Sun Sports v Berkhamsted Nov 2014 Herts Charity Shield
Sun Sports exited the Herts Charity Shield after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Berkhamsted.
In a close-fought game, a 75th-minute strike from Josh Chamberlain booked Berko’s place in the semi-finals.
Biggleswade United v Sun Sports Nov 2014 SSMLP
There were better fortunes for Sun in the Premier Division on Saturday as they recorded a 2-0 win at Biggleswade United.
It wasn’t an easy afternoon for Paul Hobbs’ league leaders but they eventually made the breakthrough with eight minutes remaining when Craig Lynskey found the net. The three points were guaranteed late on when Nathan Pooley struck in the closing stages
Friday, 24 March 2017
Tring Athletic v Sun Sports Dec 2014 SSMLP
Sun Sports ensured Spartan South Midlands Premier Division leaders King Langley’s advantage was restricted to just three points by eking out a narrow 1-0 win at Tring Athletic.
The contest was settled by a second-minute effort from Nathan Pooley. The Tring backline were still in the festive mood as they allowed a simple through ball to pick out the run of Pooley to fire home after just 97 seconds.
Sun went close to doubling their lead in the 18th minute when centre-back Scott Bonner crashed a header against the crossbar.
Chris Vardy saw a goal disallowed after 34 minutes when he raced through to beat Ross Hampton, but the effort was ruled out due to an offside flag. Tring then hit the woodwork themselves three minutes later.
The hosts continued to press hard for an equaliser in the second period but could not make their possession or territory count as they eventually succumbed to defeat.
Sun Postal have applied to join the Southern Football League after impressing the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Oct 2014
Sun Sports have signalled their growing ambition by applying to join the Southern Football League and become Watford's second highest ranked club in the football pyramid.
Paul Hobbs' side only won promotion to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League last season after a stunning Division One title triumph.
But they have mounted an unlikely title challenge and closed the gap on leaders Berkhamsted to a solitary point on Saturday.
They are in the process of paying the fee to the Football Association for a grading of their Bellmount Wood Avenue ground and plans are already underway to make the necessary improvements to the seating and standing area as well as the installation of a tannoy system and turnstile.
"It's great news," said Hobbs, who enjoyed a fine Non League career as a player that peaked with a 1995 FA Cup third round tie for Aylesbury at Queens Park Rangers in 1995.
"It would be crushing to win this league and then tell the players we couldn't accept promotion, so I'm thrilled the club's ambition matches mine.
"I told the players about our plans after the game on Saturday and there was a real buzz in the dressing room. They know now they could be playing for the biggest club in the postal area outside of Watford FC."
Only one team is guaranteed promotion from the Premier Division but any restructuring of the leagues by the FA could double the number of spots available.
General manager Steven Woolner is spearheading the club's development off the field.
"These are exciting times," said Woolner. "I want us to go as high as possible. I looked in the Non League Paper on Sunday and teams in the league above us are getting between 150 and 450 people through the gate. That is where we want to be."
Sun's plans were fuelled by a 3-1 league win on Saturday over a Hadley side managed by Chelsea and Tottenham legend Micky Hazard and who featured Jernade Meade, the left back who played for Arsenal in the Champions League in December 2012.
Released in the summer by Luton after a spell at Swansea City, Meade, 21, is gaining match fitness at Hadley before a likely move abroad.
The win was Sun's fourth in succession and not only cemented their position in second place, but established them as the most prolific side in the division.
The goals of James Armstrong and Simeon Fearon have underpinned their flying start to the season.
Fearon, 29, scored for the fifth straight game on Saturday to take his tally in the league to nine while Armstrong's double increased his hot streak to seven in five games and now means the 32-year-old has scored more than 450 career goals in the South Midlands League.
"We are playing well," said Hobbs. "But there is no chance we will be getting carried away as recent back-to-back defeats against Hoddesdon and Oxhey Jets showed us.
"Berko will be the favourites and the pressure will be on them as I've heard they have a budget we can only dream of, but I've seen nothing so far this season to frighten us and what I know with this group of players is that they will give me everything, every week."
Stotfold v Sun Sports Apr 2015 SSMLP
On Saturday Sun suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against struggling Stotfold, who clinched their first win since January.
Stotfold performed well in the opening period but were unable to break the deadlock. However, after the restart Mark Ellis played Charlie Joy through on goal and he clinically finished.
Sun reacted but were unable to find an equaliser and in the closing moments of the contest, the hosts added a second.
Ellis played a pass to Adam Pennington and he rifled his shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area.
On Saturday Sun suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against struggling Stotfold, who clinched their first win since January.
Stotfold performed well in the opening period but were unable to break the deadlock. However, after the restart Mark Ellis played Charlie Joy through on goal and he clinically finished.
Sun reacted but were unable to find an equaliser and in the closing moments of the contest, the hosts added a second.
Ellis played a pass to Adam Pennington and he rifled his shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Sun Sports v London Tigers Apr 2015 SSMLP
Sun Sports moved up to fourth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division after completing a 3-0 victory over London Tigers on Tuesday night.
Paul Hobbs’ side broke the deadlock after 28 minutes when Carl Penny found the net and the visitors added a second before the interval when Scott Bonner struck.
Sun were not able to add to their lead until the 81st minute when Bonner grabbed his second of the contest to seal victory.
Berkhamsted v Sun Sports Dec 2014 SSMLP
Defeat for the Sun meant Paul Hobbs’ side slipped to second on Saturday after losing against Berkhamsted, though the game was overshadowed by Simon Fearon’s injury.
The game’s decisive goal came in the aftermath of that injury, and with Sun undoubtedly reeling from the loss of the forward, Josh Chamberlain snatched the only goal of the game.
Sun came closest to taking something from the game when Richard Pearce’s header was cleared on the line by Liam James.
On Tuesday Sun were beaten 3-0 at home by Harefield United and Hobbs’ side will look to return to winning ways when they travel to London Tigers tomorrow.
Sun Sports v St Margaretsbury Apr 2015 SSMLP
Sun Sports’ Bellmount Wood Avenue has passed its grading, allowing Paul Hobbs’ side to remain in the Premier Division next season.
Earlier in the season Sun had announced they would be applying to the Football Association to join the Southern League. However, that has been put on hold after their chances of promotion were dashed.
“We are really pleased,” said manager Hobbs. “It is a big step forward for the club.”
Sun, currently third in the top flight, made the decision not to apply to join the Southern League in the new year and Hobbs explained: “We applied for the Southern League but it was not viable for us to continue because of finances; it was beyond our means to get the ground grading.
“We have done so much work to stay in this league, including putting in seating for 60 to 70 people.”
However, the door is far from closed for joining the Southern League in the future.
“If we get ourselves into a position next season where we could win promotion we will have to sit down and discuss that,” stated Hobbs.
“You have to spend so much money on things that I don’t think really improve the club.”
Sun Sports came from behind to beat St Margaretsbury 3-2 on Tuesday, moving them level on points with second-placed London Colney.
Joe Kelly gave Sun the lead after 15 minutes but two goals in three minutes, separated by half time, put the home side in front.
Ashley Lewis then drew the visitors level after ten second-half minutes and the comeback was complete when centre-half Scott Bonner netted just before the hour.
Three days earlier Sun eased to a 2-0 home win over Tring Athletic; Lewis and Richard Pearce getting the goals for the hosts.
Sun Sports’ Bellmount Wood Avenue has passed its grading, allowing Paul Hobbs’ side to remain in the Premier Division next season.
Earlier in the season Sun had announced they would be applying to the Football Association to join the Southern League. However, that has been put on hold after their chances of promotion were dashed.
“We are really pleased,” said manager Hobbs. “It is a big step forward for the club.”
Sun, currently third in the top flight, made the decision not to apply to join the Southern League in the new year and Hobbs explained: “We applied for the Southern League but it was not viable for us to continue because of finances; it was beyond our means to get the ground grading.
“We have done so much work to stay in this league, including putting in seating for 60 to 70 people.”
However, the door is far from closed for joining the Southern League in the future.
“If we get ourselves into a position next season where we could win promotion we will have to sit down and discuss that,” stated Hobbs.
Sun Sports came from behind to beat St Margaretsbury 3-2 on Tuesday, moving them level on points with second-placed London Colney.
Joe Kelly gave Sun the lead after 15 minutes but two goals in three minutes, separated by half time, put the home side in front.
Ashley Lewis then drew the visitors level after ten second-half minutes and the comeback was complete when centre-half Scott Bonner netted just before the hour.
Three days earlier Sun eased to a 2-0 home win over Tring Athletic; Lewis and Richard Pearce getting the goals for the hosts.
Sun Sports v Kings Langley Jan 2015 SSMLP
Kings Langley crushed local rivals Sun Sports 7-0 on Saturday and sent a warning to their Premier Division title rivals, but joint-boss Richie Hanlon says it will mean nothing if they do not build on the victory.
Hat-tricks from Danny Hutchins and Nick Jackson ensured Kings emphatically ended Sun Sports’ hoodoo over them, taking a sizeable step towards the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division title in the process.
The game also saw Sun captain Ashley Lewis given his marching orders following two cautions, whilst three members of staff from the two sides were sent off late on as tempers boiled over.
Hanlon says the win must be a starting point rather than the high point for his side.
He said: “It is all right beating Sun 7-0 but if you lose to a couple of mediocre teams then it means absolutely nothing. They have got to show that same level of attitude and desire in every game between now and the end of the season.”
Hanlon continued: “How do I put it? Our boys were fantastic; they really wanted to win that game. I am not sure if we caught Sun on a bad day or not but what I am sure of is that our boys were just completely at it and it showed from minute one.
“At 2-0 Sun had a really good chance and if they had taken that it might have changed the game. It was a really good chance. I can’t speak highly enough of the boys, they were excellent.”
The opener arrived when Alex Campana, who was enjoying his role wide on the left, floated in a pin-point cross from the left for Hutchins to direct a glancing header past Sun goalkeeper Ross Hampton.
Five minutes later Campana cut inside with a jinking run and Hampton could only tip his fierce shot onto the crossbar before Jackson netted the rebound.
It was 3-0 when Mitchell Weiss put a Sun defender and keeper Hampton under pressure. The ball ran free and Hutchins lobbed the back-pedalling Hampton from a position almost on the touchline.
Hutchins then picked out Jackson and the skipper controlled the ball, twisted past a defender and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the net.
A perfect diagonal cross-field ball from Weiss found Hutchins, who was similarly enjoying his wide right role, and he took the ball in his stride to complete his hat-trick.
Not to be outdone, Jackson rose to head home a Connor Toomey cross as everything Kings created turned to goals.
Home skipper Lewis was dismissed for a second yellow and as frustrations boiled over, a trespass in the away technical area by a member of the home bench resulted in a scuffle and three dismissals from the dugouts.
The rout was completed when Joe Debayo marked his debut with the seventh.
Hadley v Sun Sports Oct 2014 Prem Div Cup
Mickey Hazard praises Sun Sports' sportsmanship during their 3-1 win over Hadley
Sun Sports moved into the Premier Division Cup quarter final on Tuesday night but their 3-1 win against Hadley will be remembered for a “wonderful sporting gesture”.
