London Titans Football Club

Young Titans 8 Old Titans 6
September 24th 2006
by Paul Howard

… Shame the fourteen were past each other though and not in the GFSN, as the friendly match between the wise old heads and the agile youngsters ended in a thrilling 8-6 win for the youngsters!

Luke Tuffs presented his claim for next Titans manager with a rousing team-talk that even the hard-of-hearing oldies next door heard! Not surprisingly, “friendly” was the last word players had in mind as the first whistle blew, with the youngsters starting two men down due to a traditional late arrival from Messrs Howard and Ong!

By the time they got on the pitch, the youngsters were already one goal down with a good header from Grandad Nixon, however they suddenly took a stranglehold on the game with three quick goals from Coady, Baker and Howard.

Nixon got his second with a stunning curling effort into the top corner after a mix up in the heart of the defence, but Howard got the two goal cushion back with a delightful chip over the oncoming goalkeeper. Tom, who had a great game, superb on the floor and winning plenty in the air, deservedly tapped in for 4-3.

Ed Connell’s love for the youth was surely slightly exaggerated when he put through his own net for the youngsters fifth. But the last kick of the first half was arguably the best of the whole game, eclipsing Nixon’s goal, with Matt Baker firing in a free kick from the corner of the 18 yard box into the top corner of the net, past the helpless Gez, to end off an incredible attacking 45 minutes.

HALF TIME: Youngsters 6 Oldies 3

The oldies improved second half and two quick goals after the break from Salter and Nixon, getting his third of the game, made the youngsters sweat with this high scoring thriller moving up to 6-5. However, two penalties from Howard, completing his hat-trick, and Brearey killed the game off.

To their credit, the oldies did make a fight of it, Tom’s twenty-yard effort was tipped onto the bar by Tuffs, who also made a fantastic triple save to keep his bragging rights up in the pub afterwards! A late consolation from Wheeler gave the oldies something to smile about but it was not their day.

A very enjoyable day was had by all, even when the defences were caught with their pants down yet again. However this time it was after the game in aid of the Titans 2007 calendar, which will be launched at Kazbar on 19th October 2006 from 6pm onwards.

FULL TIME: Youngsters 8 Oldies 6

September 9th 2006
GFSN League

Manager’s Report
by Edward Connell

Not quite the start to my managerial career that I wanted, but I now have the first match under my belt and I’m looking forward to the remainder of the season. Anyone looking at the score line would think the match was a very one-sided affair but those playing and watching know the score is misleading. As the match approached half time, I felt that we were good for the 1-1 score line; we had begun to settle into the pace of the match and were beginning to create some goal scoring opportunities. However, a rapid succession of goals in the few minutes before the break killed the match, despite everyone’s effort to get us back on terms.

Although I was impressed with everyone, including Matt Baker and Phil Brearey who were making their first 11-a-side appearances for the club, the two players who stood out for me were Paul Wheeler and Sam Gray. Paul’s improved aerial play combined with his consistent tackling and passing made tough work for our opponents. Sam’s effort level is a benchmark for us all, chasing any ball that he lost and covering more ground than anyone else.

Last month when the Pink Paper asked me my expectations for the coming season, I said that I hoped we would convert some of our good play in training and at 5-a-side into good play over 90 minutes in 11-a-side games. I’m very confident that we will live up to those expectations and prove to be competitive in all our league and cup games. For the time being, however, I will content myself with the fact that ‘Grandad’ Nixon’s goal means that we aren’t bottom of the GFSN September league table.

Leicester GFSN 6-a-side Tournament
September 3rd 2006
by Neil Double

As the London Titans headed to Leicester for the GFSN 6-a-side Tournament, the dark clouds of London gave way to some Midlands sunshine – everything was ready for a fun-packed day of football. Titans One got off to a flying start beating Birmingham Blazers 1-0, thanks to Paul Howard completing a slick series of passes from defence and finding the back of the net with a stunning shot.

The pace was maintained with some strong performances against tough opposition, including Leftfooters FC ‘Bottom’ and Brighton Bandits, holding both to 0-0 draws. However mid-way through injury struck, with Howard being taken off with a leg injury after a bad tackle. Nevertheless the Titan spirit prevailed, and the team finished on a high note with a convincing 1-0 win over Leicester Wildecats C in the last group game. Titans One finished a respectable fourth place out of eight in what proved a tough group.

In stark contrast to Titans One, Titans Two got off to a slow start, losing their first game 1-0 to Leftfooters ‘Versatile’. But it wasn’t long before the team got in their swing, moving the ball around with quick, accurate passes and using their pace to put pressure on their opposition. Solid performances saw Titans Two head their way to the top of the table.

Everyone was ready now for a last push to the final. In true English style the semi-final and final came down to penalties, with Chris Savage for Titans Two on top form in goal, pulling out some impressive reflex saves in both to ensure Titans Two lifted the trophy, a sign of things to come we all hope! The chants of “Titans till we die” roared aloud before we travelled home with weary bodies, sun-burnt faces, and happy smiles.

Quote of the Day

“I can’t watch… no really I can’t watch!”
Paul Cody on the pain of watching the Titans in a penalty shoot out for the second time in one day.

Off the Ball

All the Titans wish to express their thanks to Leicester Wildecats for hosting and organising, and ensuring the smooth running of the tournament. A fun day was had by all.

Tournament Results

Thanks to the Ballbois, the video is available to watch.