they scored!.
Looking at 2 nil down with the game in front of them NSL finally started playing, Liam Syverson who was giving Blakelaw a really hard time from the go opened NSL’s score with a brilliant one man effort, then Elliot Kelly got our equalizer within a few seconds of our first. Unbelievably the third time Blakelaw got in our box they scored again, subsequently we finished the first half 3 – 2 down.The second half however was a totally different game. What can only be described as a constructive yet “forceful” team talk, NSL came out to win the game. Liam Syverson took a penalty which was won by Dale Toner giving the defence a really hard time for his second, and then Dale’s continued assault on the defence paid off with another brace of goals. Jordan May not to be out done scrambled his first goal as the Blakelaw keeper used his face to stop the ball, then took a brilliant run from the half way line to get his second and finally took his third with a beautifully placed strike which would show up many premiership strikers (are you listening Michael Owen). Finally “Chopper” Johnson picked up on a poor goal kick to take it through and chip the keeper with his left.
Whilst the game was certainly one way, our defense should be applauded once again for a second half shut out and special consideration for Matty Crow who must have froze in the second half.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LIAM SYVERSON
27th JANUARY 2008
Morpeth 0 – 1 North Shields Lions“He who sows the wind will reap the whirlwind “
With the potential of the game being called off due to extreme weather conditions North Shields Lions started the game already coming off a home win and expectations were high if we played as a team working for each other to come away with another victory and maintain the pressure on the other teams above us in the league.
NSL started very well with some excellent inter play between the players, Dale Toner played extremely well down the wing giving Morpeth a really tough time, Luke Bignall played some great passes along the line and James Burt also put some great tackles in to disrupt Morpeths attack.
With continuing pressure NSL won a corner where upon Liam Syverson slammed home our only goal of the day.
As football is a game of two half’s, I wasn’t there for the second, however the team lived up to there name and a pride of LIONS not only held the wind back but also the attack from Morpeth.
Well done to the entire team who defended so well – If Kevin Keegan needs to sign any new defenders please contact Billy Atkin or Eddie Whitfield immediately.
MAN OF THE MATCH – Liam Syverson
20th JANUARY 2008
NORTH SHIELDS LIONS 6 – 1 FOREST HALLIf canceling training on Wednesdays results in 6 – 1 score lines I say we try it every WEEK!!.
With another weekend of standing in the mud (I was going to attach a picture of mud –wrestlers at this point but decided this was a family report!), NSL started slowly and whilst we had all of the possession didn’t manage to pressurize Forest Hall enough resulting in patchy spells, however once Dale Toner and Liam Syverson worked a lovely “one –two” Liam’s first goal looked as if the game would really hot up, unfortunately a lapse of concentration on what otherwise would be excellent defending from our back four let Forest Hall scramble an equalizer seconds before the referee blew the whistle for half time.
With a half time team talk from King Kevin and Terry Mac (or Alan Shearer – you decide) NSL came out with renewed purpose and it wasn’t long before Liam Syverson scored an excellent one man effort, then took his HAT-TRICK with ease, and just to make sure, later on also got his FOURTH of the game!. Now with all one way traffic Dale Toner scored a well deserved goal for all his first half hard work and not to be out done Jordan May kept up his goal ratio per game.
Whilst NSL were running riot we should not forget a back four of James Burt (aka Wayne Bridge), Andrew Packham (aka John Terry), Connor Holmes (aka Rio Ferdinand) and Jack Whifield (aka Gary Neville) for a professional defensive display resulting a complete second half shut out.
WELL DONE TO THE ENTIRE TEAM!!!
MAN OF THE MATCH DALE TONER
13th January 2008 - Morpeth FC 6 – 0 North Shields Lions
After this mess the better half decided to use a hose pipe on “Chopper Johnson”.
This was always going to be a hard game, even without the mud wrestling impersonations and infact North Shields Lions started the first half holding their own, unfortunately the mud was definelty a contributing factor and the team tired quickly resulting in Billy and Eddie making quite a few substituations to keep the team working together.
Unfortunatly as our home team yesterday, the second half was a bit of a disaster, however just like Shay Given, Matty Crow pulled off some excellent saves which if they had gone in could have resulted in a much higher score. To take some more positives North Shields Lions started to pass the ball better this game and at times put 4 and 5 passes together. If we keep this up and maintain formation we can easily put this game behind us.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MARK CROW
6th JANUARY 2008 - North Shields Lions 6 – 1 Blakelaw Eagles
What a difference a year makes!We ended last year on a low but the Christmas pudd obviously had a positive effect and The Lions played as we know they can and started the year with a definitive win.