Hadley thought they had taken the lead in the contest when Dom Petrucci beat Sun goalkeeper Ross Hampton with a free-kick.
However, the ball slipped through a hole in the net and a goal kick was awarded. Play continued and Sun soon had the lead through Simeon Fearon.
Sports boss Paul Hobbs explained: “I wasn’t aware the ball had gone in, from my point of view I thought it had gone wide.
“Their player went ballistic though, and their bench wasn’t happy at all. So I wandered around the pitch to my goalkeeper and asked him if the ball had gone in.
“He told me it had but by the time I got back to the dugout we had scored. So I called Ashley Lewis over and told him to let Hadley score.”
As their manager had instructed, Sun allowed Petrucci to walk the ball into the net to equalise.
Hadley boss Mickey Hazard, who wasn’t at the game, said: “It was a wonderful gesture from Sun Sports and a credit to the club, the manager and the players. There is a lot of cheating and other things going in football but they can see the bigger picture.”
Sun went on to win the game thanks to a goal from Lewis and a second-half strike from Fearon. James Armstrong’s missed penalty was not costly.
Hobbs’ side have been in excellent form this season and moved to the top of the Premier Division on Saturday.
Richard Pearce and Lewis were on target in a 2-0 win over Colney Heath.
Lewis’ displays for Sun, who face Harefield United in the FA Vase (tomorrow) Saturday, have attracted interest from Northwood and Kings Langley while a seven-day approach was made by Ware, who are in the top six of Division One of the Isthmian League, last week. However, the midfielder has told Hobbs he will remain with he club.
Mickey Hazard praises Sun Sports' sportsmanship during their 3-1 win over Hadley
Sun Sports moved into the Premier Division Cup quarter final on Tuesday night but their 3-1 win against Hadley will be remembered for a “wonderful sporting gesture”.
Hadley thought they had taken the lead in the contest when Dom Petrucci beat Sun goalkeeper Ross Hampton with a free-kick.
However, the ball slipped through a hole in the net and a goal kick was awarded. Play continued and Sun soon had the lead through Simeon Fearon.
Sports boss Paul Hobbs explained: “I wasn’t aware the ball had gone in, from my point of view I thought it had gone wide.
“Their player went ballistic though, and their bench wasn’t happy at all. So I wandered around the pitch to my goalkeeper and asked him if the ball had gone in.
“He told me it had but by the time I got back to the dugout we had scored. So I called Ashley Lewis over and told him to let Hadley score.”
As their manager had instructed, Sun allowed Petrucci to walk the ball into the net to equalise.
Hadley boss Mickey Hazard, who wasn’t at the game, said: “It was a wonderful gesture from Sun Sports and a credit to the club, the manager and the players. There is a lot of cheating and other things going in football but they can see the bigger picture.”
Sun went on to win the game thanks to a goal from Lewis and a second-half strike from Fearon. James Armstrong’s missed penalty was not costly.
Hobbs’ side have been in excellent form this season and moved to the top of the Premier Division on Saturday.
Richard Pearce and Lewis were on target in a 2-0 win over Colney Heath.
Lewis’ displays for Sun, who face Harefield United in the FA Vase (tomorrow) Saturday, have attracted interest from Northwood and Kings Langley while a seven-day approach was made by Ware, who are in the top six of Division One of the Isthmian League, last week. However, the midfielder has told Hobbs he will remain with he club.
London Colney v Sun Sports Dec 2015 SSMLP
London Colney remain top of the South Midlands Premier Division after thrashing Sun Postal 5-1 on Saturday.
The Blueboys opened the scoring after six minutes when Jack Woods headed home the opener.
It got even better just seven minutes later when Jon Clements chipped the goalkeeper for the second goal.
London Colney added a third goal when Clements tapped in his second of the game at the near post.
The fourth of the game arrived after 36 minutes when Woods was fouled outside the area and Charlie Smith fired his free-kick into the bottom corner of the net.
The Blueboys made it 5-0 almost immediately after the second half started when Smith powered a strike into the net.
The hosts finished the game with ten men after using all their substitutes and Greg Shaw hobbled off with an injury.
Sun Sports grabbed a late consolation but the hosts ran out comprehensive winners.
Wembley v Sun Sports Oct 2015 SSMLP
In the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Sun Sports returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
Both sides wasted presentable chances before Clement Asante got the game’s only goal to move Sun up to tenth place in the league standing.
Sun Sports v Hadley
On Saturday Paul Hobbs’ side went down 3-2 against Hadley. Goals from Joe Kelly and Nathan Pooley temporarily pulled the hosts level but Hadley prevailed in the end.
Sun Sports v Berkhamsted Sept 2014 Challenge Trophy
Sun Sports crashed out of the Challenge Trophy after they were beaten 4-1 by Berkhamsted on Tuesday.
It took Berko just 12 minutes to break the deadlock. Frankie Jowle’s corner was met by Ed Canham and he steered his header home.
The visitors doubled their advantage soon after as Adiel Mannion’s deflected effort found the back of the net.
James Armstrong came close for Sun but Ben Barnes, who was making his debut in the Berko goal, saved well.
Jowle clipped the top of the crossbar early in the second half before Simeon Fearon pulled a goal back for Sun. He reacted quickly to run on to a pass and lash his effort past Barnes.
However, Berko soon restored their advantage with the goal of the game. A great cross-field pass released Jowle on the right wing and his cross was swept home by BJ Christie.
A Mannion lob made it 4-1 and there could have been more goals, with James Towell hitting the post as Berko pressed home their advantage.
Colney Heath v Sun Sports Oct 2014 SSMLP
Sun Sports' unlikely emergence as a force in the South Midlands League Premier Division was further underlined when their captain turned down the chance to move to a higher level.
Ashley Lewis, 23, has attracted interest from Northwood and Kings Langley this year and was last week the subject of a seven-day approach from Ware, who are in the top six of Division One of the Isthmian League.
But the former St Michael's School pupil, who is good friends with heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, told Sun manager Paul Hobbs he is going nowhere and wants to continue to spearhead the club's title charge.
The centre midfielder took his impressive tally for the season to seven in the league on Saturday with a snapshot that arrowed into the bottom corner.
Richard Pearce scored an even better second as Sun won 2-0 away at Colney Heath and went top of the table after Berkhamsted's shock loss at home to AFC Dunstable.
Sun Sports v Biggleswade United Oct 2015 Prem Div Cup
Sun Sports boss Paul Hobbs hopes Watford supporters without a game due to the international break will turn out in force as his side host Hadley in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division on Non League Day.
The Hornets have a weekend off Premier League duty thanks to the international schedule and Hobbs believes his non-league outfit can benefit from a legion of supporters facing the prospect of a weekend without their football fix.
“Financially it’s massive for us,” said Hobbs. “It would be great to see a lot of Watford fans coming through the turnstiles on Saturday.
“Obviously people go to home games but if they don’t go to away games – and they can’t all go every other weekend – what are they doing?
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing worse than going to town shopping on a Saturday so why not come along and see a local game of football?
“Hopefully it will be a good, entertaining game that will make people want to come back in the future.”
Sun’s last four games have yielded 20 goals at both ends – including Tuesday’s 4-2 Premier Division Cup success over Biggleswade United – so there is no reason to suggest goals won’t be on the cards again.
Efforts from Clement Asante and Ashley Lewis (2) after the break turned the game on its head after Joe Kelly had struck in the first half with Sun 2-0 down.
Hobbs has called on his players to sharpen up at both ends after seeing his side have to come from behind to beat Biggleswade to reach the quarter-finals.
He said: “It was the same sort of performance as we’ve had all season. We created lots of chances and didn’t take them which made it hard work for us.
“But when those chances came in the second half we took them."
Sun Sports boss Paul Hobbs hopes Watford supporters without a game due to the international break will turn out in force as his side host Hadley in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division on Non League Day.
The Hornets have a weekend off Premier League duty thanks to the international schedule and Hobbs believes his non-league outfit can benefit from a legion of supporters facing the prospect of a weekend without their football fix.
“Financially it’s massive for us,” said Hobbs. “It would be great to see a lot of Watford fans coming through the turnstiles on Saturday.
“Obviously people go to home games but if they don’t go to away games – and they can’t all go every other weekend – what are they doing?
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing worse than going to town shopping on a Saturday so why not come along and see a local game of football?
“Hopefully it will be a good, entertaining game that will make people want to come back in the future.”
Sun’s last four games have yielded 20 goals at both ends – including Tuesday’s 4-2 Premier Division Cup success over Biggleswade United – so there is no reason to suggest goals won’t be on the cards again.
Efforts from Clement Asante and Ashley Lewis (2) after the break turned the game on its head after Joe Kelly had struck in the first half with Sun 2-0 down.
Hobbs has called on his players to sharpen up at both ends after seeing his side have to come from behind to beat Biggleswade to reach the quarter-finals.
He said: “It was the same sort of performance as we’ve had all season. We created lots of chances and didn’t take them which made it hard work for us.
“But when those chances came in the second half we took them."
Sun Sports v Hertford Town Nov 2015 Herts County Cup 1st Rd
Paul Hobbs says Sun Sports must keep winning games against the teams around them if they are to avoid being a yo-yo team and achieve his top-half aim.
After winning promotion from Spartan South Midlands Division One two years ago, Hobbs’ men secured an impressive fifth-place finish in their first season at Step Five.
But the Bellmount Wood Avenue outfit have made a stuttering start this season and currently find themselves in 14th – nine points clear of the relegation zone and only three off the top half.
Saturday sees Sun go to 11th-placed Wembley, a side they beat 1-0 away from home earlier in the season, and Hobbs has underlined the importance of beating sides in the mini league around them in order to kick on and move up the standings.
“I don’t want to be one of those teams who finish fifth one year, 17th the next, in the top half again the year after that,” said Hobbs ahead of Saturday’s game.
“We’ve looked at it and we think there’s a top five who will be there or thereabouts. You have to apply to join the Southern League around Christmas time and if those top five apply to join then they will spend more to achieve it so they’ll probably be out of reach.”
Against all odds, Sun led the Premier Division for a good chunk of last season before falling away to be overtaken by eventual winners Kings Langley.
And Hobbs believes the momentum gained from promotion helped his side overachieve last term.
He said: “I think because we got promoted in my first year, last year we were playing really well off the back of that and punched above our weight.
“If we can finish there or thereabouts, I will be happy,” he continued. “A top half finish will see me happy
to be honest; it’s just a case of us competing week in, week out.
“I don’t want to make it all about money but I’ve got Joe Kelly unavailable this weekend because he’s on holiday. If you’re paying then you’ve got that over them a little bit – that can be the difference.”
Kelly was on target on Wednesday evening as Sun knocked Hertford Town out of the Herts Challenge Cup 3-1 in a replay – after the initial tie was lost to heavy fog – to reach the second round for the first time in the club’s history.
He opened the scoring after just 12 seconds – shaving three seconds off his opener against St Margaretsbury in August – before Sam Warrell added the third. Hitchin await in the next round.
Leverstock Green v Sun Sports Oct 2014 SSMLP
Sun Sports are just three points behind Premier Division table-toppers Berkhamsted after enjoying a 5-1 win over Leverstock Green on Saturday.
