Sun Sports 6 Bishop's Stortford Reserves 1 1949/50 Herts County League
Sun have improved
Sun showed improved form in defeating Bishop's Stotford Reserves on Saturday.
Ashcroft netted twice in the first 25 minutes and Maley added a third via a defender before half time.
Soon after the restart, Simmons broke through the Stortford defence to add No. 4, and Compton completed Sun's scoring when he converted a fine cross by Maley.
Stotford's consolation goal arrived two minutes before the final whistle.
Monday, 24 April 2017
Sun Sports 1 Amalgamated Press 0 1949/50 St Barts Hospital (Printers) Cup Semi Final
Sun progress in Printer's Cup
On Saturday the Sun earned the right to meet the Daily Mirror in the final of the St Bart's Hospital (Printers) Cup by an only goal victory over Amalgamated Press.
Nevertheless, they had enough of the game to have won by several goals, and poor finishing robbed them of many scoring chances.
Within the first ten minutes Sun went near with a shot that struck the upright.
Despite a first half superiority, it was not until well into the second period that the home eleven found the net, Sumpter's goal was a winner all the way.
The Press threatened an equaliser in the closing minutes, but dour defensive work thwarted their efforts.
Sun progress in Printer's Cup
On Saturday the Sun earned the right to meet the Daily Mirror in the final of the St Bart's Hospital (Printers) Cup by an only goal victory over Amalgamated Press.
Nevertheless, they had enough of the game to have won by several goals, and poor finishing robbed them of many scoring chances.
Within the first ten minutes Sun went near with a shot that struck the upright.
Despite a first half superiority, it was not until well into the second period that the home eleven found the net, Sumpter's goal was a winner all the way.
The Press threatened an equaliser in the closing minutes, but dour defensive work thwarted their efforts.
Sun Sports 3 Pirton Social 0 1949/50 Herts County League
Sun were good winners
Having played two away games and secured three points, the Sun played their first home against Pirton Sports, newly promoted from Division two, and were good winners.
Bull and F Walker gave them a 2-0 interval lead, and Walker added a third in the second half.
A little more "peppering" of the visitors goal might have produced more goals for the Sun who, with the wind at their backs, made the running for most of the half.
Sun were good winners
Having played two away games and secured three points, the Sun played their first home against Pirton Sports, newly promoted from Division two, and were good winners.
Bull and F Walker gave them a 2-0 interval lead, and Walker added a third in the second half.
A little more "peppering" of the visitors goal might have produced more goals for the Sun who, with the wind at their backs, made the running for most of the half.
Rickmansworth Town 4 Sun Sports 3 1947/48 Rickmansworth Charity Cup
A lesson to be learned
Rickmansworth nearly paid the penalty of forgetting that a game is not won until the final whistle in their Rickmansworth Charity Cup tie at Scotsbridge Meadow on Saturday.
Three goals in 30 minutes by Slade - the second from a penalty - put the home side in a strong position, but they seemed to think they could rest on their laurels, and allowed Ashcroft to run through and reduce Sun's deficit just before half time.
Sun further reduced the lead in the second half when Bull had a shot deflected past Giles by a defender, and Osborne equalised ten minutes from the end.
Two minutes from the final whistle Gibson won the match for Rickmansworth from a free kick.
A lesson to be learned
Rickmansworth nearly paid the penalty of forgetting that a game is not won until the final whistle in their Rickmansworth Charity Cup tie at Scotsbridge Meadow on Saturday.
Three goals in 30 minutes by Slade - the second from a penalty - put the home side in a strong position, but they seemed to think they could rest on their laurels, and allowed Ashcroft to run through and reduce Sun's deficit just before half time.
Sun further reduced the lead in the second half when Bull had a shot deflected past Giles by a defender, and Osborne equalised ten minutes from the end.
Two minutes from the final whistle Gibson won the match for Rickmansworth from a free kick.
Harpenden Town 0 Sun Sports 5 1948/49 Herts County League
Sun took their revenge
Sun Sports well and truly took their revenge against Harpenden Town on Saturday.
Leading 3-0 at the interval, they gave a good all round display and were worthy winners.
F Walker scored two of the five goals, P Walker and Bull each netted one and Doig completed the scoring from the penalty spot.
Sun took their revenge
Sun Sports well and truly took their revenge against Harpenden Town on Saturday.
Leading 3-0 at the interval, they gave a good all round display and were worthy winners.
F Walker scored two of the five goals, P Walker and Bull each netted one and Doig completed the scoring from the penalty spot.
Sun Sports 4 Ault & Wiborg 1 1948/49 St Barts Hospital Cup (Printers Cup) Semi Final
Sun in Trades Cup Final
By defeating Ault & Wiborg, a leading team in the South London league on Saturday, Sun Sports qualified to meet "News of the World" in the final of the St Bart's Hospital Cup, a competition confined to printing and allied trades' clubs in the London area.
The final will be played at the Millwall ground.
Considering the conditions, Saturday's game was surprisingly good.
Sun were two up at half time, scoring through Walker (15 minutes) and Callow (30 minutes).
Callow added a third in the second half and after the visitors had lessened the arrears from a free kick, Walker netted Sun's fourth.
Sun might have won by a larger margin if the forwards had not tried to walk the ball into the net.
Sun in Trades Cup Final
By defeating Ault & Wiborg, a leading team in the South London league on Saturday, Sun Sports qualified to meet "News of the World" in the final of the St Bart's Hospital Cup, a competition confined to printing and allied trades' clubs in the London area.
The final will be played at the Millwall ground.
Considering the conditions, Saturday's game was surprisingly good.
Sun were two up at half time, scoring through Walker (15 minutes) and Callow (30 minutes).
Callow added a third in the second half and after the visitors had lessened the arrears from a free kick, Walker netted Sun's fourth.
Sun might have won by a larger margin if the forwards had not tried to walk the ball into the net.
News of the World 1 Sun Sports 4 1948/49 St Barts Hospital Cup Final (Printers Cup)
Sun win Printers Cup
Sun Sports brought the St Barts Hospital Cup to Watford on Wednesday of last week as a result of a fine 4-1 win on the Dulwich Hamlet ground.
The cup - valued at £50 - is open to competition by all printing houses in London and the surrounding districts, proceeds being devoted to the St Bartholomew's Hospital Discretionary Fund.
For the first 20 minutes the "News" were the more aggressive side and gained an early lead.
Sun then began to settle down and goals by P Walker (2) and Ashcroft gave them a 3-1 interval lead.
"Digger" Doig, the Sun skipper, scored from the penalty spot to complete the scoring in the second half.
The two coaches which conveyed the team and their supporters bore the handsome trophy away in triumph, and the inevitable celebration which followed will be remembered for a long time to come.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Putman, W Putman, R Lovett, D Osborne, D Doig, J Ashcroft, P Walker, F Walker, J Compton, J Blackwell
Sun win Printers Cup
Sun Sports brought the St Barts Hospital Cup to Watford on Wednesday of last week as a result of a fine 4-1 win on the Dulwich Hamlet ground.
The cup - valued at £50 - is open to competition by all printing houses in London and the surrounding districts, proceeds being devoted to the St Bartholomew's Hospital Discretionary Fund.
For the first 20 minutes the "News" were the more aggressive side and gained an early lead.
Sun then began to settle down and goals by P Walker (2) and Ashcroft gave them a 3-1 interval lead.
"Digger" Doig, the Sun skipper, scored from the penalty spot to complete the scoring in the second half.
The two coaches which conveyed the team and their supporters bore the handsome trophy away in triumph, and the inevitable celebration which followed will be remembered for a long time to come.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Putman, W Putman, R Lovett, D Osborne, D Doig, J Ashcroft, P Walker, F Walker, J Compton, J Blackwell
Sun Sports 3 Bushey Swifts 2 1947/48 Apsley Junior Charity Cup Final
Sun win Apsley Junior Cup
Sun Sports won the Apsley Junior Charity Cup for the first time on Saturday when they defeated Bushey Swifts at Crabtree Lane, Hemel Hempstead.
In the opening stages it appeared as though the Swifts might win easily.
First Smallwood ran through on his own; then Seals netted from the penalty spot.
The Sun however, came back fighting and it wasn't before P Walker and Osborne had put them on level terms.
Then Osborne scored again and the Sun held their advantage until the end.
Sun win Apsley Junior Cup
Sun Sports won the Apsley Junior Charity Cup for the first time on Saturday when they defeated Bushey Swifts at Crabtree Lane, Hemel Hempstead.
In the opening stages it appeared as though the Swifts might win easily.
First Smallwood ran through on his own; then Seals netted from the penalty spot.
The Sun however, came back fighting and it wasn't before P Walker and Osborne had put them on level terms.
Then Osborne scored again and the Sun held their advantage until the end.
Sun Engraving 0 Watford Labour Club 3 1936/37 Herts Junior Cup
Sun Blotted out by Labour Club
Playing their best football since they defeated Shaftesbury in the Charity Cup last April, Watford Labour Club, who waived right of ground, put Sun Engraving out of the Junior Cup, winning a great game by three clear goals.
The Sun opened strongly and Southam and Callow tested Bruce.
G Beach had a beautiful header well saved.
After twenty minutes a good centre by Buckingham was met by G Beach, who left Lewis helpless with a fierce drive.
Brilliant exchanges characterised the play, but the Sun made the mistake of keeping the ball too close.
The Labour backs did not hesitate to clear with hefty kicks.
A Legg, at centre half, was an outstanding defender.
In the second half Russell netted the visitor's second goal.
Previous to the third goal there was a remarkable incident, J Beach hit the top of the net, but Lewis gathered the ball and put it outside.