The first 10-15 minutes Jordan May could have been through on goal a few times, how an over zealous linesman and an over enthusiastic player kept the game even, however once Connor Johnson sent a through ball to Jordan we were on our way the first of the day. From that point The Lions never looked back and Liam Syverson scored his first of two for the day and with Dale Toner ran rings round the opposition all of the match. Then following a mess with Blakelaw’s defence Elliot Kelly picked up on a loose ball and slammed the ball home. But not to be outdone, Liam, Dale and Jonny Corness again attacked the goal where upon Mark Crow picked up another loose ball from the keeper and nearly broke the back of the net with his shot. The somersault after was quite spectacular aswell.
The final icing on the cake was Billy Atkins coming on for the second half and playing his first competitive game since the start of the season, with the cheers of the manager, families, supporters and friends still ringing in his ears, what could be a better than his first goal!. Well Done Billy.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LIAM SYVERSON
2nd DECEMBER 2007 - North Shields Lions 0 – 3 AE Pheonix
This is a football:
The object of the game is to place the ball in the oppositions net by working as a team.
Unfortunately today North Shields Lions didn’t follow these simple rules and certainly didn’t do their team mates or their Managers justice.
The best thing we can now do is forget today and move forward, we now know how not to play, I’m sure next week we will see a totally different North Shields Lions where we play together as a team, pass together, stay in our correct positions and most importantly work hard!.
Hopefully when we score it will also be allowed by the referee as well.
I’m sure Billy and Eddie will want our 100% commitment for training on Wednesday and let’s get back to our winning ways.
MAN OF THE MATCH – DALE TONER
18th November 2007 - North Shields Lions 0 – 9 Hayden Bridge
WE LOST!!!. Bag packing is obviously a very strenuous job.
Let’s just put this game behind us and with a weekend off, let’s all work as hard as possible in training to come back stronger and ready to get ourselves back on top.MAN OF THE MATCH – MATHEW CROWE
Who without some excellent saves could have made the game look a lot worse.
11/11/07 - New Fordley 2 – 3 North Shields Lions
On a freezing cold, autumnal day North Shields Lions really came of age with their most determined, hard-fought victory of the season, against a team who previously had beaten us at home!.The first half went the way of most of our games with NSL starting off slowly and giving the opposition far too much possession and time on the ball, however one person stands head and shoulders above the rest with what can only be described initially as an extremely dubious penalty decision. Matty Crowe stood tall and not only saved the first attempt but also saved the follow-up shot and nearly saved the third but New Fordley just sneaked the ball in the net. Unbelievably no-one noticed the second New Fordley goal as it happened so quickly after the 2nd half kick off.
Mr Wenger and Mr Ferguson get paid the big bucks for the big decisions and our own Mr Murinihio took the decision to change the back line to a back three and go for the win. Well done Billy Jose!.
NSL took the game to New Fordley and harassed and fought for everything and it wasn’t too long before we got the first goal through route one football, kick down field, Jordan May picks up the ball and shoots. Then after intensive pressure Jordan picked up his second and finally much to the away teams supporters ecstasy we took the lead with Dale Toner getting his first and NSL’s third of the day.
A perfect day was spoiled when Connor Johnson made a last ditch tackle which was indeed a foul, however what followed (by the opposition) next should never be seen on a football field. Best to leave it at that.
Through a very hard game with some extremely poor decisions THE ENTIRE TEAM SHOULD BE PROUD FOR NEVER GIVING IN and TOTALLY BELIEVING IN THEMSELVES.MAN OF THE MATCH - CONNOR JOHNSON
4th November 2007 - Whitley Bay 1 – 2 North Shields Lions
Once again NSL decide to play a game of football in TWO HALFS.
We thought with a 2 o’clock kick off the team would be wide awake and ready for action, however much to The Managers distain NSL didn’t really get their “game-heads” on until the second half!.After allowing Whitley Bay to take the lead, NSL finally took the match to the home side and after quite a few dubious off-side decisions we really attacked the goal with Johnny Corness giving Whitley Bay a hard time with some strong defensive and midfield work
With a determined back line of Jack Whitfield, Luke Bignall, Andy Packham, James Burt and Connor Holmes who at times kept NSL in the game with some great last ditch defensive action we finally started.
Andy Packham sent a free kick straight down the centre of the pitch and then Liam Syverson picked up the ball and soundly sent the ball into the back of the net and the game was NSL’s from that point.
A few minutes later Jordan May dribbled through there defence and scored our second of the game.
Special mention should be given to Paul Kelly who wanted to go 5 rounds on some of the off-side decisions, Billy “The Manager” Atkins who must have lost his voice by the end of the game and finally to Eddie Whitfield who did make the match and don’t let anyone tell him otherwise!!.
MAN OF THE MATCH - CONNOR JOHNSON
28th October 2007 - North Shields Lions 2 – 4 New Fordley
With the clocks going back last night NSL decided to follow suit and played the first half trying to catch up!.