Simeon Fearon opened the scoring after 38 minutes when he turned and thrashed the ball into the top corner.
Fearon then turned provider for the second, laying the ball off for James Armstrong to cut inside and score against the club for whom he netted 134 times in five seasons previously.
Levy player-manager Dene Gardner got one back for the visitors, but from there it was one-way traffic as Sun took charge.
Armstrong dummied cleverly to release Ashley Lewis for the third, before Fearon grabbed his second and Sun’s fourth following a good team move which involved Lewis, Richard Pearce and Chris McCarthy.
Pearce fired home the fifth; starting and finishing the move which saw Sun score their 36th goal in their last six games.
Sun Sports are just three points behind Premier Division table-toppers Berkhamsted after enjoying a 5-1 win over Leverstock Green on Saturday.
Simeon Fearon opened the scoring after 38 minutes when he turned and thrashed the ball into the top corner.
Fearon then turned provider for the second, laying the ball off for James Armstrong to cut inside and score against the club for whom he netted 134 times in five seasons previously.
Levy player-manager Dene Gardner got one back for the visitors, but from there it was one-way traffic as Sun took charge.
Armstrong dummied cleverly to release Ashley Lewis for the third, before Fearon grabbed his second and Sun’s fourth following a good team move which involved Lewis, Richard Pearce and Chris McCarthy.
Pearce fired home the fifth; starting and finishing the move which saw Sun score their 36th goal in their last six games.
Oxhey Jets v Sun Sports Jan 2015 St Mary's Cup 1/4 Final
On Saturday, Oxhey Jets fell at the first hurdle as they attempted to retain the St Mary’s Cup, exiting the competition 2-1 at the hands of Sun Sports.
In a flat first half Sun hit the bar, whilst Jets saw Jordan Gutteridge and Lee Armitt come agonisingly close to opening the scoring.
After the break it took a sizeable slice of luck for Sun to break the deadlock as centre-back Scott Bonner saw his clearance from the halfway line fly over the head of Jets goalkeeper Will Baker, thanks in no small part to wind assistance.
Soon after it was 2-0 as Ashley Lewis drove across the field and let fly to double Sun’s advantage.
But just five minutes later the hosts made the contest interesting as Armitt slotted home having been played in by Luke Lloyd.
The usually clinical Tim O’Mara passed up a pair of good chances and Jets were unable to find an equaliser as they crashed out at the quarter-final stage.
Sun Sports v Leverstock Green Sept 2015 SSMLP
Sun Sports manager Paul Hobbs insists his current team are the best footballing side he has led during his three seasons at Bellmount Wood Avenue following a 4-1 win over Leverstock Green on Saturday.
Two first-half goals from Karl Penny were added to after the break by Ashley Lewis – who has returned following a brief stint with Southern League new-boys Kings Langley – and Clement Asanti to give Sun a 4-1 victory on Saturday, with Chris Blunden scoring Green’s consolation.
“This is the third year I have been here and this is the best side I’ve had. I want my players to play in the other team’s third, not mess about with it at the back.
“When we got promoted we had to be direct because that is a tough league. At this level you get a lot more time and space on the ball."
Sun are sixth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division standings and after a fifth-placed finish last season – having won promotion to the top flight alongside Kings – Hobbs sees no reason why his side cannot match that achievement once again.
“I’m looking to see if we can finish in the same position or higher. We have lost a few players but brought in a new Under-18 side who are doing really well and had won three from three before today (Thursday).”
Sun thrived last season after winning promotion to the Premier Division for the first time and topped the table in the early weeks of the season.
Asked if he felt his side had lost the advantage of being an unknown quantity, Hobbs replied: “Probably. We’ve now got six away games in a row, starting at Hertford Town on Saturday.
"We took four points from Hertford last season and they are a former Isthmian League side whereas we are a former County League side. Whether they took us a little bit lightly last season we will see on Saturday.”
Sun Sports manager Paul Hobbs insists his current team are the best footballing side he has led during his three seasons at Bellmount Wood Avenue following a 4-1 win over Leverstock Green on Saturday.
Two first-half goals from Karl Penny were added to after the break by Ashley Lewis – who has returned following a brief stint with Southern League new-boys Kings Langley – and Clement Asanti to give Sun a 4-1 victory on Saturday, with Chris Blunden scoring Green’s consolation.
“This is the third year I have been here and this is the best side I’ve had. I want my players to play in the other team’s third, not mess about with it at the back.
“When we got promoted we had to be direct because that is a tough league. At this level you get a lot more time and space on the ball."
Sun are sixth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division standings and after a fifth-placed finish last season – having won promotion to the top flight alongside Kings – Hobbs sees no reason why his side cannot match that achievement once again.
“I’m looking to see if we can finish in the same position or higher. We have lost a few players but brought in a new Under-18 side who are doing really well and had won three from three before today (Thursday).”
Sun thrived last season after winning promotion to the Premier Division for the first time and topped the table in the early weeks of the season.
"We took four points from Hertford last season and they are a former Isthmian League side whereas we are a former County League side. Whether they took us a little bit lightly last season we will see on Saturday.”
London Colney v Sun Sports Apr 2015 SSMLP
London Colney extended their unbeaten run to 20 South Midlands Premier Division games after a 2-0 win over third-placed Sun Sports on Saturday.
The Blueboys have soared up to second in the table after their excellent form and were too strong for Sun Sports in their latest encounter London Colney suffered an early scare when Nathan Pooley smashed a long range effort against the crossbar.
The hosts’ first chance fell to Matt Jarvis but his effort inside the six-yard box was blocked.
James Ewington also had an opportunity but his low shot was saved by Ross Hampton.
Debutant London Colney goalkeeper Bart Pedrycz produced a confident performance dealing with all the visitors’ efforts.
The opening goal came after 33 minutes when Dan Power slipped the ball to Martin Collins and he found Ewington who curled a shot into the net from the edge of the area.
It was nearly 2-0 when Ewington set up Jack Woods and his cracking strike flashed past Hampton's right-hand post.
But the hosts were awarded a penalty when Ewington was tripped in the area by Gary Wallace. Greg Shaw fired past Hampton to extend the Bluebirds’ lead.
Pedrycz was called into action to save a Gary Wallace header.
Sun Sports should have pulled one back in the second half through Wallace but his strike flashed across the goal.
Shaw almost added another goal but his fierce shot was tipped over by Hampton.
The Blueboys nearly rounded off the win with a stunning 35-yard effort from Paul Armstrong but it brushed against the top of the bar
London Colney extended their unbeaten run to 20 South Midlands Premier Division games after a 2-0 win over third-placed Sun Sports on Saturday.
The Blueboys have soared up to second in the table after their excellent form and were too strong for Sun Sports in their latest encounter London Colney suffered an early scare when Nathan Pooley smashed a long range effort against the crossbar.
The hosts’ first chance fell to Matt Jarvis but his effort inside the six-yard box was blocked.
James Ewington also had an opportunity but his low shot was saved by Ross Hampton.
Debutant London Colney goalkeeper Bart Pedrycz produced a confident performance dealing with all the visitors’ efforts.
The opening goal came after 33 minutes when Dan Power slipped the ball to Martin Collins and he found Ewington who curled a shot into the net from the edge of the area.
It was nearly 2-0 when Ewington set up Jack Woods and his cracking strike flashed past Hampton's right-hand post.
But the hosts were awarded a penalty when Ewington was tripped in the area by Gary Wallace. Greg Shaw fired past Hampton to extend the Bluebirds’ lead.
Pedrycz was called into action to save a Gary Wallace header.
Sun Sports should have pulled one back in the second half through Wallace but his strike flashed across the goal.
Shaw almost added another goal but his fierce shot was tipped over by Hampton.
The Blueboys nearly rounded off the win with a stunning 35-yard effort from Paul Armstrong but it brushed against the top of the bar
Ware Town v Sun Sports Nov 2014 Herts County Cup
Sun’s eight-game winning streak came to an abrupt end as they exited the Herts Senior Cup 4-1 at the hands of Ware on Tuesday.
Ware will now meet Leverstock Green in the second round.
Craig Lynskey passed up an early opportunity to open the scoring, which had it gone in could have set a course for a different outcome all together, but the Isthmian Premier Division side took the lead with a bolt from the blue on the stroke of half time.
A second-half penalty put the hosts 2-0 ahead and from there on out, they were in control. A third followed, but Jones did pull one back for Paul Hobbs’ side.
The contest was killed off when Ware re-established their three-goal lead with a far-post tap-in.
Sun’s eight-game winning streak came to an abrupt end as they exited the Herts Senior Cup 4-1 at the hands of Ware on Tuesday.
Ware will now meet Leverstock Green in the second round.
Craig Lynskey passed up an early opportunity to open the scoring, which had it gone in could have set a course for a different outcome all together, but the Isthmian Premier Division side took the lead with a bolt from the blue on the stroke of half time.
A second-half penalty put the hosts 2-0 ahead and from there on out, they were in control. A third followed, but Jones did pull one back for Paul Hobbs’ side.
The contest was killed off when Ware re-established their three-goal lead with a far-post tap-in.
Sun Sports v Harefield United Nov 2014 FAV 1st Rd
Sun Sports reached the FA Vase second round for the first time ever by beating Harefield United
Sun Sports made history on Saturday by reaching the second round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history, overcoming Harefield United 3-1.
Next up for Sun will be a home tie against Stanway Rovers, to be played on Saturday, November 22.
James Armstrong looked to have scored inside a minute for Sun, but saw his effort disallowed for offside.
Sun were lacking any punch or urgency and were made to pay for their slow start when Harefield took a 20th-minute lead.
After the break, half-time substitute Nathan Pooley quickly dragged Sun level with his first touch, firing past the helpless Harefield goalkeeper with aplomb.
Ashley Lewis then put Sun ahead for the first time, connecting with Simeon Fearon’s cut-back to score.
Substitute Marcel Jones carved out two good chances for Sun, who continued to pile on the pressure in search of a decisive third.
And the win was sealed when Lewis headed into Armstrong’s path and he subsequently finished coolly.
Sun Sports reached the FA Vase second round for the first time ever by beating Harefield United
Sun Sports made history on Saturday by reaching the second round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history, overcoming Harefield United 3-1.
Next up for Sun will be a home tie against Stanway Rovers, to be played on Saturday, November 22.
James Armstrong looked to have scored inside a minute for Sun, but saw his effort disallowed for offside.
Sun were lacking any punch or urgency and were made to pay for their slow start when Harefield took a 20th-minute lead.
After the break, half-time substitute Nathan Pooley quickly dragged Sun level with his first touch, firing past the helpless Harefield goalkeeper with aplomb.
Ashley Lewis then put Sun ahead for the first time, connecting with Simeon Fearon’s cut-back to score.
Substitute Marcel Jones carved out two good chances for Sun, who continued to pile on the pressure in search of a decisive third.
Sun Sports v Hertford town Oct 2014 SSML 1
Sun move up to second in the Premier Division.
On Tuesday, Sun Sports beat Hertford Town 2-1 to move up to second in the Premier Division.