The referee refused the Club's claims for a goal and awarded a corner!
Poetical justice was done however when G Beach headed through Buckingham's free kick.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Howe, R Cartwright, R Pamplin, A Davis, C Trevers, G Trevers, R Nicholson, G Callow, S Emery, E Southam
Sun Blotted out by Labour Club
Playing their best football since they defeated Shaftesbury in the Charity Cup last April, Watford Labour Club, who waived right of ground, put Sun Engraving out of the Junior Cup, winning a great game by three clear goals.
The Sun opened strongly and Southam and Callow tested Bruce.
G Beach had a beautiful header well saved.
After twenty minutes a good centre by Buckingham was met by G Beach, who left Lewis helpless with a fierce drive.
Brilliant exchanges characterised the play, but the Sun made the mistake of keeping the ball too close.
The Labour backs did not hesitate to clear with hefty kicks.
A Legg, at centre half, was an outstanding defender.
In the second half Russell netted the visitor's second goal.
Previous to the third goal there was a remarkable incident, J Beach hit the top of the net, but Lewis gathered the ball and put it outside.
The referee refused the Club's claims for a goal and awarded a corner!
Poetical justice was done however when G Beach headed through Buckingham's free kick.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Howe, R Cartwright, R Pamplin, A Davis, C Trevers, G Trevers, R Nicholson, G Callow, S Emery, E Southam
Sun Engraving 5 Ault & Wiborg 1 1936/37 Natsopa Cup
Sun not extended
Sun Engraving entertained Ault & Wiborg in the Natsopa Cup (Second round) on Saturday, and ran out easy winners.
They were decidedly the better team and should have won by a larger margin.
G Trevers notched the only goal of the first half, sending in a perfect shot from a Baulk's centre.
After the interval Ault were penned in their own half, the Sun doing as they pleased.
G Trevers put on two more points, quickly followed by goals from Brown and Baulk.
Hicks replied for the visitors.
Sun Engraving: G Milletts, B Fisher, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, J Owen, G Trevers, C Hunt, G Callow, A Brown, G Baulk
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Watford men Honoured 19368/37
Two Watford men are included in the Southern Counties' eleven to meet the Northern Counties at Ilford on Saturday.
They are Sid Bidewell and Charlie Bunce, both of whom play for Wealdstone and previously played for Sun Engraving.
They were among those who migrated from St Albans City to the Athenian League club during the close season.
Sun not extended
Sun Engraving entertained Ault & Wiborg in the Natsopa Cup (Second round) on Saturday, and ran out easy winners.
They were decidedly the better team and should have won by a larger margin.
G Trevers notched the only goal of the first half, sending in a perfect shot from a Baulk's centre.
After the interval Ault were penned in their own half, the Sun doing as they pleased.
G Trevers put on two more points, quickly followed by goals from Brown and Baulk.
Hicks replied for the visitors.
Sun Engraving: G Milletts, B Fisher, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, J Owen, G Trevers, C Hunt, G Callow, A Brown, G Baulk
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Watford men Honoured 19368/37
Two Watford men are included in the Southern Counties' eleven to meet the Northern Counties at Ilford on Saturday.
They are Sid Bidewell and Charlie Bunce, both of whom play for Wealdstone and previously played for Sun Engraving.
They were among those who migrated from St Albans City to the Athenian League club during the close season.
Sun Engraving 3 Hatfield United 3 1936/37 Herts County league
Sun hold the Champions
Sun Engraving entertained Hatfield United, the champions of the County League on Saturday, the result being a 3-3 draw.
There was no score until just before the interval when Watson snapped up a chance for Hatfield.
Three minutes after half time Callow had put the Sun ahead following brilliant play by the home forwards.
Then it was Hatfield's turn to press, and they gave Lewis many anxious moments.
Platt eventually equalised from a corner taken by Evans.
From there until the end it was a ding-dong struggle, five minutes from time the Sun scored from a penalty, Gibbs being the marksman, and three minutes later Trevers was penalised for a foul on Clayton and Warner converted the kick.
It was a sensational finish to an exciting game. neither side could grumble at the result.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, C Wood, R Gibbs, C Trevers, R Cartwright, S Pamplin, D Dean, R Wickelson, G Callow, F Cooper, E Southam
Sun hold the Champions
Sun Engraving entertained Hatfield United, the champions of the County League on Saturday, the result being a 3-3 draw.
There was no score until just before the interval when Watson snapped up a chance for Hatfield.
Three minutes after half time Callow had put the Sun ahead following brilliant play by the home forwards.
Then it was Hatfield's turn to press, and they gave Lewis many anxious moments.
Platt eventually equalised from a corner taken by Evans.
From there until the end it was a ding-dong struggle, five minutes from time the Sun scored from a penalty, Gibbs being the marksman, and three minutes later Trevers was penalised for a foul on Clayton and Warner converted the kick.
It was a sensational finish to an exciting game. neither side could grumble at the result.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, C Wood, R Gibbs, C Trevers, R Cartwright, S Pamplin, D Dean, R Wickelson, G Callow, F Cooper, E Southam
Sun Sports v Leverstock Green 22nd April 2017 SSML P
Mid table clash shares the spoils
Who would have thought that Saturday’s match at home to Leverstock Green, with both teams mid table with nothing to play for except local bragging rights, would produce such an entertaining 90 minutes.
Leverstock kicked off and went on the attack straight away, controlling the game for the first 20 minutes and it certainly looked like Green wanted it more with their fast flowing movement and pressuring the Sun players whenever they had the ball, it seemed that the Sun would have a tough match ahead of them.
So it was no real surprise that Green went ahead after only eleven minutes when Sun old boy Brima Johnson returned to the Sun Stadium to cause havoc down the right wing and crossed a ball hard and low into the six yard area finding Johnathan Lacey at the back post to knock it over the line.
If that was the kick up the bum that the Sun needed to get their fingers out then it still hadn’t worked as Green continued to press and nearly had another chance to score but for the quick thinking of Matty Evans who came off his line to prevent Lacey from getting his and Green’s second of the afternoon.
Karl Penny finally had some suitable service and made space for Jack Johnson to take over who hit a low shot which went agonisingly the wrong side of the post.
Tommy Walsh took a free kick which curled past the wall but again went the past the wrong side of the upright, this was soon followed by a neat three man move from Tommy Walsh on the right to Andy Brennan in the middle who looked up to see Tom Gibson steaming up the left flank. Gibbo took the time to compose himself and as a defender came to confront him he cheekily chipped the ball goal-ward which was dropping just under the crossbar but for the Green’s keeper Liam Lahm who palmed the ball to safety.
Lacey continued to be a nuisance once again beating the Sun offside trap and this time Matty Evans as well, it looked like he would be rolling the ball into the goal at an obtuse angle but speed machine and ex Levy player Damien Cruickshank got back in time to hook the ball off the line.
Andy Brennan has been in superb form recently and Saturday was no exception, his fantastic cross-field pass dropped just over a defender’s head finding the feet of Karl Penny who smashed the ball home to equalise for the Sun.
Karl Penny was making the match his own and would set off on a run as soon as he picked the ball up, using his pace to good effect and on the times when he lost the ball JJ was soon there to follow up, on one occasion he threaded the ball through to Kyle Johnson who let rip from the edge of the area with a shot that was too hot to handle, stinging the hands of Lahm who managed to divert it away from danger.
The first of three penalty appeals from the Sun came when a sliced clearance found Penny in the right place but was barged over by a defender, the appeal falling on the referee’s deaf ears.
A piece of perfection of a pass from Ryan McMahon was inch perfect falling at Damien’s feet who promptly then set off on one of his run’s at the Green defence, skipping and striding through he was about to let go of a shot when a defender’s foot blocked the attempted thwarting Damo’s chance to shine.
The second half started with the Sun pushing forward from the kick off and while keeping possession they deftly edged closer until a through pass went to Kyle Johnson whose audacious flick found Karl Penny with the room to have a strike at goal which Lahm saved on the line.
This middle table clash started to turn into a game of cup tie proportions in a game that ebbed and flowed from one end to the other and the Sun sussed out Leverstock by attacking on the counter with the midfield hitting passes to Penny who would start his run in the Sun half, and on one of these times he chipped a ball through to Kyle Johnson who hit the ball a little too early as the ball flew high, wide and handsomely over the bar.
Ross Adams came on as a sub for Green and looked to be a handful as well as someone to look out for next season, he was put through with only Matty to beat but the Sun guardian made himself look big and spread himself well to block the shot.
Matty was back in action soon after saving a super shot from Dave Lawrence who struck the ball with some venom. The partnership of the two K’s (Karl and Kyle) was certainly working and as Kyle set Karl up yet again and Penny dodged two defenders before hitting the ball over the bar.
Karl continued to give the Green defence nightmares at the back and was bundled over after beating his marker again…this time the ref saw it and blew for a penalty.
Jack Johnson stepped up to confidently slot the ball into the goal, sending Lahm the wrong way and the Sun were ahead for the first time in the match.
Minutes later and the Sun thought that they should have been awarded another penalty when Tommy Walsh tried to skip past two of the Green defence in the area but ended up as the meat in a Leverstock sandwich….this time the ref waved away any protests, although this claim was probably a better one than the pen that was given!!
While the Sun were still complaining Leverstock Green went down the field and Adams scored for Green to make it all square again at 2-2.
As the game came to a close it was the lads from Leverstock that finished the stronger and Lacey went close with a curling shot that went past the post…whether Matty Evans had the shot covered only he could tell.
In injury time Karl Davidson broke through the Sun defence and although Matty Evans came out to smother the ball he lost hold of it and the ball bobbled free but captain Joe Horwood was covering to be able to clear the ball away to safety.
