Fired up from winning the first match of a back-to-back, we went into the second game full of confidence and this was evident in the swagger with which we started the game.

Channeling our inner Manchester City we stroked the ball about with ease and proceeded to squander chance after guilt-edged chance. Perhaps emboldened by our profligacy in front of goal, Wandsworth returned in the second half with renewed energy and effort; resulting in them breaking the deadlock with their first chance of the game.

Perhaps unsurprisingly they then dropped deep, prepared to weather our inevitable response. Sadly, our response was less than ideal, as some of our players (myself included) angered by weak refereeing got embroiled in energy-consuming running battles with the opposition. Desperately searching for an equaliser, we abandoned our possession-based approach and bombarded them with long balls and throws, but to no avail. A fine piece of skill by Demari at the death sadly came to nothing as the ball whistled narrow past the post, securing an undeserved win for Wandsworth.

Match report by Mike Moon

The first game of the double header against Wandsworth Borough III started with the Thorns on top; controlling possession well without quite managing to create an attacking threat in the opening stages.

Both teams were seemingly cancelling one another out in the middle of the park. Wandsworth however, opened the scoring 15 minutes in, after being awarded a penalty for an accidental handball by Colin in the box.

A poorly struck penalty straight down the middle, just narrowly missing Fish’s outstretched leg, gave the opposition the lead.The conceded goal sparked renewed energy into the OTs, who were able to create 2 good chances before half time. Both headers from Scotty.

The first attempt was saved from point blank range, the keeper only making the save because his own head was in the way. The next header, expertly denied by the keeper this time, stopping a strong header destined for the top corner.. The first half ended 1-0 to the opposition.The second half began as it the first half ended, continuous pressure from the Thorns looking for the equalizer.

Finally the break through came from the head of Lundie (2nd half substitute), getting his head to a perfectly placed free kick cross by Scotty. OTs second goal came soon after from the same combination of players. A long throw from Lundie was headed in by Scotty after beating his man near the front post. The OTs taking deservedly taking the lead, 2-1, after dominating for large portions of the game.

Scotty put the game to bed, giving the Thorns a 2 goal cushion with a tidy finish one on one with the opposition keeper. The final score 3-1 to the OTs and the first game of the double header done and dusted!

Match Report by Rory Craggs

The 2s arrived to a wet and windy REMPF looking to compete with an in-form Old Tenisonians side.

The game started with the opposition on top but with some gritty and determined defending, there were not many clear-cut chances for the away side.

OT’s struggled to keep hold of the ball throughout the half but there were some glimmers of hope. Captain Deji led from the front with some elegant pieces of skill (including three nutmegs) and saw his bullet header from a corner cleared off the line and go narrowly wide. 0-0 at the break.

We continued to believe that a goal would come from somewhere and that belief became reality early in the second half when Matt Dobson caught on to a loose pass from the defender and rifled home above the helpless keeper (Sergio Aguero style) to put the home side in front.

A couple of half chances fell to Ben and Rich but some last ditch defending prevented a second goal. Tensionians continued to search for an equaliser but the defence held strong with some great work from Henry Pepperell and Sam Pinney (in the Declan Rice role) to snuff out any potential danger. The wall was finally broken when the opposition striker found some space on the right flank and charged towards goal. However, John Harrison stood tall and produced a wonderful save to keep the shot at bay. In the final minutes some lazy marking from a corner led to a golden chance for the away side to snatch an equaliser but Ben Dockerill came flying across to make a superb block to keep it 1-0.

The 2s held out for a well fought and satisfying 1-0 win against a very good side. Up the Onions!

Match report by Charlie Rattigan

Back to business this week with the full complement of six fixtures including 3 games at Fortress REMPF, 2 of which are double headers! 6 wins please lads!

The OT 6s returned to football on Saturday with a dominant and comprehensive display against Dorkinians coming out 4-1 winners. The boys were in great spirits as they warmed up on the hallowed REMFP turf as they crossed the white lines for the first time since December 2020.

That spirit was duly brought across in the opening phases of the game with Onions dominating possession and easing their way into the game. The first goal was not too far off, a great ball from Mikey D out to the left wing found Ben H who drove into the box testing the keeper with a shot that spilled nicely back into the path of Mikey D who put due pressure on the defender who handsomely roofed it into his own net, 1-0!

The game settled down after that with a couple more chances coming our way but we couldn’t quite find the finish. A dominant half so little action for the defence and us coming into the break at 1-0.In the second half with the wind against the team it was clear a second goal was needed to ensure the team of the win, Dorkininans were threatening to knick a goal and make it interesting. On came Harold from the bench and with the injection of pace the game turned. A nice ball from him put Ben H through and with the keeper rushing off his line he cooley finished beyond him to make it 2-0, the cushion was there.

The Dorkinians still threatened and, with a somewhat fortunate free-kick, got a goal back to make it 2-1. The OTs still dominated possession and it seemed more like when not if for the third goal to quash any hope of a Dorkinian comeback. That goal came after some good pressing by the forwards saw Ben H collect a loose ball and nestle the ball into the net for his second and the team’s third.

That seemed to have taken the stuffing out of the opposition and with the final minutes counting down it looked like the OTs could even grab a fourth. And with a lovely ball from Alex putting Ben through to take it past the remaining defenders and lob the keeper the fourth goal did arrive and the game was done!A very well rounded performance saw the OTs take this one 4-1 and the team were ecstatic to be back on the pitch and back to winning ways. A double header awaits!

Match report by Ben Himpe

Following a long lock down, @adidasUK are providing the Amateur Football Combination with a donation to pay for AFC clubs match fees for Saturday 3 April.

Therefore no player subs will be payable this weekend. Enjoy your footie lads! Cheers Adidas! #AdidasFootballCollective

Football is finally back after a length lockdown enforced absence ! All six-team are playing with the 2s, 3s and 4s in double headers away with the 1s, 5s and 6s in action at Fortress REMPF.. Let’s get the 6 wins boys!

The FA have issued an update on grassroots football in light of the government’s announcement yesterday (22.02.2021) to ease Covid lockdown restrictions.

This proposes the return of grassroots football from 29th of March which essentially means training will recommence at the Aspire on the 1st of April with matches recommending on the 3rd of April.

Availability doodles for training and matches will be emailed out in due course.

 Because nobody is immune to feeling low at times, we’ve partnered with mental health charity @thecalmzone

A number of our players had participated in #MentalHealth first aid training, so if you need someone to talk to, then these guys will be here ready to listen.. 

FITNESS: Last night 1s CB colossus Aaron ran the first OT’s virtual fitness session, with a solid 30 minute workout. Would be great to get as many of us involved as possible, so book it in your diaries now (*each Thursday 6:00pm-6:30pm*). Details shared via WhatsApp groups!

YOGA: For those who prefer a slightly less intense workout, Mo Kennou has arranged for a beginners yoga class *each Tuesday, 6:00pm-6:30pm*. First session takes place next week. Details to be shared on team WhatsApp groups closer to the time.1