Tommy Wade handed hosts Hertford the lead shortly before the half-an-hour mark, but Sun replied in fine style and Armstrong levelled in the 37th minute following Elton Scarlett’s defence-splitting pass.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Fearon scored what proved the winner, following in after his strike partner’s header bounced down from the underside of the crossbar.
Sun move up to second in the Premier Division.
On Tuesday, Sun Sports beat Hertford Town 2-1 to move up to second in the Premier Division.
Tommy Wade handed hosts Hertford the lead shortly before the half-an-hour mark, but Sun replied in fine style and Armstrong levelled in the 37th minute following Elton Scarlett’s defence-splitting pass.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Fearon scored what proved the winner, following in after his strike partner’s header bounced down from the underside of the crossbar.
Sun Sports v Potton United Oct 2014 FAV 2nd Qual Rd
Sun Sports beat Potton United 3-0 to secure their first-ever FA Vase win on Saturday.
Sun Sports claimed their first ever win in the FA Vase after beating Potton United 3-0 on Saturday and will now face Harefield United in the first round proper.
In 2007, Sun reached the second qualifying round but only by virtue of the fact Sawbridgeworth were disqualified from the competition for fielding an ineligible player in the previous round.
Paul Hobbs’ side began slowly and struggled to test the Potton goalkeeper, going in goalless at the break.
That changed after half-time, and following an excellent double save from Ross Hampton, Sun took the lead when James Armstrong crossed for Ashley Lewis to nod home
A second followed when Richard Pearce converted from a Simeon Fearon cross, before Armstrong got the better of his marker and crashed home a third via the upright to seal Sun’s progress.
Sun Sports beat Potton United 3-0 to secure their first-ever FA Vase win on Saturday.
Sun Sports claimed their first ever win in the FA Vase after beating Potton United 3-0 on Saturday and will now face Harefield United in the first round proper.
In 2007, Sun reached the second qualifying round but only by virtue of the fact Sawbridgeworth were disqualified from the competition for fielding an ineligible player in the previous round.
Paul Hobbs’ side began slowly and struggled to test the Potton goalkeeper, going in goalless at the break.
That changed after half-time, and following an excellent double save from Ross Hampton, Sun took the lead when James Armstrong crossed for Ashley Lewis to nod home
A second followed when Richard Pearce converted from a Simeon Fearon cross, before Armstrong got the better of his marker and crashed home a third via the upright to seal Sun’s progress.
Thursday, 23 March 2017
Cockfosters v Sun Sports 21st March 2017 SSMLP
Sun Sports came away from Chalk Lane on Tuesday night with another massive away win after beating Cockfosters 2-0.
Two wins and two clean sheets in the last two away matches have finally moved the Sun up from the dreaded 12th spot where they have been steadfast for the past three months!!
And the fact that they have beaten 4th and 3rd placed teams away from home and in succession shows how well the team have done and gives Sun fans and staff hope that they could possibly move forward and look to even challenge for honours next season.
Cockfosters certainly weren’t the in form team that were expected to show up and although they had chances they didn’t look like they were going to take them even if the game had lasted 3 hours, although they had the first opportunity with a shot that went past the wrong side of the post in the opening minutes.
‘Fosters then thought that they had taken first blood but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Jack Johnson weaved his magic and took a shot which beat Byfield in the red’s goal but hit the post, the ball fell kindly to Kyle Johnson but the rebound must have bobbled on the uneven turf as Kyle totally miss hit his chance to stab the ball home.
Tom Gibson was working on the overlap on the left and found an opening which he took well but the ‘Fosters keeper was in the right place at the right time to stop the shot.
From a George Hobson free kick the floated ball was headed out with ease by the defence but found Gibson who slid the ball back to Ryan McMahon, whether Ryan meant to shoot or pump the ball into the box remains unknown but the ball hit Callum Lee and deflected off of him into the Cockfosters goal…..no doubt Ryan will want to claim that he meant that all along!!
The Sun defence looked strong and any ball the Cockfosters players heaved into the penalty area was mopped up well by the defensive pairing of Scott Bonner and Gary Wallace, who are showing that they are forming a fantastic partnership at the back.
‘Fosters surged forward, trying to get an equaliser and went close but for a close range save from Matty Evans and then a scramble ensued in the six yard area which was cleared to safety by Gary Wallace.
The reds then went forward again, putting the pressure on the Sun when another shot this time beat Matty in the Sun goal but came off the post.
An error in midfield saw Ryan McMahon come away with the ball, feeding Jack Johnson who in turn threaded the ball through to Tom Gibson. Gibson beat one defender in the box and then showed confidence in front of goal with a cheeky shot from the outside of his left boot and made it 2-0 to the Sun.
A deep free kick from ‘Fosters followed and a shot on the volley narrowly flew over the woodwork and as half time came it was the Sun who went in two goals to the good.
Into the second half and Cockfosters knew they needed to find a goal to get back into the game and get it quickly.
But the Sun did what have done for the majority of matches this season by soaking up the pressure to then go forward on the counter.
Matty Evans was again required to come out from his line to stop ‘Fosters from scoring by making a excellent block save and was doing a fine job handling anything that managed to get through the tight Sun defence.
While up front Johnson & Johnson (Kyle and Jack) were harassing and closing down the reds defence at every opportunity.
From a Cockfosters corner an in-swinging cross looped over Evans but Gibson was there on the line to head it up and onto the inside of the crossbar which bounced kindly for the Sun away from the danger zone.
Substitute Deji Ikusemori found Tommy Walsh, who had the time to decide that he wanted to finish ‘Fosters off for good in this match but his curling effort glided just wide of the keeper’s left post.
Soon after and Tommy soon reciprocated, laying a ball nicely into Deji’s path and he let fly with venom which whizzed narrowly over the bar.
Time was rapidly running out for the reds and it was nearly curtains for them when a back pass was missed by the Cockfosters keeper and he had to run back desperately to scoop the ball off the goal line to spare his blushes.
Damien Cruickshank was called to head a shot off the line in the closing seconds of the match but the Sun were certainly deserved winners, although ‘Fosters could claim that they were missing some vital players for this match it was still a case of eleven against eleven and every team at some stage of the season has to muddle along as best as they can…it certainly hasn’t hurt the Sun much in the past few matches!!
Sun Sports came away from Chalk Lane on Tuesday night with another massive away win after beating Cockfosters 2-0.
Two wins and two clean sheets in the last two away matches have finally moved the Sun up from the dreaded 12th spot where they have been steadfast for the past three months!!
And the fact that they have beaten 4th and 3rd placed teams away from home and in succession shows how well the team have done and gives Sun fans and staff hope that they could possibly move forward and look to even challenge for honours next season.
Cockfosters certainly weren’t the in form team that were expected to show up and although they had chances they didn’t look like they were going to take them even if the game had lasted 3 hours, although they had the first opportunity with a shot that went past the wrong side of the post in the opening minutes.
‘Fosters then thought that they had taken first blood but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Jack Johnson weaved his magic and took a shot which beat Byfield in the red’s goal but hit the post, the ball fell kindly to Kyle Johnson but the rebound must have bobbled on the uneven turf as Kyle totally miss hit his chance to stab the ball home.
Tom Gibson was working on the overlap on the left and found an opening which he took well but the ‘Fosters keeper was in the right place at the right time to stop the shot.
From a George Hobson free kick the floated ball was headed out with ease by the defence but found Gibson who slid the ball back to Ryan McMahon, whether Ryan meant to shoot or pump the ball into the box remains unknown but the ball hit Callum Lee and deflected off of him into the Cockfosters goal…..no doubt Ryan will want to claim that he meant that all along!!
The Sun defence looked strong and any ball the Cockfosters players heaved into the penalty area was mopped up well by the defensive pairing of Scott Bonner and Gary Wallace, who are showing that they are forming a fantastic partnership at the back.
‘Fosters surged forward, trying to get an equaliser and went close but for a close range save from Matty Evans and then a scramble ensued in the six yard area which was cleared to safety by Gary Wallace.
The reds then went forward again, putting the pressure on the Sun when another shot this time beat Matty in the Sun goal but came off the post.
An error in midfield saw Ryan McMahon come away with the ball, feeding Jack Johnson who in turn threaded the ball through to Tom Gibson. Gibson beat one defender in the box and then showed confidence in front of goal with a cheeky shot from the outside of his left boot and made it 2-0 to the Sun.
A deep free kick from ‘Fosters followed and a shot on the volley narrowly flew over the woodwork and as half time came it was the Sun who went in two goals to the good.
Into the second half and Cockfosters knew they needed to find a goal to get back into the game and get it quickly.
But the Sun did what have done for the majority of matches this season by soaking up the pressure to then go forward on the counter.
Matty Evans was again required to come out from his line to stop ‘Fosters from scoring by making a excellent block save and was doing a fine job handling anything that managed to get through the tight Sun defence.
While up front Johnson & Johnson (Kyle and Jack) were harassing and closing down the reds defence at every opportunity.
From a Cockfosters corner an in-swinging cross looped over Evans but Gibson was there on the line to head it up and onto the inside of the crossbar which bounced kindly for the Sun away from the danger zone.
Substitute Deji Ikusemori found Tommy Walsh, who had the time to decide that he wanted to finish ‘Fosters off for good in this match but his curling effort glided just wide of the keeper’s left post.
Soon after and Tommy soon reciprocated, laying a ball nicely into Deji’s path and he let fly with venom which whizzed narrowly over the bar.
Time was rapidly running out for the reds and it was nearly curtains for them when a back pass was missed by the Cockfosters keeper and he had to run back desperately to scoop the ball off the goal line to spare his blushes.
Damien Cruickshank was called to head a shot off the line in the closing seconds of the match but the Sun were certainly deserved winners, although ‘Fosters could claim that they were missing some vital players for this match it was still a case of eleven against eleven and every team at some stage of the season has to muddle along as best as they can…it certainly hasn’t hurt the Sun much in the past few matches!!
Monday, 20 March 2017
Sun Sports v Sandridge Rovers Dec 2001 HCL
DESPITE outplaying their hosts for much of the last hour, Sandridge Rovers were unable to repair the damage of a lacklustre opening as they went down 3-1 at title hopefuls Sun Sports.
Rovers found themselves two goals down inside 20 minutes as first Andy Wood converted from the spot and then Ben Cowen doubled the lead after awful defending in the Rovers' back line.
The second half reversed the pattern of the first, as Rovers forced the home team on to the back foot, with the deserved breakthrough coming early after the restart. Daryl Smith's strike found the top corner from 20 yards, and three minutes later parity was only denied them by a matter of inches, after left back Jimmy Ryan hit the woodwork.
With six minutes remaining, Bradly Anderson was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside and Smith and Kevin Grey were each close before the end.
However, in somewhat cruel circumstances, it was second-placed Sun that had the final word as Cowen struck his second four minutes into injury time.
Sun Sports v Elliott Star 3rd May 2001 HCL
Battle of the planets
After winning the first match of this double header on Saturday, Star's fortunes were reversed in the second.
Kevin Cooper's magnificent second minute strike ensured a good start for Elliotts in the opening game.
Having received a fine ball from James O'Connell, Cooper deftly weaved his way past two Sun players, before confidently slotting home. However, the hosts soon equalised.
Star went looking to regain their early lead through Dean Renphrey and Kevin Cooper.