So a tough midfield battle between two evenly matched sides threw up a thoroughly entertaining match and the point was enough for Sun Sports to confirm a top ten place for the season.
Mid table clash shares the spoils
Who would have thought that Saturday’s match at home to Leverstock Green, with both teams mid table with nothing to play for except local bragging rights, would produce such an entertaining 90 minutes.
Leverstock kicked off and went on the attack straight away, controlling the game for the first 20 minutes and it certainly looked like Green wanted it more with their fast flowing movement and pressuring the Sun players whenever they had the ball, it seemed that the Sun would have a tough match ahead of them.
So it was no real surprise that Green went ahead after only eleven minutes when Sun old boy Brima Johnson returned to the Sun Stadium to cause havoc down the right wing and crossed a ball hard and low into the six yard area finding Johnathan Lacey at the back post to knock it over the line.
If that was the kick up the bum that the Sun needed to get their fingers out then it still hadn’t worked as Green continued to press and nearly had another chance to score but for the quick thinking of Matty Evans who came off his line to prevent Lacey from getting his and Green’s second of the afternoon.
Karl Penny finally had some suitable service and made space for Jack Johnson to take over who hit a low shot which went agonisingly the wrong side of the post.
Tommy Walsh took a free kick which curled past the wall but again went the past the wrong side of the upright, this was soon followed by a neat three man move from Tommy Walsh on the right to Andy Brennan in the middle who looked up to see Tom Gibson steaming up the left flank. Gibbo took the time to compose himself and as a defender came to confront him he cheekily chipped the ball goal-ward which was dropping just under the crossbar but for the Green’s keeper Liam Lahm who palmed the ball to safety.
Lacey continued to be a nuisance once again beating the Sun offside trap and this time Matty Evans as well, it looked like he would be rolling the ball into the goal at an obtuse angle but speed machine and ex Levy player Damien Cruickshank got back in time to hook the ball off the line.
Andy Brennan has been in superb form recently and Saturday was no exception, his fantastic cross-field pass dropped just over a defender’s head finding the feet of Karl Penny who smashed the ball home to equalise for the Sun.
Karl Penny was making the match his own and would set off on a run as soon as he picked the ball up, using his pace to good effect and on the times when he lost the ball JJ was soon there to follow up, on one occasion he threaded the ball through to Kyle Johnson who let rip from the edge of the area with a shot that was too hot to handle, stinging the hands of Lahm who managed to divert it away from danger.
The first of three penalty appeals from the Sun came when a sliced clearance found Penny in the right place but was barged over by a defender, the appeal falling on the referee’s deaf ears.
A piece of perfection of a pass from Ryan McMahon was inch perfect falling at Damien’s feet who promptly then set off on one of his run’s at the Green defence, skipping and striding through he was about to let go of a shot when a defender’s foot blocked the attempted thwarting Damo’s chance to shine.
The second half started with the Sun pushing forward from the kick off and while keeping possession they deftly edged closer until a through pass went to Kyle Johnson whose audacious flick found Karl Penny with the room to have a strike at goal which Lahm saved on the line.
This middle table clash started to turn into a game of cup tie proportions in a game that ebbed and flowed from one end to the other and the Sun sussed out Leverstock by attacking on the counter with the midfield hitting passes to Penny who would start his run in the Sun half, and on one of these times he chipped a ball through to Kyle Johnson who hit the ball a little too early as the ball flew high, wide and handsomely over the bar.
Ross Adams came on as a sub for Green and looked to be a handful as well as someone to look out for next season, he was put through with only Matty to beat but the Sun guardian made himself look big and spread himself well to block the shot.
Matty was back in action soon after saving a super shot from Dave Lawrence who struck the ball with some venom. The partnership of the two K’s (Karl and Kyle) was certainly working and as Kyle set Karl up yet again and Penny dodged two defenders before hitting the ball over the bar.
Karl continued to give the Green defence nightmares at the back and was bundled over after beating his marker again…this time the ref saw it and blew for a penalty.
Jack Johnson stepped up to confidently slot the ball into the goal, sending Lahm the wrong way and the Sun were ahead for the first time in the match.
Minutes later and the Sun thought that they should have been awarded another penalty when Tommy Walsh tried to skip past two of the Green defence in the area but ended up as the meat in a Leverstock sandwich….this time the ref waved away any protests, although this claim was probably a better one than the pen that was given!!
While the Sun were still complaining Leverstock Green went down the field and Adams scored for Green to make it all square again at 2-2.
As the game came to a close it was the lads from Leverstock that finished the stronger and Lacey went close with a curling shot that went past the post…whether Matty Evans had the shot covered only he could tell.
In injury time Karl Davidson broke through the Sun defence and although Matty Evans came out to smother the ball he lost hold of it and the ball bobbled free but captain Joe Horwood was covering to be able to clear the ball away to safety.
So a tough midfield battle between two evenly matched sides threw up a thoroughly entertaining match and the point was enough for Sun Sports to confirm a top ten place for the season.
Berkhamsted v Sun Sports 18th April 2017 SSML P
Sun enter second half twilight zone at Broadwater
The Sun Sports players, management and fans left Berkhamsted on Tuesday night scratching their heads at how they lost a game they were in full control of for one half..
The first half was a clear indication of how the match was going even though there were no goals in the first half, so when the second started and Jack Stevens was sent off for a second bookable offence it seemed that the points were going to be Watford bound for the first time….but it wasn’t to be.
Sun old boy Ashley Lewis was the main threat for Berko and he made the first move running at the Sun defence but his shot went wide.
Karl Penny looked keen after his hat trick on Saturday and he launched a shot from outside the box which Berko keeper Carl Tasker did well to get down to and pushed the ball to safety.
Stevens was booked for what looked like a perfectly reasonable challenge and from the free kick Tommy Walsh’s shot penetrated the wall and again Tasker was in the right place at the right time to deflect the ball away.
Alex Campana used his tricks on the left to put over a cross which Matty Evans was able to palm away while on the Sun’s left Tom Gibson continued to torment Stevens who pulled him down again but Tom managed to continue with the ball and dragged the ball back across the area but a defender managed to get to the ball before JJ could have a go.
Kyle Johnson held the ball up well throughout the game and when he had the chance to put a cross into the box Scott Bonner stepped up to divert the ball goal-bound but the ball hit a divet and bounced above Scott’s foot leaving the chance to go begging.
Ashley Lewis put another cross in finding Sam Bateman with only the keeper to beat but his attempt at goal went over the bar and headed towards the railway line.
Sun’s intricate passing helped them move forward with pace and they certainly played the better football keeping the ball on the ground whereas Berkhamsted preferred the more direct route.
Kyle Johnson slipped a deft cross into the six yard area finding Karl Penny whose shot narrowly went the wrong side of the post when most of the Sun fans had thought the ball had gone in!
Jack Johnson then made himself some space from midfield and when he was twenty five yards he let fly a shot that beat Tasker and rattled the crossbar. JJ found himself with another long range effort soon after which Tasker saved but only pushed the shot out to Kyle Johnson although Tasker was there again to smother the ball to keep Berko in the game.
The game was turned in the 47th minute when a late tackle by Jack Stevens on Kyle Johnson proved to be the end of the game for him as Stevens was shown a red card to go with his yellow that he picked up in the first half and from there the following free kick from Jack Johnson went just over the crossbar.
But instead of the Comrades capitulating after this cataclysm they ramped up their defences and used their long ball to full advantage, and instead of the Sun spreading the game they went narrow and for some inexorable reason played the same style as the hosts which ended up being their undoing.
Matty Evans was finally called to make a save by coming out to deprive that man again Ashley Lewis from giving Berkhamsted the lead.
A fine pass from Andy Brennan who looked up to see the run from Karl Penny, who managed to beat the offside trap set for him, was nearly through on goal but for a last ditch tackle from Campana.
Hearts were soon in Sun’s mouths when Matty Evans went to clear the ball but it bounced off the bum of Bonner and looped thankfully over the crossbar.
Tommy Walsh and Andy Brennan were both powerful in midfield and made excellent pin point passes throughout the game.
With 77 minutes gone on the clock disaster struck for the Sun when a shot from Sam Bateman was blocked and deflected by Brennan which looped over Matty Evans who furiously back pedalled but was unable to stop the ball from dropping under the crossbar to give Bateman his first goal for the Comrades.
With five minutes to go and Ashton Campbell was reputed to have been brought down by Evans for a penalty. Matty disputed this incident with the referee but to no avail and Dan Jones stepped up to convert the spot kick.
So the Sun came away with no points again from Broadwater and will now face four games in the space of one week to finish the season off.
Sun enter second half twilight zone at Broadwater
The Sun Sports players, management and fans left Berkhamsted on Tuesday night scratching their heads at how they lost a game they were in full control of for one half..
The first half was a clear indication of how the match was going even though there were no goals in the first half, so when the second started and Jack Stevens was sent off for a second bookable offence it seemed that the points were going to be Watford bound for the first time….but it wasn’t to be.
Sun old boy Ashley Lewis was the main threat for Berko and he made the first move running at the Sun defence but his shot went wide.
Karl Penny looked keen after his hat trick on Saturday and he launched a shot from outside the box which Berko keeper Carl Tasker did well to get down to and pushed the ball to safety.
Stevens was booked for what looked like a perfectly reasonable challenge and from the free kick Tommy Walsh’s shot penetrated the wall and again Tasker was in the right place at the right time to deflect the ball away.
Alex Campana used his tricks on the left to put over a cross which Matty Evans was able to palm away while on the Sun’s left Tom Gibson continued to torment Stevens who pulled him down again but Tom managed to continue with the ball and dragged the ball back across the area but a defender managed to get to the ball before JJ could have a go.