The first 45minutes NSL appeared not to be in the same game and unfortunately New Fordley took the lead early on, However Connor Johnson might have scored an equalizer a few minutes later but hit the cross bar with his shot.
Following a rousing half-time team talk from Billy and Eddie ( we heard it from the side lines ) NSL started the second half in a totally different frame of mind. Mark Crow and Luke Bignall both made surging runs along the lines which really stretched the away side, and after winning 3 or 4 corners in a row Andy Packham placed his shot with venom and opened NSL’s account for the day. Matty Crow kept NSL in the game with some great saves and clearances, then with renewed vigor NSL started pouring on the attack and Liam Syverson’s continued assault on the goal resulted in our second of the day.
MAN OF THE MATCH (as voted by NEW FORDLEY and not his father)!!
CONNOR JOHNSON
21st October 2007 - Ellington 0 – 4 North Shields Lions
North Shields Lions started the game somewhat hungover from the rugby last night and took some time to get started!.
However once Dale Toner latched on to a poor freekick from Ellington, then rushed through the defence and shot the ball in the back of the net the match really started in earnest.
Next Liam Syverson lobbed a beautiful ball over the keeper and the first half was very comfortable indeed for NSL with our defence of Jack Whitfield, Connor Holmes, Mark Crow, James Burt and Matty Crowe giving Ellingtons attack next to no chances to get back into the game. Infact we could have easily increased this first half score with Johnny Corness hitting the post and then the ball being put in the back of the net a few times from Jordan May and Connor Johnson, unfortunately however the offside rule was to play a large part to the overall game on this occasion.
The second half started exactly how the first finished with NSL having complete control of the game and with some good work down the line Mark Crow and Luke Bignall forced a corner which when converted Dale Toner forced through for his second of the day and the game was more or less over for the home team. Not to be outdone however Liam Syverson placed his shot to score another excellent goal and his second of the day aswell.
Finally with a strong, robust performance in mid-field Elliot Kelly was given a well deserved MAN of the MATCH from Ellingtons manager.
14/10/07 - North Shields Lions 0-8 Ellington
As we expected this was going to be a very hard game, however the LIONS held their nerve and were not over-awed by the occasion bearing in mind this team was quite a few divisions in front of us.
The positive aspects which we can take from this game were a defence of Jack Whitfield, Andrew Packham, Connor Holmes, Luke Bignell and James Burt who at times held a very good line and on any other Sunday would have looked a very well organisied unit.
Our main aim in the next few months is to put this match behind us, (just look at our league postion)!!, and lets get back to our winning ways.
07/10/07 - Bedlington Terriors 1-8 North Shields LionsFollowing on from last weeks slow start NSL came out with all guns blazing from the kick-off and within the first 10 seconds Johnny Corness played a lovely through ball to Jordan May to score his first of the day. However whilst NSL were still re-living their early success Bedlington scored an equalizer which gave NSL a much needed injection of reality.
Then the game really started:
Almost immediately NSL started attacking which resulted in a headed own-goal from Bedlington with Dan taking all the credit for the goal.
Then Connor Johnson using all his skills learnt from hours on the FIFA 07 PlayStation flicked the ball up on his foot and lobbed the ball over the keeper from outside the box!.
In the second half Jordan May doubled his score with a poor kick out from the keeper and then again to get his HAT-TRICK and finally a FOURTH at the end of the game ( Keep it up Jordan ).
Not to be out done Johnny Corness came close a few times in the day and finally all his hard work paid off when he dribbled his way through the defence and scored his first of the day.
With a free-kick at the edge of the box Andy Packham thundered his kick which put the seal on an excellent game with goals from every part of the team.
Whilst NSL were scoring at the other end, special plaudits should be given to Matty Crowe who had large periods of the game with nothing to do, but them came out with some excellent saves which kept the impetus going for NSL.
30/09/07 - North Shields Lions 5-2 Bedlington Terriers
Following an excellent beginning to our season with TWO wins against Forest Hall 0-9 and Kingston Park 14-0, North Shields Lions entered the game with 6 points and 23 goals for AND none against.
North Shields Lions started slowly and were loosing 1 nil by half-time with an under par performance, however after a rousing discussion with our managers NSL came out the second half with a few tactical changes and a different attitude to the game!.
Almost immediately after the referee (wonderful job Eddie by the way), NSL scored the equalizer through Jordan May, and after the first goal was netted NSL never looked back with a hat-trick from Jordan and further goals from Johnny and Dale.
As usual our defence held its line with our captain Andy Packham leading by example and apart from a slight hic-up where Bedlington squeezed an extra goal NSL never seemed in trouble.
NORTH SHIELDS LIONS 5 BEDLINGTON TERRIERS 2