Renphrey, after dashing up the right wing and beating two Sun men, wasted his shot.
Cooper also beat off two opposition players only to see his attempt turned over the bar by the keeper.
In the second half, Sun went on the offensive but Elliott's keeper Picton was more than a match for them.
Star regained the lead through Danny Wicks who launched a superb strike into the hosts' net. Wicks delivered Star's third goal with a 30-yarder after he linked up with O'Connell and Cooper.
The second game saw Star eclipsed by Sun whose number 11 buried the ball into Elliotts' net.
Sun's number four made it 2-0.
Following a series of missed shots, Star finally found the back of the net thanks to Stevie Buss and Kevin Cooper. The former headed a brilliant ball towards Cooper who fired home.
Elliott Star v Sun Sports 1st May 2002 HCL
The good news is that Elliott Star can look forward to another season of football in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division, after avoiding relegation at the weekend.
The bad news is that they lost their last home game, going down to a goal three minutes from time against Sun Sports, and had to rely on a result elsewhere to escape the drop.
There are now big changes afoot in the Star line-up, and the management is also expected to be restructured prior to the start of the next campaign.
The Borehamwood side had the better chances in Saturday's game, but the match was typical of their season. They lost too many games which were there for the taking and ended up fighting relegation when they should have been mid-table.
The game started with lots of rough and tumble, and Star's first real chance fell to Danny Gruar, who shot just past the post from 25 yards. At the other end, Billy Davies pulled off a super full-length save.
Just when Sun were beginning to take control of the match, Star should have gone ahead. In the 30th minute Jones made a bullish run and laid the ball off to Ben Taylor, but his weak shot was easily saved.
At the end of the first half it was honours even. Davies was forced to make a great save for Star shortly after the restart.
Tommy Flahive, after a quiet first half, gradually helped Star to snatch the momentum from Sun. Ian Cooper brought a super block from the Sun keeper with a well-struck shot, and Jones thumped the rebound goalwards, only to see it saved again.
Sun, who were put on the back foot, were becoming increasingly frustrated, as Star's defence of Lennon, Griggs, Day and Love dealt with all of their long balls.
Jones was replaced by Bell, and he immediately ran up the right and crossed to Cooper, who forced the keeper into another fine save.
Lennon was replaced by Luke Reid and, in the dying minutes of the game, Sun pushed forward and earned themselves a corner. The ball came over and ended up in the net, to make the final score 1-0 to Sun.
The good news is that Elliott Star can look forward to another season of football in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division, after avoiding relegation at the weekend.
The bad news is that they lost their last home game, going down to a goal three minutes from time against Sun Sports, and had to rely on a result elsewhere to escape the drop.
There are now big changes afoot in the Star line-up, and the management is also expected to be restructured prior to the start of the next campaign.
The Borehamwood side had the better chances in Saturday's game, but the match was typical of their season. They lost too many games which were there for the taking and ended up fighting relegation when they should have been mid-table.
The game started with lots of rough and tumble, and Star's first real chance fell to Danny Gruar, who shot just past the post from 25 yards. At the other end, Billy Davies pulled off a super full-length save.
Just when Sun were beginning to take control of the match, Star should have gone ahead. In the 30th minute Jones made a bullish run and laid the ball off to Ben Taylor, but his weak shot was easily saved.
At the end of the first half it was honours even. Davies was forced to make a great save for Star shortly after the restart.
Tommy Flahive, after a quiet first half, gradually helped Star to snatch the momentum from Sun. Ian Cooper brought a super block from the Sun keeper with a well-struck shot, and Jones thumped the rebound goalwards, only to see it saved again.
Sun, who were put on the back foot, were becoming increasingly frustrated, as Star's defence of Lennon, Griggs, Day and Love dealt with all of their long balls.
Jones was replaced by Bell, and he immediately ran up the right and crossed to Cooper, who forced the keeper into another fine save.
Lennon was replaced by Luke Reid and, in the dying minutes of the game, Sun pushed forward and earned themselves a corner. The ball came over and ended up in the net, to make the final score 1-0 to Sun.
Sun Sports v Elliott Star Aug 2002 HCL
Star eclipse the Sun
Star had a few chances in the first-half, with Tommy Armit going close, but the Sun players went into the break wondering what they had to do to score.
Sun went into the second half as they left the first, on the attack, but slowly Star started to play and a move up the right ended in James O'Connoll putting Star in front.
Sun's reaction was to go for broke and again Star repelled their furious attacks.
Sam O'Connoll came on for the injured Dean Shuttleworth, and Sam-the-man then went up the right wing and put across a glorious ball which Ben Taylor tucked away to make it 2-0 to Star.
Aaron Murphy came on for Rod McGurk, and he hit a shot from just inside the Sun half, which had their keeper back-pedalling and relieved to see the ball sail just over the bar.
Murphy repeated this type of shot again two minutes later, and was again unlucky as the ball just went wide.
Sun were still blowing a storm and Howard brought off a miraculous block on the line, and then went on to do a few press ups to show the Star's supporters just how fit he was.
Sun scored with ten minutes to go from a free kick from 25 yards out resulting in a well-deserved goal.
It was a superb win against a strong team who will be near the top of the Herts League next April.Sun Sports 1 Elliott Star 2
Star eclipse the Sun
Star had a few chances in the first-half, with Tommy Armit going close, but the Sun players went into the break wondering what they had to do to score.
Sun went into the second half as they left the first, on the attack, but slowly Star started to play and a move up the right ended in James O'Connoll putting Star in front.
Sun's reaction was to go for broke and again Star repelled their furious attacks.
Sam O'Connoll came on for the injured Dean Shuttleworth, and Sam-the-man then went up the right wing and put across a glorious ball which Ben Taylor tucked away to make it 2-0 to Star.
Aaron Murphy came on for Rod McGurk, and he hit a shot from just inside the Sun half, which had their keeper back-pedalling and relieved to see the ball sail just over the bar.
Murphy repeated this type of shot again two minutes later, and was again unlucky as the ball just went wide.
Sun were still blowing a storm and Howard brought off a miraculous block on the line, and then went on to do a few press ups to show the Star's supporters just how fit he was.
Sun scored with ten minutes to go from a free kick from 25 yards out resulting in a well-deserved goal.
It was a superb win against a strong team who will be near the top of the Herts League next April.Sun Sports 1 Elliott Star 2
Sun Postal Sports 2 Elliot Star 3 Nov 1998 Herts County league
Shocked Star eclipse Sun
After being on cruise control with 20 minutes remaining, and 2-0 up, Star were hit by two goals.
Then in a dramatic finish they bagged the points with a last minute penalty to notch up an away win.
Star started the game well, taking charge early on, and began winning the midfield struggle with Steve Buss and Danny Plumb adding bite. And it was no surprise when in the 35th minute Star took the lead.
Wicks, out on the right wing, drove a high ball into the Sun area and Kevin Cooper running in made no mistake to head home for Star.
At half-time, on the balance of play, Star were in full charge and deserved their lead.
From the restart Matt Jones broke through and brought a fine full length diving save off the Sun keeper.
But in the 60th minute Star went further ahead when a hopeful ball was hit into the penalty area and Jones stole the ball off Sun's keeper to make it 2-0.
Now Sun threw caution to the wind and put Star under the cosh and their number seven put the ball wide of the net when he should have scored. But, in the 80th minute, score they did, when their left- back chipped Rawlings from the edge of the area.
Sun were now blazing and scored their equaliser when a hopeful ball caught Star's defence ball-watching and a Sun forward slotted home the equaliser.
That appeared to be it, but in one last throw of the dice Love went upfield only to be brought down in the Sun penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot and up came Cooper to dispatch the ball with aplomb.
In two weeks time Star meet Sun in an Aubrey Cup tie and this week Star are away at Bovingdon in the second round of the Centenary Cup.
Shocked Star eclipse Sun
After being on cruise control with 20 minutes remaining, and 2-0 up, Star were hit by two goals.
Then in a dramatic finish they bagged the points with a last minute penalty to notch up an away win.
Star started the game well, taking charge early on, and began winning the midfield struggle with Steve Buss and Danny Plumb adding bite. And it was no surprise when in the 35th minute Star took the lead.
Wicks, out on the right wing, drove a high ball into the Sun area and Kevin Cooper running in made no mistake to head home for Star.
At half-time, on the balance of play, Star were in full charge and deserved their lead.
From the restart Matt Jones broke through and brought a fine full length diving save off the Sun keeper.
But in the 60th minute Star went further ahead when a hopeful ball was hit into the penalty area and Jones stole the ball off Sun's keeper to make it 2-0.
Now Sun threw caution to the wind and put Star under the cosh and their number seven put the ball wide of the net when he should have scored. But, in the 80th minute, score they did, when their left- back chipped Rawlings from the edge of the area.
Sun were now blazing and scored their equaliser when a hopeful ball caught Star's defence ball-watching and a Sun forward slotted home the equaliser.
That appeared to be it, but in one last throw of the dice Love went upfield only to be brought down in the Sun penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot and up came Cooper to dispatch the ball with aplomb.
In two weeks time Star meet Sun in an Aubrey Cup tie and this week Star are away at Bovingdon in the second round of the Centenary Cup.
Biggleswade United v Sun Sports - 18th March 2017 SSML
The Biggleswade United fan’s “favourite” Dom David came on as a sub in a close encounter of the fourth kind to keep the Sun’s unbeaten record against United this season.
With this away win at Second Meadow, a home draw and two drawn matches in the FA Vase (which the Sun won the replay on penalties). “Sully’s Army” have proved themselves worthy of competing and indeed winning against a top four side of the Spartan South Midlands Premier League.
The Sun had the first serious attempt at goal with Jack “JJ” Johnson wiggling past a couple of United players but had his shot blocked at the moment of connection.
Young keeper Drew Oliver, making his last appearance for the first team for the moment with the return of Matty Evans on Tuesday, was soon in action when a long range shot was saved as he stretched to his left to cover the ball.
Clement Asante worked well up front, battling for possession and holding the ball up well, had a chance when he manoeuvred around a couple of United defenders and then scored a perfect ten as he fell in the area. The referee pointed straight to the spot much the chagrin of the Biggleswade defence.
Up stepped George Hobson to take the spot kick, but he didn’t seem to hit it as well as he would have liked and chose accuracy instead of power which helped the Biggleswade keeper Robbie Pontin save the kick.
United went close with a long range strike from Black which went narrowly over the bar and once again the Sun were involved in an end to end tussle with the opposition.
From a Hobson free kick he found an unmarked Jamie Speer on the left of the box who volleyed a difficult shot at an awkward angle goal bound which hit the side netting.
Disaster nearly struck as Norwegian commentator and one time Tromso forward Simen Møller cut inside in the box and put a cross over which the oncoming United forward missed with his head but Damien Cruickshank following behind headed the ball hitting his own post!
The Sun continued to make some great moves with some fantastic one touch inter-passing play showing their own brand of “Ticki-tacka” football.
George Hobson, despite his penalty miss, was certainly on fine form spreading some impressive long passes switching play from one side of the field to the other.