Kyle Johnson held the ball up well throughout the game and when he had the chance to put a cross into the box Scott Bonner stepped up to divert the ball goal-bound but the ball hit a divet and bounced above Scott’s foot leaving the chance to go begging.
Ashley Lewis put another cross in finding Sam Bateman with only the keeper to beat but his attempt at goal went over the bar and headed towards the railway line.
Sun’s intricate passing helped them move forward with pace and they certainly played the better football keeping the ball on the ground whereas Berkhamsted preferred the more direct route.
Kyle Johnson slipped a deft cross into the six yard area finding Karl Penny whose shot narrowly went the wrong side of the post when most of the Sun fans had thought the ball had gone in!
Jack Johnson then made himself some space from midfield and when he was twenty five yards he let fly a shot that beat Tasker and rattled the crossbar. JJ found himself with another long range effort soon after which Tasker saved but only pushed the shot out to Kyle Johnson although Tasker was there again to smother the ball to keep Berko in the game.
The game was turned in the 47th minute when a late tackle by Jack Stevens on Kyle Johnson proved to be the end of the game for him as Stevens was shown a red card to go with his yellow that he picked up in the first half and from there the following free kick from Jack Johnson went just over the crossbar.
But instead of the Comrades capitulating after this cataclysm they ramped up their defences and used their long ball to full advantage, and instead of the Sun spreading the game they went narrow and for some inexorable reason played the same style as the hosts which ended up being their undoing.
Matty Evans was finally called to make a save by coming out to deprive that man again Ashley Lewis from giving Berkhamsted the lead.
A fine pass from Andy Brennan who looked up to see the run from Karl Penny, who managed to beat the offside trap set for him, was nearly through on goal but for a last ditch tackle from Campana.
Hearts were soon in Sun’s mouths when Matty Evans went to clear the ball but it bounced off the bum of Bonner and looped thankfully over the crossbar.
Tommy Walsh and Andy Brennan were both powerful in midfield and made excellent pin point passes throughout the game.
With 77 minutes gone on the clock disaster struck for the Sun when a shot from Sam Bateman was blocked and deflected by Brennan which looped over Matty Evans who furiously back pedalled but was unable to stop the ball from dropping under the crossbar to give Bateman his first goal for the Comrades.
With five minutes to go and Ashton Campbell was reputed to have been brought down by Evans for a penalty. Matty disputed this incident with the referee but to no avail and Dan Jones stepped up to convert the spot kick.
So the Sun came away with no points again from Broadwater and will now face four games in the space of one week to finish the season off.
Friday, 21 April 2017
Bushey United Reserves 0 Sun Engraving 5 1936/37 Herts County League
County League points for the Sun
Bushey United were beaten 5-0 by Sun Engraving in the Herts County League at the Moat Field on Saturday.
Bushey had more of the game at the start, but could not turn a number of corners, that came their way, to account.
Eventually the Sun got into their stride, and gave the United as lesson in shooting.
Callow scored twice before half time, and after the interval obtained a third.
Nicholson beat McKenzie with the best shot of the match and a fifth came the Sun's way when Geary put through his own goal.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Gibbs, B Cartwright, C Trevers, L Palmer, S Rampling, G Trevers, P Nicholson, G Callow, S Emery, E Southam
County League points for the Sun
Bushey United were beaten 5-0 by Sun Engraving in the Herts County League at the Moat Field on Saturday.
Bushey had more of the game at the start, but could not turn a number of corners, that came their way, to account.
Eventually the Sun got into their stride, and gave the United as lesson in shooting.
Callow scored twice before half time, and after the interval obtained a third.
Nicholson beat McKenzie with the best shot of the match and a fifth came the Sun's way when Geary put through his own goal.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Gibbs, B Cartwright, C Trevers, L Palmer, S Rampling, G Trevers, P Nicholson, G Callow, S Emery, E Southam
Sun Engraving 6 North Watford Sports 0 1936/37 Watford & District Charity Cup Replay
Sun Swamp Sports in Charity Replay
The jaded forces of North Watford Sports, who by tomorrow will have fulfilled their tenth engagement in fifteen days, were quite unable to match the skills and pace of Sun Engraving in the replayed final of the Charity Cup at Vicarage Road on Wednesday and the result did the losers little injustice.
The Sports could not complain that the loss of Crossley, due to a recurrence of an old leg injury and retired from the contest midway through the second session, was a telling factor, for the Sun by then had already established a winning lead, and what is more were also a man short.
Doig being unable to carry on after a collision with Thomson.
The mishaps were not confined to these two men for long before the end several were showing visible signs of a good hard contest.
As in the first meeting, no effort was spared by either team, but from early on the Sun impressed as eventual winners.
In these days the Sports might well be justified in turning up their noses at the sight of a football, but with every man as fresh as paint, it is doubtful whether they could have stopped the County League side on this showing.
Early dominance by the Sun lead to Southam hitting the crossbar, but after fourteen minutes the winger provided Emery with a chance that was neatly and promptly accepted.
The second goal came from G Trevers, who took a free kick on the edge of the "box" so accurately that Moses was left helpless.
Shortly before half time the Sports rallied and it looked odds on a goal when Smith centered and Lewis missed his catch. Howe was on the line to kick away, the ball went to Callow who, with half the field in front of him, raced away and refusing to be caught, slipped the ball into the net as Moses ran out, it was an amazing point.
The absence of Doig in the second half certainly put a brake on the Sun's dashes, but even so they often had the Sports defence spread-eagled.
It came as no surprise when G Trevers fastened on a faulty clearance by Moses to advance the advantage, and the same player cottoned onto an inside pass from Callow to score his third point.
Emery shot home another just before the end, at a time when the Sports were longing to hear the final whistle.
The Deputy Mayor (Councillor E C Last) distributed the medals and the cup, which was won for the first time for the Sun.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Cartwright, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, Pamplin, G Trevers, A Doig, G Callow, S Emery, A Southam
Sun Swamp Sports in Charity Replay
The jaded forces of North Watford Sports, who by tomorrow will have fulfilled their tenth engagement in fifteen days, were quite unable to match the skills and pace of Sun Engraving in the replayed final of the Charity Cup at Vicarage Road on Wednesday and the result did the losers little injustice.
The Sports could not complain that the loss of Crossley, due to a recurrence of an old leg injury and retired from the contest midway through the second session, was a telling factor, for the Sun by then had already established a winning lead, and what is more were also a man short.
Doig being unable to carry on after a collision with Thomson.
The mishaps were not confined to these two men for long before the end several were showing visible signs of a good hard contest.
As in the first meeting, no effort was spared by either team, but from early on the Sun impressed as eventual winners.
In these days the Sports might well be justified in turning up their noses at the sight of a football, but with every man as fresh as paint, it is doubtful whether they could have stopped the County League side on this showing.
Early dominance by the Sun lead to Southam hitting the crossbar, but after fourteen minutes the winger provided Emery with a chance that was neatly and promptly accepted.
The second goal came from G Trevers, who took a free kick on the edge of the "box" so accurately that Moses was left helpless.
Shortly before half time the Sports rallied and it looked odds on a goal when Smith centered and Lewis missed his catch. Howe was on the line to kick away, the ball went to Callow who, with half the field in front of him, raced away and refusing to be caught, slipped the ball into the net as Moses ran out, it was an amazing point.
The absence of Doig in the second half certainly put a brake on the Sun's dashes, but even so they often had the Sports defence spread-eagled.
It came as no surprise when G Trevers fastened on a faulty clearance by Moses to advance the advantage, and the same player cottoned onto an inside pass from Callow to score his third point.
Emery shot home another just before the end, at a time when the Sports were longing to hear the final whistle.
The Deputy Mayor (Councillor E C Last) distributed the medals and the cup, which was won for the first time for the Sun.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Cartwright, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, Pamplin, G Trevers, A Doig, G Callow, S Emery, A Southam
Sun Engraving 4 North Watford Sports 4 1936/37 Watford & District Charity Cup Final
Only four minutes left when Sun Equalised - Charity Cup Final was a thriller
A dramatic equaliser four minutes from the conclusion of extra time of this Watford & District Charity Cup Final at Gammons Lane, on Saturday, was a fitting climax to a fast and furious combat in which no quarter was given, and was a just reward for a desperate rally by the Sun.
Now the teams have to fight again which, apart from the fact that the hospital will derive the benefit of a "double gate" is as it should be, for neither could claim superiority for more than a limited period.
Fortunes certainly fluctuated in see-saw fashion, first one side then the other appearing to gain mastery.
The "never say die" spirit was always in evidence, and although it must be confessed that real football was at a premium, the enthusiasm displayed throughout was wild and untamed.
At times the keenness of tackling reached frightening proportions.
One of the heroes of this "he-man" combat was Davis, the Sun pivot, who returned to the field his head swathed in bandages, necessary to protect a long and deep cut over his right eye.
He insisted on continuing in his original position and never shirked to head the wet ball.
On one occasion he unflinchingly stuck his head in the way of a free kick taken by Rose, only to drop like a log.
Soon he recovered, ready for more.
His pluck and resolution was an inspiration, and played no little part in the Sun's recovery.
Imagine twenty two players refusing to yield a single inch, each with an "Over my dead body shall ye pass" idea, eight good goals and you get a fair idea of one of the best finals in the history of this competition, which has contributed over £500 to the hospital.
Another feature was the excellent goalkeeping of Worrall and Lewis, and the former's save from a fierce drive by Doig was a curtain raiser to a full blooded drama.