As the first half came to a close Drew Oliver rushed off his line to clear the ball only for it to find Møller who hit the ball back towards an empty Sun goal. Drew ran as fast as he could to get back to the goal line and managed to hook the ball off of the line to save embarrassment.
Sun Sports started strong in the second half and pressed hard in the opening minutes, bombarding the penalty area with crosses and shots and the United defence were unable to get out of their own half for a while.
The boys in yellow continued to push up and took the game to United, who were finding it difficult to break the hold that the Sun had on the game.
The United fans thought that they had gone a goal up when a free kick flew just over the crossbar, and the Biggleswade team then had their moment to put the heat on the Sun when they had their chances to open the scoring with a cross that was headed just wide of the post, a shot from Iwediuno which Drew Oliver got down to brilliantly to his right to deflect the ball away and a shot which went so wide that it went out for a throw in!!
A cross from JJ was fumbled by the Biggleswade keeper and Clement Asante tried to get there first to knock the ball in but the keeper managed to dive onto the ball at the second attempt.
Owusu came on for Biggleswade United and gave the Bedfordshire team some fresh ideas as well as fresh legs which gave the Sun some problems.
So Sun manager Tim O’Sullivan decided it was time to bring on the big gun of the Biggleswade fan’s star player….Dom David, who came on to some ironic cheers!!
Møller then went through on goal on 69 minutes, but his shot was deflected just over the bar by some top notch last-ditch defending from Gary Wallace.
A few minutes later and a beautiful floating free kick found Dom who headed the ball into the Biggleswade goal to give the Sun the lead….the fan’s favourite was no longer loved by the opposition’s faithful!!
David was soon in action again shortly when a miskick from Ponting found Dom in space who had time to control the ball before hitting it perfectly bringing out a great save from the Biggleswade keeper to spare his blushes.
Some staunch defending from the Sun defence was needed in the closing minutes as United tried to get an equaliser but after an elongated injury time the ref finally blew for time and the Sun stopped Biggleswade United’s 12 game undefeated run with a performance to remember.
Next up will be another tough game with a trip to third place Cockfosters on Tuesday night.
Friday, 17 March 2017
Hertford Town v Sun Sports 14th March 2017 SSML Premier
A lacklustre first half performance cost the Sun the points on Tuesday night as second placed Hertford Town scored twice to help push their promotion chances.
Hertford kicked off, started strongly and pressured from the very beginning with Sun’s rookie keeper Drew Oliver soon called into action making two vitally important saves.
The force of the Hertford attack saw Town take numerous corners in succession before the Sun could even rally themselves together, and Damien Cruickshank was in the right place at the right time to head a shot off the line.
Damien limped off with a swollen knee and Kerran Lataille followed soon after only eleven minutes on the clock – two subs used with just over ten minutes gone and more injury worries for Tim O’Sullivan.
A perfectly placed cross floated into the penalty area to find Lowen’s head, who guided the ball into the top right of the Sun goal, leaving young Oliver stranded on the goal line – not that any other keeper could have reached that header.
With the Sun a goal down Andy Brennan and Deji Ikusemori took more control in midfield and it looked like the Sun might try and make a game of it.
But seconds before the half time whistle came an uncleared cross from the right which was tapped in from within the six yard area by Ramone-Sinclair to give Town a two goal cushion and a much harder job for the Sun in the second half.
Harsh words were spoken at half time and the Sun came out with all guns blazing, substitutes Jack Johnson and Karl Penny both had decent chances to get the Sun back into the game, Johnson had a long range strike that bounced in front of the Hertford keeper but he recovered from the bounce to push the ball to safety.
Penny wrong-footed one defender and as he powered his way into the penalty area was brought down by the stretched leg of the covering centre half, despite the appeals the referee waved play on.
In front of a hostile and raucous Hertford crowd of 153 Drew Oliver had a decent second half and handled the banter given by the opposition well.
Scully for Hertford went for a high ball and blatantly tried to get Tommy Walsh (pictured) booked, or worse, by screaming and holding his ankle and rolling around and around like an Argentinian player from the 80’s. Within a minute or so he was up and running around as if nothing had happened – maybe he just wanted a bit of attention from the Hertford physio!!
The majority of referee decisions seemed to go against the Sun, which clearly frustrated the players and fans alike and as the final whistle went something was said to cause a fracas near the tunnel, causing a few punches to be thrown and pushes made.
The referee promptly walked up to George Hobson to give him a second yellow and sent him off (although the match was already over) and it took a fair bit of persuasion by the Sun players and coaching staff to give Draper of Hertford a red as well.
So a bad day at the office all round for the Sun, and with the next couple of matches coming up being away to 4th placed Biggleswade United and then away to 3rd placed Cockfosters in midweek, there’s some tough matches ahead for the boys in yellow
A lacklustre first half performance cost the Sun the points on Tuesday night as second placed Hertford Town scored twice to help push their promotion chances.
Hertford kicked off, started strongly and pressured from the very beginning with Sun’s rookie keeper Drew Oliver soon called into action making two vitally important saves.
The force of the Hertford attack saw Town take numerous corners in succession before the Sun could even rally themselves together, and Damien Cruickshank was in the right place at the right time to head a shot off the line.
Damien limped off with a swollen knee and Kerran Lataille followed soon after only eleven minutes on the clock – two subs used with just over ten minutes gone and more injury worries for Tim O’Sullivan.
A perfectly placed cross floated into the penalty area to find Lowen’s head, who guided the ball into the top right of the Sun goal, leaving young Oliver stranded on the goal line – not that any other keeper could have reached that header.
With the Sun a goal down Andy Brennan and Deji Ikusemori took more control in midfield and it looked like the Sun might try and make a game of it.
But seconds before the half time whistle came an uncleared cross from the right which was tapped in from within the six yard area by Ramone-Sinclair to give Town a two goal cushion and a much harder job for the Sun in the second half.
Harsh words were spoken at half time and the Sun came out with all guns blazing, substitutes Jack Johnson and Karl Penny both had decent chances to get the Sun back into the game, Johnson had a long range strike that bounced in front of the Hertford keeper but he recovered from the bounce to push the ball to safety.
Penny wrong-footed one defender and as he powered his way into the penalty area was brought down by the stretched leg of the covering centre half, despite the appeals the referee waved play on.
In front of a hostile and raucous Hertford crowd of 153 Drew Oliver had a decent second half and handled the banter given by the opposition well.
Scully for Hertford went for a high ball and blatantly tried to get Tommy Walsh (pictured) booked, or worse, by screaming and holding his ankle and rolling around and around like an Argentinian player from the 80’s. Within a minute or so he was up and running around as if nothing had happened – maybe he just wanted a bit of attention from the Hertford physio!!
The majority of referee decisions seemed to go against the Sun, which clearly frustrated the players and fans alike and as the final whistle went something was said to cause a fracas near the tunnel, causing a few punches to be thrown and pushes made.
The referee promptly walked up to George Hobson to give him a second yellow and sent him off (although the match was already over) and it took a fair bit of persuasion by the Sun players and coaching staff to give Draper of Hertford a red as well.
So a bad day at the office all round for the Sun, and with the next couple of matches coming up being away to 4th placed Biggleswade United and then away to 3rd placed Cockfosters in midweek, there’s some tough matches ahead for the boys in yellow
Edgware Town v Sun Sports 11th March SSML Premier
Sun Sports and Edgware took a share of the goals and the points in a six goal thriller at Silver Jubilee Park.
Playing on a 4G pitch in a competitive match for the first time, as well as fielding three under 18 players in the squad, the Sun looked towards the youth of the side to help build up their experience.
Goalkeeper Drew Oliver has played a handful of games already for the first team, but there were debuts for Olamide Emiloju and Callum Duce who also showed that they will be knocking on the first team door before too long.
The first half started at a blistering pace with each side trying to find an opening.
Drew Oliver made a couple of important saves to keep scores level.
And it was the Sun who broke the deadlock thanks to a super 30 yard sweet strike from George Hobson which nearly broke the net!
But Town were back on level terms minutes later with a long range shot from Mooney that was just out of the grasp of a despairing dive from Drew.
Kerran Lataille worked well up front for the Sun making dangerous runs at the defence with his fancy footwork and jinking moves to try and bamboozle the Town defenders.
The Sun re-took the lead in the second half after only two minutes from the re-start.
And it was that man Mr Hobson again with a fantastic free kick that fired the Sun back in front.
Edgware huffed and puffed and tried to get back level with some fast moves and it was thanks to one of these that found Maharjan with the space to hit the ball with some force that Drew Oliver managed to get a hand to the ball but wasn't able to keep it out.
Deji Ikusemori has come into fine form at the moment, making some important driving runs into the opposition half and delivering some perfect passes to provide further attacks.
Both sides attempted to get a winner in the remaining minutes and when Edgware were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box it was down to Ali who hit a perfect curling free kick into the top right corner of the Sun goal to give Town the lead for the first time in the match.
With the minutes ticking away it looked like the Sun would be coming away from Kingsbury with no points, until a free kick delivered by...who else but George Hobson was headed on by debutant Callum Duce and fired in at close range by Scott Bonner to give the Sun a share of the spoils.
Sun Sports and Edgware took a share of the goals and the points in a six goal thriller at Silver Jubilee Park.
Playing on a 4G pitch in a competitive match for the first time, as well as fielding three under 18 players in the squad, the Sun looked towards the youth of the side to help build up their experience.
Goalkeeper Drew Oliver has played a handful of games already for the first team, but there were debuts for Olamide Emiloju and Callum Duce who also showed that they will be knocking on the first team door before too long.
The first half started at a blistering pace with each side trying to find an opening.
Drew Oliver made a couple of important saves to keep scores level.
And it was the Sun who broke the deadlock thanks to a super 30 yard sweet strike from George Hobson which nearly broke the net!
But Town were back on level terms minutes later with a long range shot from Mooney that was just out of the grasp of a despairing dive from Drew.
Kerran Lataille worked well up front for the Sun making dangerous runs at the defence with his fancy footwork and jinking moves to try and bamboozle the Town defenders.
The Sun re-took the lead in the second half after only two minutes from the re-start.
And it was that man Mr Hobson again with a fantastic free kick that fired the Sun back in front.
Edgware huffed and puffed and tried to get back level with some fast moves and it was thanks to one of these that found Maharjan with the space to hit the ball with some force that Drew Oliver managed to get a hand to the ball but wasn't able to keep it out.
Deji Ikusemori has come into fine form at the moment, making some important driving runs into the opposition half and delivering some perfect passes to provide further attacks.
Both sides attempted to get a winner in the remaining minutes and when Edgware were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box it was down to Ali who hit a perfect curling free kick into the top right corner of the Sun goal to give Town the lead for the first time in the match.
With the minutes ticking away it looked like the Sun would be coming away from Kingsbury with no points, until a free kick delivered by...who else but George Hobson was headed on by debutant Callum Duce and fired in at close range by Scott Bonner to give the Sun a share of the spoils.
Kings Langley v Sun Sports 7th March 2017 West Herts St Mary's Cup Semi Final
Sun Sports were cursing their luck on Tuesday night after being knocked out of the St Mary’s Cup semi final against Kings Langley.
It was the Sun who stunned Langley by storming into a two goal lead in the opening twenty minutes.
A George Hobson in-swinging corner was deflected in by a Kings defender to give the Sun the lead and a miss-hit back pass wrong footed the Langley keeper to double the Sun’s lead.
Sun fans were rubbing their hands and dreaming of another St Mary’s Cup final to finish a memorable season off with but Langley pulled a goal back with a cracker of a shot hit from just outside the area before the break.
It was nice of Kings Langley to provide some half time entertainment when a couple of Langley old boys started swearing and pushing each other. But when it came to them waving their walking sticks at each other they were eventually pulled apart.
Buoyed by the goal Kings Langley pulled out al the stops to get an equaliser in the second half but the Sun boys all worked their blue socks off to keep control of the match.
Deji Ikusemori and Jamie Speer both worked hard in midfield, Speer had the strength and skill to dribble past a couple of Langley players and took a shot which was well saved by the Kings keeper.
Speer had the ball again in midfield and put through a perfect ball out to substitute Karl Penny who just lost control of the ball at the critical moment for the Kings keeper to smother the ball.
Langley finally took their chance to equalise when a shot was saved by Matty Evans legs but rebounded kindly to a Kings player to tap it home from six yards.
With only five minutes left and the Sun gearing themselves up for extra time Langley were given a dubious penalty.
The Langley player must have had recently taken up acting classes and although he fooled none of the Sun faithful he certainly duped the referee who pointed immediately to the spot.
Toomey stepped up to smash home the spot kick to send the Southern league Premier Division side through to the final.
Tring Athletic v Sun Sports 25th February 2017 SSML Premier
Sun Sports came away from Cow Lane on Saturday with all three points and the double over Tring Athletic this season.
Both sides had early opportunities but each keeper did well to hold on to the ball.
Tring seemed happy to lob the ball upfield which Gary Wallace and Scott Bonner mopped up with ease.
With Dom David, Joe Horwood, Damien Cruickshank and George Hobson all out through injury and Jack Johnson on a break, Clem Asante and Nick Holden were brought up from the reserves and both made the move up showing plenty of confidence,
From a Ryan McMahon free kick the Tring keeper palmed the ball out to Kyle Johnson who headed the ball back goal wards which was diverted by Andy Brennan towards Deji Ikusemori whose final header came off the post in a mini game of six yard area head tennis!
From there the ball then deflected back out to Kyle Johnson whose curling shot glided just over the crossbar.
For the first half The Sun were in full control of the game with Asante and Johnson working well together up front, each man strong enough to hold the ball up for the other.
Andy Brennan then threaded the perfect through ball to Kyle Johnson who ran from deep to latch onto the ball and guided the ball past the despairing Tring keeper.
The Tring fans were clearly frustrated at the lack of effort from their players and called out to claim "handball" more times than at an Arsenal match!
Near the end of the half Tring had a couple of close encounters which Sun keeper Matty Evans comfortably kept out.
The second half continued with Athletic having most of the possession but still not any shots on target, anything that did look to be dangerous to the Sun was cleared by some decent, hard but safe tackles from the Sun defence.
Two minutes from the end and Andy Brennan was brought down in the area for a penalty.
Up stepped Kerran Lataille who smashed the ball down the middle to give the Sun the three points.
Sun Sports v Wembley 21st February 2017 Premier Division Cup Semi Final
Sun Sports came away from the Sun Stadium on Tuesday night disappointed in themselves that they were soundly beaten by Wembley in the Premier Division Cup Semi final.
The Sun took the lead when Kyle Johnson was brought down in the area and George Hobson confidently stepped up to smash the penalty in (pictured).
But soon after that things started to go wrong when Joe Horwood had to come off early in the match with a torn hamstring.
It looks like Horwood will be out for the rest of the season.
The Sun seemed a little out of sorts for the match and didn't seem to gel as they have done so for the majority of matches this season.
Wembley soon equalised and scored again before half time.
Tim certainly had words at half time to the players as they came out to try and get back into the match.
And the Sun should have had another penalty when Andy Brennan was knocked off the ball and stumbled but the referee waved play on and when the advantage was gone a penalty wasn't given.
Wembley then proceeded to go down the other end and score again to virtually kill the game off.
Despite the setback the Sun carried on trying to get a goal and Andy Brennan and Deji Ikusemori both had chances that could have changed the game.
Matty Evans made a fantastic save from a free kick but Wembley scored again ten minutes from the end to win 4-1 to go into the final of this competition for the very first time.
Sun Sports came away from the Sun Stadium on Tuesday night disappointed in themselves that they were soundly beaten by Wembley in the Premier Division Cup Semi final.
The Sun took the lead when Kyle Johnson was brought down in the area and George Hobson confidently stepped up to smash the penalty in (pictured).
But soon after that things started to go wrong when Joe Horwood had to come off early in the match with a torn hamstring.
It looks like Horwood will be out for the rest of the season.
The Sun seemed a little out of sorts for the match and didn't seem to gel as they have done so for the majority of matches this season.
Wembley soon equalised and scored again before half time.
Tim certainly had words at half time to the players as they came out to try and get back into the match.
And the Sun should have had another penalty when Andy Brennan was knocked off the ball and stumbled but the referee waved play on and when the advantage was gone a penalty wasn't given.
Wembley then proceeded to go down the other end and score again to virtually kill the game off.
Despite the setback the Sun carried on trying to get a goal and Andy Brennan and Deji Ikusemori both had chances that could have changed the game.
Matty Evans made a fantastic save from a free kick but Wembley scored again ten minutes from the end to win 4-1 to go into the final of this competition for the very first time.
Sun Sports v Hertford Town 18th February 2017 SSML Premier
The visit of second placed Hertford Town looked to be an interesting affair and the Town soon took the lead after barely two minutes from the first corner of the game.
Hertford took control of the match as the Sun chased for an equaliser and came close with a Kyle Johnson effort.
As the game went on it looked like the Sun might be able to get into the match but then a Hertford defender went down from a Sun corner clutching his face.
Kyle had previously been booked for an earlier incident and this booking would cause his first
sending off of the season.
As half time came manager Tim O’Sullivan knew that he would have to make a shuffle around
and decided to put three at the back to try and get the Sun a point at the end of ninety minutes.
Keeper Matty Evans kept the Sun in it when Town pounced on the counter and made a couple of fantastic saves.
However Hertford scored again halfway through the half which effectively killed off the Sun’s
chances to take a point.
Sun Sports v Tring Athletic 14th February 2017 SSML Premier
Confidence is flowing like a river down Sun Stadium way as the boys in yellow beat another top 5 team in the space of four days.
After the away win at Hoddesdon the Sun showed resilience and hard work to beat Tring Athletic thanks to a super goal from that man again Kyle Johnson.
Tring looked impressive and keeper Matty Evans kept the score level with a great save from an Athletic direct free kick as he tipped the ball onto the crossbar and over.
After a spury of corners from Tring the Sun soaked up all the pressure and finally managed to get the ball out of their area and pressed the Tring defence with Jack Johnson surging forward and Kyle Johnson holding the ball up and turning on a sixpence to beat his marker.
After a goalless first half it looked like only one goal would be enough to take the three points and that’s how it was after Kyle cracked a beauty of a shot from outside the penalty area in the second half.
In an extremely tough match Tring showed their class with some fast moving tactics but the Sun matched them player for player.
Kyle Johnson has now scored 12 goals and with the way things are going looks like he will soon be catching up with top scorer Dom David who currently has 18 this season.
The Sun have now moved up to 12 place and will face another of the top teams in the league on Saturday with the visit of second placed Hertford Town coming to the Sun Stadium.
Hoddesdon Town v Sun Sports 11th February 2017 SSML Premier
Sun Sports came away from Lowfield on Saturday with three points which must be classed as some of the club’s “bonus points” of the season.
On a freezing cold afternoon with flurries of snow visible the Sun showed that they were up for this game more than their opponents.
Hoddesdon had the first clear attempt on goal with a shot bouncing off the top of the crossbar, from the same incident Tom Gibson had to helped off the pitch with concussion and Deji ikusemori came on earlier than expected.
Tim O’Sullivan had quickly re-shuffle the pack and Andy Brennan was moved from midfield to the vacant left back position.
Kyle Johnson looked sharp at front and had the pace to run at the defence as well as the strength to hold the ball when required.
Hoddesdon thought that they had broken the deadlock halfway through the half but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside.
Half time and it was 0-0.
The second half saw the boys in yellow continue to press hard and didn’t let the opposition intimidate them.
Soon after the restart Jamie Speer found space in the box and let rip, the shot deflected off a Hoddesdon defender wrong-footing the Town keeper as the ball squirmed over the line.
But a goal is a goal and Jamie will certainly be claiming that one, his first goal for the club.
Town had the chance to equalise and hit the crossbar but then a ball over the top found the Sun’s Kyle Johnson beat the offside trap and on a one to one with the goalie held his composure to lob the ball over him to make it 2-0.
Hoddesdon rallied and managed to get a goal back from a free kick on the edge of the box which Matty Evans saw too late to stop from going in.
But before the Lilywhites could try and get an equaliser substitute Dom David was given the freedom to move down the left and coolly passed the ball to Johnson who slotted the ball with his right foot past the keeper to give the Sun a two goal cushion again.
Hoddesdon had a chance to get another goal back but the shot was blasted over the bar from barely six yards.
Sun move up to 12th place
FC Broxbourne Borough v Sun Sports 17th January 2017 SSML Premier
A freezing cold night in Cheshunt saw the Sun gain another three points against bottom dwellers FC Broxbourne Borough.
Sun started the match strong and within the opening minutes Dom David had a shot deflected into the side netting and Kyle Johnson was in the right place at the right time from a Deji Ikusemori header but he flicked the ball over the bar instead of under it.
An Andy Brennan curving pass found Kyle again and this time he kept his composure to slot the ball past the keeper but this time it hit the post and rebounded kindly into the Boro keeper's grateful arms.
Dom David had another chance when he had room to manoeuvre and his shot from outside the area was saved by the Boro keeper who flung his body to his left to make a spectacular save.
But Boro's luck finally ran out when Kyle Johnson coolly flicked the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to finally get on the scoresheet and make it 1-0 to the Sun.
Brennan was involved again and delivered a perfect pass which Dom David controlled well and then let fly only for the keeper to parry the ball downwards to take the sting out of the shot.
Jack Johnson then had a turn on the left and crossed a low ball to his namesake Kyle who flicked the ball up and turned to volley the ball past two closing defenders which went just the wrong side of the post.
A long ball from defence was swiftly turned into an attack as the ball found Kyle Johnson as the target man who headed the ball down to Dom David who blasted his shot narrowly over the bar.
So at half time it was 1-0 to the Sun but it could easily have been eight if luck had been on Sports side.
Early in the second half a long ball found Jack Johnson who beat the offside trap but his shot lacked the pace to trouble the Boro keeper.
Words must have said in the Boro dressing room at half time as Broxbourne finally managed to get into the Sun penalty area causing Matty Evans to make his first important save of the night.
But the Sun went two up and it was that man again Kyle Johnson who scored one of the goals of the night with a fantastic effort from the left edge of the penalty area as the shot was hit hard but true as it flew into the Boro goal.