In the first act Emery opened the scoring, heading through a centre from Trevers after 20 minutes and the equaliser by Crossley was the outcome of a powerful drive which left Lewis helpless.
by the way Warby (for the Sports) and Doig and Emery hit the crossbars and Worrall's efforts which prevented Doig's and Callow's shots from entering the net were of a first class order.
There was a doubt about the corner from which Crossley put the Sports ahead after the interval, but Brooks placed the Sun on level terms following a free kick taken by Cartwright.
The goal by Southam which put Sun Engraving ahead was the neatest of the bunch.
Receiving from Emery, Southam neatly slipped Warby, and shot just inside the near post.
Crossley came to the Sports rescue fifteen minutes from time, his successful shot entering the net off the post.
Extra time had two definite phases.
The first period was in North Watford's favour and they went ahead in the first minute, Green, the former St Albans City forward, shooting through a crowd of players.
In the second period the Sun's bid for equality could not be denied, strongly as the Sports defended their narrow lead.
Four minutes from time Callow essayed a drooping shot which went over the heads of several players and completely beat an unsighted Worrall.
The Mayor, (Alderman H. Coates) visited the game to present the cup but if he saw the game in full he could not have felt the journey fruitless.
The replay should be well worth watching, even if the teams play up half as well.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Cartwright, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, C Brooks, F Cooper, A Doig, G Callow, S Emery, A Southam
Only four minutes left when Sun Equalised - Charity Cup Final was a thriller
A dramatic equaliser four minutes from the conclusion of extra time of this Watford & District Charity Cup Final at Gammons Lane, on Saturday, was a fitting climax to a fast and furious combat in which no quarter was given, and was a just reward for a desperate rally by the Sun.
Now the teams have to fight again which, apart from the fact that the hospital will derive the benefit of a "double gate" is as it should be, for neither could claim superiority for more than a limited period.
Fortunes certainly fluctuated in see-saw fashion, first one side then the other appearing to gain mastery.
The "never say die" spirit was always in evidence, and although it must be confessed that real football was at a premium, the enthusiasm displayed throughout was wild and untamed.
At times the keenness of tackling reached frightening proportions.
One of the heroes of this "he-man" combat was Davis, the Sun pivot, who returned to the field his head swathed in bandages, necessary to protect a long and deep cut over his right eye.
He insisted on continuing in his original position and never shirked to head the wet ball.
On one occasion he unflinchingly stuck his head in the way of a free kick taken by Rose, only to drop like a log.
Soon he recovered, ready for more.
His pluck and resolution was an inspiration, and played no little part in the Sun's recovery.
Imagine twenty two players refusing to yield a single inch, each with an "Over my dead body shall ye pass" idea, eight good goals and you get a fair idea of one of the best finals in the history of this competition, which has contributed over £500 to the hospital.
Another feature was the excellent goalkeeping of Worrall and Lewis, and the former's save from a fierce drive by Doig was a curtain raiser to a full blooded drama.
In the first act Emery opened the scoring, heading through a centre from Trevers after 20 minutes and the equaliser by Crossley was the outcome of a powerful drive which left Lewis helpless.
by the way Warby (for the Sports) and Doig and Emery hit the crossbars and Worrall's efforts which prevented Doig's and Callow's shots from entering the net were of a first class order.
There was a doubt about the corner from which Crossley put the Sports ahead after the interval, but Brooks placed the Sun on level terms following a free kick taken by Cartwright.
The goal by Southam which put Sun Engraving ahead was the neatest of the bunch.
Receiving from Emery, Southam neatly slipped Warby, and shot just inside the near post.
Crossley came to the Sports rescue fifteen minutes from time, his successful shot entering the net off the post.
Extra time had two definite phases.
The first period was in North Watford's favour and they went ahead in the first minute, Green, the former St Albans City forward, shooting through a crowd of players.
In the second period the Sun's bid for equality could not be denied, strongly as the Sports defended their narrow lead.
Four minutes from time Callow essayed a drooping shot which went over the heads of several players and completely beat an unsighted Worrall.
The Mayor, (Alderman H. Coates) visited the game to present the cup but if he saw the game in full he could not have felt the journey fruitless.
The replay should be well worth watching, even if the teams play up half as well.
Sun Engraving: R Lewis, R Cartwright, W Howe, C Trevers, A Davis, C Brooks, F Cooper, A Doig, G Callow, S Emery, A Southam
Sun Engraving 0 Labour Club 2 1939/40 Herts Intermediate Cup
J Trevers saves Sun from heavy defeat
A great exhibition by J Trevers in the Sun goal prevented Labour Club from winning by a larger margin on this Herts Intermediate Cup tie on Saturday.
Using both wings effectively the Club made many raids on the Sun goal, but J Trevers baulked them time and time again.
Positioning well the goalkeeper dealt with all shots in a masterly fashion.
Labour Club did not succeed in scoring until after the interval when D Beach broke through the gallant Sun defence.
The Sun tried hard to equalise and Brown fired just over the bar.
Taking up the running again the Labour Club forwards were soon around the Sun goal and Bennett, after a fine run, sent over a nice centre which D Beach drove into the net.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, J Wright, R Lovett, P Welling, B Bailey, R Quelch, B Brown, O Trevers, R Williams, A Jackson
J Trevers saves Sun from heavy defeat
A great exhibition by J Trevers in the Sun goal prevented Labour Club from winning by a larger margin on this Herts Intermediate Cup tie on Saturday.
Using both wings effectively the Club made many raids on the Sun goal, but J Trevers baulked them time and time again.
Positioning well the goalkeeper dealt with all shots in a masterly fashion.
Labour Club did not succeed in scoring until after the interval when D Beach broke through the gallant Sun defence.
The Sun tried hard to equalise and Brown fired just over the bar.
Taking up the running again the Labour Club forwards were soon around the Sun goal and Bennett, after a fine run, sent over a nice centre which D Beach drove into the net.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, J Wright, R Lovett, P Welling, B Bailey, R Quelch, B Brown, O Trevers, R Williams, A Jackson
Bushey United 3 Sun Engraving Reserves 1 1939/40 Herts County League Div 2
The Sun went down
The Sun went down in a County League game at Moat Field on Saturday.
The surface of the pitch was spoiled by a couple of hours of rain just before the game but both teams adapted themselves to the conditions and played good, class football.
This was not a very exciting game to watch, as play was of a very steady nature.
Jenkins did a bit of trickery and scored Bushey's first goal after 20 minutes play.
Hardy scored the second five minutes later, Shillito intercepted the shot and deflected the ball out of Trevers reach when the keeper might otherwise have effected a save.
"Tiger" Smith replied for the Sun with a smashing shot ten minutes later.
Bushey gained a corner seven minutes after the resumption, Gwynne took the kick and placed the ball beautifully for Pearson to head well out of Trevers' reach into the net.
This was the only goal scored in the second half and turned out to be the last of the match.
The Sun went down
The Sun went down in a County League game at Moat Field on Saturday.
The surface of the pitch was spoiled by a couple of hours of rain just before the game but both teams adapted themselves to the conditions and played good, class football.
This was not a very exciting game to watch, as play was of a very steady nature.
Jenkins did a bit of trickery and scored Bushey's first goal after 20 minutes play.
Hardy scored the second five minutes later, Shillito intercepted the shot and deflected the ball out of Trevers reach when the keeper might otherwise have effected a save.
"Tiger" Smith replied for the Sun with a smashing shot ten minutes later.
Bushey gained a corner seven minutes after the resumption, Gwynne took the kick and placed the ball beautifully for Pearson to head well out of Trevers' reach into the net.
This was the only goal scored in the second half and turned out to be the last of the match.
Sun Engraving 2 Watford Orient 1 1939/40 Watford FC Medal Competition Semi Final
Sun Engraving in the final
The Sun Engraving beat Watford Orient at Vicarage Road on Wednesday evening in the semi final of the Watford FC Medal Competition.
After 25 minutes Callow put the "Sun" ahead after working his way into the centre.
Straight away Dann equalised with a cleverly placed shot into the far corner of the net.
After the changeover the "Sun" took the lead through Hunt and although Watford Orient strived hard to equalise, their efforts were fruitless.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Wright, C Wood, R Lovett, R Williams, R Fox, G Trevers, R Quelch, G Callow, C Hunt, A Jackson
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Sun Engraving 3 Odhams 4 1939/40 Watford Medal FC Medal Competition Final
Sun set example but lost players pied their chance
We had a second helping of this Printers Pie Medal Competition final at Vicarage Road on Monday in the shape of extra time.
Sun were two up through Callow and Hunt (penalty) when they lost their best forward - Jackson - with an ankle injury.
Ten men fought valiantly but could not prevent Tates and Wakelin equalising.
It was not until nine minutes from time Odhams got on terms and I'll wager that Wakelin couldn't turn his back to the ball and "ankle it" in again in 100 attempts.
In the first five minutes of extra time Martin and Wakelin put Odhams ahead, but the Sun were not finished and Callow reduced the lead.
When Martin scored Sun only had nine men on the field.
Outstanding player was Williams, and others that caught the eye were Reed, Tunbridge and Yates (Odhams) and Powell and Lovett (Sun).
It was a good, hearty game but I wondered why a wing half was allowed to infringe the throw in law throughout.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Wright, C Woods, R Lovett, R Williams, R Fox, G Trevers, G Callow, A Fitzwalter, C Hunt, A Jackson
Sun Engraving in the final
The Sun Engraving beat Watford Orient at Vicarage Road on Wednesday evening in the semi final of the Watford FC Medal Competition.
After 25 minutes Callow put the "Sun" ahead after working his way into the centre.
Straight away Dann equalised with a cleverly placed shot into the far corner of the net.