And while the Sun players were rubbing their hands with not only the cold but with the thought of going home with three points things started going a little pear shaped.
Straight from the kick off Broxbourne went upfield and from a cleared header the ball that fell perfectly to a Boro midfielder he volleyed the ball beautifully back towards goal which flew into the Sun net to bring Boro back into the game.
Once Boro got a goal back they grew in confidence and had another chance soon after but the shot went over the bar.
Ten minutes later and from a corner Boro got an equaliser from a looping header which dropped just under the bar.
Boosted by this Boro pushed forward to try and get a winner, which they were nearly rewarded with if it wasn't for the fast thinking of Matty Evans who managed to rush out and block the shot.
After the brief interlude of Boro taking control the Sun came back into the fray and Andy Brennan was the man to put the Sun back into the lead as he lashed in a shot from a perfect pass from Dom David.
As the game came to a close a long ball down the left again found David who pulled the ball back across the area as Jack Johnson called for the ball, as the ball came to him he dummied it and Scott Bonner came up to hit the ball hard enough to beat the keeper to make it 4-2 to the Sun.
A freezing cold night at around -2 at times and coach Gary Burkett was still walking around the ground wearing his shorts!
Sun Sports v Bromsgrove Sporting 7th January 2017 FA Vase 4th Rd
Sun suffered heartbreak on the biggest day of the club's history on Saturday as they fell to Bromsgrove Sporting in the FA Vase 4th round.
A record breaking crowd of 320 at Bellmountwood Avenue saw Sporting beat Sports 4-0.
Sun started well as Dom David found a bit of room in the opening minutes to fire a shot but the effort went well wide.
After 5 minutes and Bromsgrove were ahead, a free kick from just inside the Sun half was lofted over the Sun defence and found Reece Hewitt in the right place at the right time to volley the ball past Matty Evans to make it 1-0.
Sun tried to get back into the game from a corner but a Kyle Johnson header went over the bar.
After that and Bromsgrove took full control of the game for the majority of the match.
Being in the Midland league First Division certainly belittles their status and it’s a sure sign that they won't be there for much longer with the speed of their players who constantly pressed hard whenever Sun players had the ball.
The replacement keeper Leech from Sporting got down well to save a shot from Dom David but unfortunately that was to be the only Sun shot on target for the Watford team for the whole match.
Sun players were advised to keep the ball on the ground for most of their set pieces as the Sporting defence mopped any high balls into the area.
But high balls certainly didn't worry the Bromsgrove attack as they pumped balls into the area, one had to be scrambled away off the line and Matty Evans was on hand to safely punch the ball away on more than one occasion.
Jason Cowley had a couple of efforts for Bromsgrove, One being an unsuccessful overhead kick while the other being blocked saved by Evans who came out bravely to thwart him while Robbie Bunn had a shot from the right side of the box which flew narrowly over the bar.
Half time and there was still only one goal in it, but the Sun knew that they were in a tough battle and would need to pull out something extraordinary to get through this round.
But things remained the same in the second half as Sporting continued to push
forward while the boys in yellow weren't performing as well as they could.
And the Bromsgrove pressure finally told on the Sun when a soft cross wasn't cleared properly finding the dangerous Jason Cowley on the edge of the box who fired in a low shot to make it 2-0.
The dream was rapidly fading for the Sun and before they knew it they were three down from a one two in the area between Andy Nichol and Somalian international Ahmed Ali whose looping strike found the back of the net.
Then came the icing on the Bromsgrove cake as Reece Hewitt went through the Sun defence like a hot knife through butter as he glided past players with the ball attached to his foot and then calmly placed it in the Sun goal to make it 4-0 to give the travelling support more dreams of cup glory ahead.
Sun Sports can have no complaints about the result and would like to wish Bromsgrove Sporting the very best for the next round and the rest of this season.
Sun Sports v Berkhamsted 2nd January 2017 SSML Premier
Sun suffered from a post Christmas and New Year hangover on Bank Holiday Monday after losing 3-0 at home to Berkhamsted.
But it was the Sun who had the first attempt at goal when a Dom David strike flew over the bar.
But after 15 minutes the game changed when two Sun players failed to clear the ball giving Hawes the chance to hit a long range effort goalwards, the ball bounced awkwardly in front of Matty Evans and the strength of the shot had enough momentum to go over the goal line.
Sun old boy Ashley Lewis's first game back at Bellmountwood Avenue was one to remember for himself and his first chance was a curling effort that ended up comfortably in Matty Evans hands.
Although the Comrades had taken the lead the Sun still tried to get back into the game by pumping long balls up to Jack Johnson who became increasingly frustrated at being flagged offside.
Dom David had the space to make room for another decent shot which was well saved by Berko keeper Carl Tasker.
Lewis came close again and slid in but was two paces short of a hard cross along the six yard area.
Berkhamsted continued to press for a second goal for the remainder of the first half and from a corner Sun custodian Matty was called into action again and thanks to some great reflexes made a brilliant save.
Jack Johnson finally got his chance as the first half came to a close and caught the Berko defence napping but his right footed shot curled just past the wrong side of the post.
In the second half the Sun came out and tried to get an early goal with Tommy Walsh going close and Dom David's fancy footwork bamboozling the Berkhamsted defence.
But then Ashley Lewis managed to get on the end of a short cross on 56 minutes to spoil the Sun's plans and make it 2-0
Frustration was starting to take hold of the Sun as Gary Wallace was booked for a blatent clip of a Berkhamsted player's ankles.
Matty Evans then made one of the saves of the season as he was set to go one way but had to turn virtually in mid air to save the ball from going in from a short range shot.
Adam Drakulic came on as a sub for Sports and brought a bit of pace back to the side and caused the Berkhamsted right back a few problems.
But then it was game over as Ashley Lewis was given the chance to run at the Sun centre backs and slotted the ball past Evans to make it 3-0 and the three points were heading to Broadwater.
Berko made an effort to add insult to injury and add a fourth but thanks to a couple of scrambled clearances by the Sun defence the score remained the same.
As the Sun tried to get a piece of pride back from the match Chris Blunden twisted and hit the ball hard on the volley only for Tasker to make another great save from which his palms are probably still be stinging today!!
So onto the FA Vase in 5 days time where Berkhamsted will travel to Hinckley and the Sun will be at home to Bromsgrove Sporting.
Lets hope that both clubs will carry the Spartan South Midlands League flag into the next round.
Oxhey Jets v Sun Sports 20th December 2016 SSML Premier
Christmas time is traditionally the time for derby matches and this season was no exception with the "WD Derby" - the match between Oxhey Jets and Watford's Sun Sports.
But this match was more of a reunion for the majority of the players as some of the Sun players previously played for Oxhey and vice versa, especially with Nathan Pooley, Liam James and Dan Taylor all in the starting line-up for the Jets on Tuesday night when only a few months ago they were pulling on the yellow of the Sun.
The game was played with speed and hard tackles were made a-plenty as befits a derby match.
If only more passes were accurate than the game could have been even more exciting.
Chris Blunden had the first serious attempt after previously claiming a penalty for being clattered by the Jets keeper, when his lobbed shot cannoned off the crossbar and was headed out to safety for a corner.
Ryan McMahon was in fine form in midfield making important bone crunching tackles and Jack Johnson hit the ball sweetly to bring out a fine save from Nugent in the Jets goal.
Sun Sports were making some great intricate moves and getting from defence to attack using some swift passing movements in no time at all without using the long ball system.
Liam James got on the end of a long free kick and headed the ball over the bar for Oxhey.
Jets went close a couple more times before half time and the Sun's Jack Johnson had to be taken off with concussion.
Thankfully he was ok but there was a worry that he may have had to go to hospital.
In the second half the Sun pushed hard to get ahead in the game and a fantastic interacting three player move between Speer, Cruickshank, Hobson back to Speer and then Hobson one two-ed back to Speer who then threaded the ball between the defenders for Damien Cruickshank to shoot just over the bar.
Ian Hurst had space to curl the ball over Evans and hit the crossbar, it bounced back to Liam James who hit the ball goal-bound which was blocked on the line but again the Sun defence failed to clear the ball as it fell kindly to Scott Pugsley who smashed the ball in from about 8 yards.
As always this season if the Sun have gone a goal down they have shown a never say die attitude and have pushed forward to get back into the match rather than giving up the ghost.
And Tuesday night was certainly no exception as the Sun pushed up to try and get a vital equaliser.
Nugent in the Jets goal was called into action to tip the ball over from a looping cross come shot.
A long ball was put into space behind the Jets defence and Chris Blunden managed to get on the end of it and guided his shot past Nugent and into the Jets goal for well deserved equaliser.
Both sides went to try and get a winner in the closing minutes and the Sun went closest when Adam Drakulic's shot from outside the penalty area bounced awkwardly in front of Nugent to nearly go in.
But the teams went in at the end of the match with a point each and will both spend the holiday season in safe mid table positions.
Oxhey Jets' Adam Lowton was also injured during this match with an unfortunate triple break in his foot. We wish Adam all the best and wish him a speedy recovery.
Sun Sports v Colney Heath 17th December 2016 SSML Premier
Sun Sports came away from Saturday's league encounter against Colney Heath wondering of what could have been as well as kicking themselves for not getting a least a point from the game.
Damien Cruickshank played out of his skin and was certainly the man of the match for the Sun on a misty, foggy day.
Jack Johnson, who has also been the main man on form, had a first half long range shot which flew just over the crossbar.
Sun keeper Matty Evans was called into action when a Heath player went through then Sun defence like a hot knife through butter but Evans was there to smother the ball.
A cross found Jack Johnson in the area who showed great control and composure and turned on a sixpence to hit the ball but the effort went just past the post.
“JJ then had another chance and twisted his way past the Colney Heath defence and hit the ball with his left foot which looked like it was goal-bound but again passed the wrong side of the post.
It was in the second half that things went wrong and it was virtually straight on the restart.
Joe Horwood tripped a Colney Heath player, of that there was no doubt. However whether it was in the penalty area or not was another matter, but the ref had to decide instantly and he gave a spot kick.
On video evidence shown later (See Sun Sports FC TV on YouTube!) when the action was slowed down it shows that the foul was committed on the line and so could have been given either way!
Although, considering how decisions like that have gone our way in recent matches against the likes of Bigglewade United and Hoddesdon the fates of good fortune had to go against the Sun at some time!
The penalty was taken and the Magpies were 1-0 up.
A minute later and a free kick was struck beautifully through the wall and into the back of the net for Heath to suddenly be 2-0 up and cruising before the Sun had any chance to get back into the match
With a mountain to climb to get back into the game Tommy Walsh tried to catch the Heath keeper off his line from a free kick but the keeper back peddled and saved the ball comfortably.
Now the Sun finally tried to get back into the match and a Chris Blunden cross was blocked by a Heath defender although the claim for handball was waved away.
From the resulting corner a scrambled attempt at goal was cleared away but Jack Johnson was soon in action again to roll the ball into the goal to bring the Sun back into contention.
But again before the Sun could get themselves back up to get an equaliser Colney Heath went ahead and put the mockers on Sun's plans by cutting through the Sun central defence and scoring the third of the day to give Colney Heath the three points to leapfrog the Sun in the league table.
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