After the changeover the "Sun" took the lead through Hunt and although Watford Orient strived hard to equalise, their efforts were fruitless.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Wright, C Wood, R Lovett, R Williams, R Fox, G Trevers, R Quelch, G Callow, C Hunt, A Jackson
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Sun Engraving 3 Odhams 4 1939/40 Watford Medal FC Medal Competition Final
Sun set example but lost players pied their chance
We had a second helping of this Printers Pie Medal Competition final at Vicarage Road on Monday in the shape of extra time.
Sun were two up through Callow and Hunt (penalty) when they lost their best forward - Jackson - with an ankle injury.
Ten men fought valiantly but could not prevent Tates and Wakelin equalising.
It was not until nine minutes from time Odhams got on terms and I'll wager that Wakelin couldn't turn his back to the ball and "ankle it" in again in 100 attempts.
In the first five minutes of extra time Martin and Wakelin put Odhams ahead, but the Sun were not finished and Callow reduced the lead.
When Martin scored Sun only had nine men on the field.
Outstanding player was Williams, and others that caught the eye were Reed, Tunbridge and Yates (Odhams) and Powell and Lovett (Sun).
It was a good, hearty game but I wondered why a wing half was allowed to infringe the throw in law throughout.
Sun Engraving: K Powell, J Wright, C Woods, R Lovett, R Williams, R Fox, G Trevers, G Callow, A Fitzwalter, C Hunt, A Jackson
Sun Engraving 2 Wymondley United 1 1939/40 Herts Junior Cup Final
Sun win Herts Junior Cup
By the odd goal in three over Wymondley United, the Sun Engraving carried off the Herts Junior Cup at Clarence Park, St Albans on Saturday.
On the previous Saturday the victors had beaten Colney Heath (St Albans) by 4-2, and Wymondley registered a 7-0 victory over Hertford Reserves.
However, in spite of the previous performances on both sides, the game lacked excitement and incident.
During the first half the Sun Engraving showed clever positioning and team work, but many of their attacks were effectively blocked by a solid Wymondley defence.
After five minutes the Sun went ahead from a corner shot when Callow put a cleverly placed drive into the corner of the net.
Grimes equalised a few moments later. Fox delivered a good shot but Bell was equal to his demand.
Fitzwalter netted the winning goal when, in a goal mouth scramble, he bundled the ball into the net.
The second half was chiefly notable for it's lack of excitement.
In the closing moments Wymondley tried to get on terms and threw everything into attack, but the Sun were able to hold out.
The cup and medals were presented by Mr J Squire (Chairman of St Albans City Club) and a member of the Herts F.A.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, J Wright, R Lovett, P Welling, R Cartwright, G Trevers, A Fitzwalter, G Callow, R Williams, R Fox
Sun win Herts Junior Cup
By the odd goal in three over Wymondley United, the Sun Engraving carried off the Herts Junior Cup at Clarence Park, St Albans on Saturday.
On the previous Saturday the victors had beaten Colney Heath (St Albans) by 4-2, and Wymondley registered a 7-0 victory over Hertford Reserves.
However, in spite of the previous performances on both sides, the game lacked excitement and incident.
During the first half the Sun Engraving showed clever positioning and team work, but many of their attacks were effectively blocked by a solid Wymondley defence.
After five minutes the Sun went ahead from a corner shot when Callow put a cleverly placed drive into the corner of the net.
Grimes equalised a few moments later. Fox delivered a good shot but Bell was equal to his demand.
Fitzwalter netted the winning goal when, in a goal mouth scramble, he bundled the ball into the net.
The second half was chiefly notable for it's lack of excitement.
In the closing moments Wymondley tried to get on terms and threw everything into attack, but the Sun were able to hold out.
The cup and medals were presented by Mr J Squire (Chairman of St Albans City Club) and a member of the Herts F.A.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, J Wright, R Lovett, P Welling, R Cartwright, G Trevers, A Fitzwalter, G Callow, R Williams, R Fox
Monday, 17 April 2017
1939/40 season
Sun Engraving 2 Watford Wanderers 1 West Herts Alliance League
Son (for Sun) set father to face Sun
R Williams beat R Williams with a low cross shot.
No, it's not a misprint.
No. 1 R Williams is "Skilly", firm favourite of Watford crowds in former years and No. 2 R Williams is "Skilly" Junior, who was playing for Sun Engraving against Watford Wanderers on Saturday.
"Skilly" captained the Wanderers, who lost 2-1 to the Sun, and his son was the skipper, for the Sun.
The son set his father to face a strong Sun (Oh, we give it up!).
Jackson obtained the winners second goal, and Burden scored for the losers.
"Skilly" in the second half went centre forward and sent in three strong shots.
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Bushey United 4 Sun Engraving 6 West Herts Alliance League
Bushey were game to the end
This Wests Herts Alliance game had two distinct phases.
The first half being all Sun, despite the rain, and the second half being mostly Bushey, despite the sun.
Ten minutes sufficed for Quelch to score the first goal, which was the commencement of a scoring spasm, for within another seven minutes Williams and Fitzwalter added to the score.
Hereabouts the depleted Bushey team, playing one short, and sadly missing the services of their regular backs, MacHardle and North, looked very much like being routed, but a reorganisation of their defence showed a definite improvement.
It was nearing the interval when Jackson succeeded in beating Richardson with a fine effort.
Bushey commenced the second half four goals in arrears, and after five minutes play Quelch made it five.
Then Gwynne performed a grand feat by dribbling the ball around Wood and walking the ball past Trevers into the net.
Within a couple of minutes Quelch obtained his third goal.
In the closing stages Bushey came into the picture by scoring three goals at regular intervals of five minutes.
Stevenson scored the first, Whitting got the second with a terrific drive and then Noble scored a beauty.
At this point the Sun appeared to be tiring and losing grip of the game, while Bushey showed distinct signs of drawing level.
But "Father Time" arrived to prevent such a possibility, and permitted the Sun to get away with a hard earned win.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, C Wood, B Brown, A Doig, J Wright, R Quelch, R Lovett, A Fitzwalter, R Williams, A Jackson
Sun Engraving 2 Watford Wanderers 1 West Herts Alliance League
Son (for Sun) set father to face Sun
R Williams beat R Williams with a low cross shot.
No, it's not a misprint.
No. 1 R Williams is "Skilly", firm favourite of Watford crowds in former years and No. 2 R Williams is "Skilly" Junior, who was playing for Sun Engraving against Watford Wanderers on Saturday.
"Skilly" captained the Wanderers, who lost 2-1 to the Sun, and his son was the skipper, for the Sun.
The son set his father to face a strong Sun (Oh, we give it up!).
Jackson obtained the winners second goal, and Burden scored for the losers.
"Skilly" in the second half went centre forward and sent in three strong shots.
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Bushey United 4 Sun Engraving 6 West Herts Alliance League
Bushey were game to the end
This Wests Herts Alliance game had two distinct phases.
The first half being all Sun, despite the rain, and the second half being mostly Bushey, despite the sun.
Ten minutes sufficed for Quelch to score the first goal, which was the commencement of a scoring spasm, for within another seven minutes Williams and Fitzwalter added to the score.
Hereabouts the depleted Bushey team, playing one short, and sadly missing the services of their regular backs, MacHardle and North, looked very much like being routed, but a reorganisation of their defence showed a definite improvement.
It was nearing the interval when Jackson succeeded in beating Richardson with a fine effort.
Bushey commenced the second half four goals in arrears, and after five minutes play Quelch made it five.
Then Gwynne performed a grand feat by dribbling the ball around Wood and walking the ball past Trevers into the net.
Within a couple of minutes Quelch obtained his third goal.
In the closing stages Bushey came into the picture by scoring three goals at regular intervals of five minutes.
Stevenson scored the first, Whitting got the second with a terrific drive and then Noble scored a beauty.
At this point the Sun appeared to be tiring and losing grip of the game, while Bushey showed distinct signs of drawing level.
But "Father Time" arrived to prevent such a possibility, and permitted the Sun to get away with a hard earned win.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, C Wood, B Brown, A Doig, J Wright, R Quelch, R Lovett, A Fitzwalter, R Williams, A Jackson
Sun Engraving 2 Watford Legion 1 1937/38 Watford Medal Competition Final
Medal Final settled by penalty
The prevailing fashion of conceding a penalty in a final cost Watford British Legion the Medal Competition at Vicarage Road on Monday Evening.
Fifteen minutes from the end W Jordan awkwardly intercepted a centre with his arm, and referee F Judd had no option but to point to the spot.
Legion protested, but the official was adamant, and Howe, with calm deliberation and strict accuracy shot strongly into the corner the net to send Legion's hopes tumbling to the ground.
Sun just about deserved to carry the day, their fortunes being slightly superior.
Their biggest pull was at left back, where Davis was an effective stopper and the initiator of many raids.
Howe was the best back on the field, although the Legion's pair gave nothing away. Woolf was lucky not to get penalised more often for liberal use of his elbows.
The most dangerous forward on view was S Jordan, Legion's inside right, a lad with a powerful shot who passes with accuracy.
The Sun learned to fear him most, for in the first half he shaved their upright and just before Maldoom equalised fifteen minutes after the resumption, Jordan jolted the inside of the post with a peach of a shot from fully thirty yards.
Roberts had given the Sun a first half lead with a remarkable goal. Cooper headed across the goal and while the legion defenders stood still, apparently thinking the ball would travel outside, Roberts rushed in and with a kick, which would have done credit to a ballet dancer, put past a helpless Bunce.
At the time I thought the Legion should have had a free kick for dangerous play as Roberts seemed to take the ball with his boot at a dangerous height, but apparently the angle of the stand gave a deceptive view for the referee told me afterwards that there was no Legion player within four feet of the scorer.
Bunce made a couple of grand saves from R Brown, and one he turned aside from the foot of Roberts was a masterly effort.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, W Howe, C Trevers, B Brown, A David, R Cartwright, C Roberts, A Doig,
R Brown, F Cooper, A Southam
Medal Final settled by penalty
The prevailing fashion of conceding a penalty in a final cost Watford British Legion the Medal Competition at Vicarage Road on Monday Evening.
Fifteen minutes from the end W Jordan awkwardly intercepted a centre with his arm, and referee F Judd had no option but to point to the spot.
Legion protested, but the official was adamant, and Howe, with calm deliberation and strict accuracy shot strongly into the corner the net to send Legion's hopes tumbling to the ground.
Sun just about deserved to carry the day, their fortunes being slightly superior.
Their biggest pull was at left back, where Davis was an effective stopper and the initiator of many raids.
Howe was the best back on the field, although the Legion's pair gave nothing away. Woolf was lucky not to get penalised more often for liberal use of his elbows.
The most dangerous forward on view was S Jordan, Legion's inside right, a lad with a powerful shot who passes with accuracy.
The Sun learned to fear him most, for in the first half he shaved their upright and just before Maldoom equalised fifteen minutes after the resumption, Jordan jolted the inside of the post with a peach of a shot from fully thirty yards.
Roberts had given the Sun a first half lead with a remarkable goal. Cooper headed across the goal and while the legion defenders stood still, apparently thinking the ball would travel outside, Roberts rushed in and with a kick, which would have done credit to a ballet dancer, put past a helpless Bunce.
At the time I thought the Legion should have had a free kick for dangerous play as Roberts seemed to take the ball with his boot at a dangerous height, but apparently the angle of the stand gave a deceptive view for the referee told me afterwards that there was no Legion player within four feet of the scorer.
Bunce made a couple of grand saves from R Brown, and one he turned aside from the foot of Roberts was a masterly effort.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, W Howe, C Trevers, B Brown, A David, R Cartwright, C Roberts, A Doig,
R Brown, F Cooper, A Southam
Sun Engraving 2 Rickmansworth Town 1 1937/38 Rickmansworth Charity Cup Semi final
Sun in a Final - Defenders triumph in "back to wall" struggle
For the fourth year in succession Sun Engraving reached the final of the Rickmansworth Charity Cup.
Twice they have fell at the last hurdle.
This season, having disposed of their most dangerous rivals, Rickmansworth Town, they should go on to win the cup.
The Town did not go under without a desperate struggle on Saturday.
Against less brilliant defenders as J Trevers and his two backs, they would have run up a winning total before the Sun had settled down.
R Brown gave the Sun a splendid start by heading in a centre from Roberts, and then Rickmansworth began a siege which was ceaseless until half time.
They were able to score only once, A Jackson sending in a splendid shot.
In the second half the Sun had the wind, and Rickmansworth had a taste of their own medicine, having to put "all hands" in defence.
They had an unlucky break when Kempster had to leave the field with a burst vein in his leg. W Jackson, the Town centre forward, went into the back line.
The winning goal was obtained by R Brown following a scramble in front of the visitors goal.
Neither side showed real form, a light ball and troublesome wind made football of the real order scarce. The honours went to the respective defences, especially to the Sun men for their fine first half back to the wall display.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, W Howe, B Brown, A Parnell, R Cartwright, C Roberts, A Doig, R Brown, F Cooper, S Emery
Sun in a Final - Defenders triumph in "back to wall" struggle
For the fourth year in succession Sun Engraving reached the final of the Rickmansworth Charity Cup.
Twice they have fell at the last hurdle.
This season, having disposed of their most dangerous rivals, Rickmansworth Town, they should go on to win the cup.
The Town did not go under without a desperate struggle on Saturday.
Against less brilliant defenders as J Trevers and his two backs, they would have run up a winning total before the Sun had settled down.
R Brown gave the Sun a splendid start by heading in a centre from Roberts, and then Rickmansworth began a siege which was ceaseless until half time.
They were able to score only once, A Jackson sending in a splendid shot.
In the second half the Sun had the wind, and Rickmansworth had a taste of their own medicine, having to put "all hands" in defence.
They had an unlucky break when Kempster had to leave the field with a burst vein in his leg. W Jackson, the Town centre forward, went into the back line.
The winning goal was obtained by R Brown following a scramble in front of the visitors goal.
Neither side showed real form, a light ball and troublesome wind made football of the real order scarce. The honours went to the respective defences, especially to the Sun men for their fine first half back to the wall display.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, C Trevers, W Howe, B Brown, A Parnell, R Cartwright, C Roberts, A Doig, R Brown, F Cooper, S Emery
Wealdstone Call Them 1937/38 season From the Watford Observer
Sun Engraving keep producing amateur stars, but the snag is they can't keep 'em.
If all their best players would turn out for them the Sun would take some dimming.
Half of the successful Wealdstone team are employees of the Sun.
R Lewis, the goalkeeper whom Watford wanted, R Pamplin, R Bidewell, a brother of Sid, the Chelsea half back now in the army (He doesn't mind khaki, as he gets three of four games a week), Ken Baldwin and R Nicholson, both former Watford schoolboy internationals, are all playing regularly for Wealdstone.
The forward line is led by Charlie Bunce, another Watford and Sun Engraving lad with some real talent.
There is yet another popular Sun Engraving player who has had experience with Aylesbury and Berkhamsted, and although Wealdstone would very much like his services he remains with his works team...his name is A Doig.
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Sid Bunce, who broke his ankle playing for Sun Engraving against Dickinson's (Croxley) on December 2nd is going along fine and his leg is already out of plaster.
A collection made recently among his workmates reached £8.
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Sun Engraving keep producing amateur stars, but the snag is they can't keep 'em.
If all their best players would turn out for them the Sun would take some dimming.
Half of the successful Wealdstone team are employees of the Sun.
R Lewis, the goalkeeper whom Watford wanted, R Pamplin, R Bidewell, a brother of Sid, the Chelsea half back now in the army (He doesn't mind khaki, as he gets three of four games a week), Ken Baldwin and R Nicholson, both former Watford schoolboy internationals, are all playing regularly for Wealdstone.
The forward line is led by Charlie Bunce, another Watford and Sun Engraving lad with some real talent.
There is yet another popular Sun Engraving player who has had experience with Aylesbury and Berkhamsted, and although Wealdstone would very much like his services he remains with his works team...his name is A Doig.
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Sid Bunce, who broke his ankle playing for Sun Engraving against Dickinson's (Croxley) on December 2nd is going along fine and his leg is already out of plaster.
A collection made recently among his workmates reached £8.
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Sun Engraving v Odhams 1937/38 HCL
Sun rout feeble Odhams
Sun Engraving met Odhams in the third round of the Rickmansworth Charity Cup on Saturday, and won with great ease.
The visitors were not at full strength, but even so they were very disappointing, seldom contributing any life to the game, and the Sun carried out their attacks without any serious challenge.
The result was a dull and uninteresting exhibition, with the seldom extended Sun as easy winners as an eight nil success suggests.
Emery and Brown (2) scored in the first half, and in the second Cooper, Roberts, Emery and Brown (2) beat Gurney.
The Sun's combination kept their opponents penned in their own half.
Sun Engraving: J Trevers, W Howe, C Trevers, B Brown, A Davis, R Cartwright, C Roberts, S Emery, R Brown, P Cooper, A Doig
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Sun Apprentice plays for Chelsea
The title of this story might be "Local boy makes good", but it is perhaps advisable to wait a little while and head it "Local boy should make good".
The local boy is Sid Bidewell, who saw a schoolboy dream come true when he played centre forward for Chelsea against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, and scored two goals in his first appearance in a First Division match!
When Bidewell went up to Stamford Bridge on the morning of the match he had no idea of the surprise in store for him.
With Mills hurt in the international against the Czechs, and his deputy, Bambrick, also unfit, Manager Knighton was in a quandary, and decided to gamble on the 19 year old youth, whom he signed on professional forms from Wealdstone last summer, and who had at inside right for the Pensioner's Reserves.
"Go out there and play your natural game, and don't try to do too much", said the manager. And even in his most optimistic moments, Mr. Knighton could not have anticipated Bidewell's success of scoring two goals and supplying the final pass for the third.
Football is not his full time job.
He is an apprentice in the gravure retouching department at Sun Engraving, and lives in North Watford.
Sid Bidewell played for Watford Boys and Herts in 1931/32 as a representative of Alexandra School.
After leaving school he played for Callowland Old Boys for three seasons and then joined St Albans City before going to Wealdstone along with fellow Watfordian Bunce (a Sun Engraving player).
Sun Sports v Oxhey Jets 15th April 2017 SSML P
Karl’s hat trick shoots down Jets
Sun equalled their best win of the season on Easter Saturday after their fantastic 5-1 win over local rivals Oxhey Jets.
The boys in yellow were a reincarnation of renaissance after Tuesday night’s poor performance and it all went well straight from the kick off when a Tommy Walsh free kick fell to dangerous Dom David whose close range shot was blocked by the Jets keeper, a scramble ensued in the six yard area until the ball was hoofed clear.
Then a square ball from Dom found George Hobson who had time and space to control the ball before hitting it perfectly to fly into the Jets goal to give the Sun the perfect start.
Minutes later Damien Cruickshank made one of his darting lung busting runs and although he was brought down by a Jets player the referee saw that the ball found it’s way to Kyle Johnson and waved play on, Kyle saw Karl Penny running into space in the area and as he dragged away two defenders he slid the ball though to Karl giving him the time to slot the ball into the goal to give the Sun a two goal cushion.
The Sun were looking good for their money and every player in a yellow shirt worked well, covering each other when they needed it and pushed up when they attacked. Andy Brennan was here, there and everywhere on the pitch making some excellent decisions and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
Dom David was, as always, causing problems for the Jets defence and Scott Bonner kept Sun old boy Chris Blunden quiet throughout the game.
Kyle was given a great chance to score after a superb piece of play from a five player passing move but unfortunately the shot was covered by the Jets keeper.
Jamie Speer then made a surge into enemy territory and floated over one of his sterling cross field passes finding Karl Penny who beat one defender but then lashed his shot just wide of the far upright.
Then came goal number three as Karl picked the ball up some 30 yards from the goal and dribbled through the Oxhey defence as a knife through butter and then finished with aplomb.
A carbon copy of goal number three was soon to be goal number four, only this time bursting past three Oxhey defenders before scoring, giving Karl Penny a well deserved hat trick, his first for the first team since the 5-1 mauling of St Mags last season.
The yellows were cruising and the way they were playing it looked like the game could finish close to being into double figures.
Just before half time and Sun’s number one Matty Evans finally had something to do when a long range strike went straight into his midriff, then Chris Blunden eventually managed to get onto a ball in the Sun area but his shot fell weakly to Matty after Gary Wallace had marshalled Blunden out of the danger zone.
Jamie Speer, playing at left back, easily cut out a pass and went for a run with the ball, threading the ball beautifully through to Dom David whose shot just went into the side netting.
Half time four nil to the Sun.
in the second half the Sun seemed to take their feet off the gas a little but still controlled the game by keeping possession and bossed the game.
But a moment of lack of concentration caused Jets to go forward and although Matty Evans saved the initial shot with his foot the rebound came out to Smith to put the ball into an empty net.
4-1….could the Jets start a comeback?
Oxhey Jets then seemed to run out of ideas as they just pumped their half line free kicks high into the Sun box which served Sun well as they could then pick up the loose ball and attack on the counter.
And on one of these occasions Kerran Lataille slipped the ball through to Karl Penny who kept onside and left his marker for dust but his shot was well saved by the Jets keeper.
Kyle Johnson tried one of his trademark curling shots which bent just wide of the post and then Andy “Man of the Match” Brennan hit a free kick over the wall but again the Jets keeper managed to get and on it to divert it away from the goial.
Damien went on a run late in the match, skipping over a late tackle and put the ball through to Jack Johnson who laid the ball back to “Damo” who found himself in the strange position of the opposition penalty area and with only the keeper to beat, unselfishly put the ball on a plate to Kyle to simply tap the ball over the line to cause a mass dance frenzy on the covered terracing…..must have been Kyle’s family!!!
So Sun Sports are back on track to finish in the top 10…fourth place is still mathematically possible but anything above tenth will do us fine!!
Sun Sports v Hadley 11th April 2017 SSMLP
Poor performance from Sun as Hadley dominate
An under par performance from the boys in yellow on Tuesday night helped Hadley climb out of the relegation zone and improve their goal difference all in the space of 90 frustrating minutes.
Being a reporter it’s easy to criticise when you are not the one running around the pitch but the Sun players would probably agree with me that this was not their finest hour and a half of the season.
Sun took the field in fine form and high in confidence and started off reasonably well although there may have been a little more showboating than usual in the first few minutes, which is all well and good when you’re maybe two goals up, but not the best idea against a team second from bottom of the table fighting for survival to stay alive in the Premier Division.
Hadley had the first chance and the Red’s fans thought that they had scored in the opening minutes when a shot hit the side netting.
Karl Penny had the first half decent chance for the Sun when he struck a shot after a nice three man move which was deflected by a defender.
Jamie Speer then got in a last ditch tackle in the area to stop the attacking wing back who strode through the Sun defence.
Both the left and right wing back’s of Hadley caused the Sun defence problems throughout the match and with their performance it made the mind boggle how the Arkley based team can be in such dire straights this season.
A neutral person watching the match would probably have assumed that the Sun were the team having relegation problems.
Then disaster struck as Laste Dombaxe struck a shot straight at Matty Evans, whether the ball swerved at the last moment we will never know but the ball seemed to squirm out of Evans hands and went into the Sun goal.
The Sun rallied and a looping Kerran Lataille cross found Kyle Johnson who turned to celebrate the goal but then saw the ball go the wrong side of the Hadley post.
With injury time of the first half being played Hadley found room in midfield to press forward and that man again Laste Dombaxe hit another long range strike which flew over the despairing dive of Matty Evans and into the Sun goal to make it 2-0.
A powerful Gary Wallace header from a corner was sent just wide of the post and the Sun would have to suffer the wrath of Tim, Gary, James and Pat in the dressing room
At the start of the second half and from a free kick Hadley thought that they had scored another goal which was ruled out for handball.
It was felt by many of the spectators that if the Sun could get a goal back then a comeback could possibly be on the cards as Hadley are known to have a wobble once they concede.
However the night wasn’t to be the Sun’s night and the lads just didn’t seem to be able to click as they have done so well this season.
With minutes to go Hadley caught the Sun on a counter attack and finally confirmed the three points were theirs when Ibrahim Lukulay kept his composure on a one to one with Matty Evans and slotted the ball home to make it 3-0.
So all in all it has to be put down to a bad day at the office, and the lads will have to put it down to experience. Just remember lad’s…
“Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
and Start all over again.”
Stotfold v Sun Sports 8th April 2017 SSMLP
Eagles plucked as Sun win away again
Sun Sports were celebrating on Saturday after winning yet another away league match, this time against Stotfold FC.
With the Sun out and playing on a baked pitch, the first half was goalless in a rather dreary first 45 minutes with both teams battling out an aerial affair with the ball being mostly played above head height.
Stotfold made the first attempt at goal bringing out a fine save by Matty Evans, Kerran Lataille lashed in a shot for the boys in yellow which flew just over the bar minutes later.
Mr Evans was called into action again when a Stotfold player was left unmarked and Evans got down well to block the shot to keep the Sun level.
An excellent Kerran long ball from inside the Sun’s half found Jack Johnson who beat off his man and fired a shot cum cross into the six yard area and Tom Gibson threw himself at the ball to try to connect at the far post just before the interval.
Both teams came out for the second half and both sides seemed to be told to keep the ball on the ground rather than in the air, making the second period a more entertaining half.
Matty Evans in the Sun goal kept firm charge of his area and continued to boss the defence.
At the other end the Stotfold keeper seemed to be having a troublesome half with the sun (the planetary kind) in his eyes and a high ball from a Jamie Speer free kick caused him to fumble a catch dropping the ball on the line until he could scoop it up again.
Tommy Walsh (the wrestler’s favourite!) looked up on the halfway line and hit a looping ball over the Eagle’s defence finding Kyle Johnson whose left foot cross was deflected away from the oncoming Kerran Lataille by the Stotfold keeper, the ball fell kindly to Jack Johnson whose shot was stopped on the line by a desperate Stotfold defender.
From here the Sun started to dictate the game and pushed forward to get the goal they craved and a Tommy Walsh free kick curled towards the top left hand of the Stotfold goal, only for the Stotfold keeper to get a finger to the ball to knock it onto the crossbar and over for a corner.
And the Sun were rewarded when a defensive header back towards goal found JJ loitering with intent to take advantage of the back pass as he coolly lobbed the oncoming keeper into the back of the net to give the Sun a well deserved lead.
But barely a minute had gone when a free kick for the Eagles near the edge of the box gave Stotfold an equaliser with a brilliantly executed kick from Ben L’Honore.
The Sun lost the Stotfold back in August due to a free kick from the same person in that same area so were fully aware of the danger that they faced but that certainly doesn’t take away the accuracy of L’Honore’s kick.
With eight minutes remaining an Andy Brennan corner was hit low and hard towards the near post which seemed to hit a few legs and went in over the line for the Sun to take the lead again.
Karl Penny came on and soon found room to send in a fantastic shot which stung the hands of the Stotfold keeper who managed to keep the ball out.
Andy Brennan then received a square ball from Kyle Johnson and had time to hold onto the ball but he hit it first time and screwed it wide of the goal.
With only a couple of minutes remaining it was squeaky bum time for the Sun as another free kick in Ben L’Honore territory was given. Thankfully for the Sun the ball went over the bar on this occasion.
Just before the end of the game Dom David came on and gave Sun fan’s an exhibition of soccer skills despite him still suffering from his knee injury.
It is hoped that he will soon be able to get a scan on his knee which the players as well as the club’s chairman all have gladly donated to Dom.
Such is the attitude and team spirit of the players this season at Sun Sports Football Club.
Welwyn Garden City v Sun Sports 5th April 2017 SSML P
Sun win at Welwyn to hit the top ten
Wednesday night and the Sun were back on their travels, this time with a trip up the A1M to the Garden City of Welwyn.
The game kicked off at a rapid pace and both sides tested the opposition defence early in the game.
But it was the Citizens who came closest first when a high ball was fumbled by Matty Evans and as the Welwyn forward got clear it as down to Jamie Speer to save the day by getting to the ball first, using his knowledge of the game and reading the situation well.
City pushed on and after a scramble in the Sun penalty area the ball came out and the Welwyn player let loose from outside the box only for the ball to fly over the crossbar.
Andy Brennan was on free kick duty that night with Tommy Walsh on the bench but the Welwyn keeper, back from injury, had the shots covered.
With the game seemingly going nowhere a long ball found Karl Penny onside, with the keeper coming out to meet him he deftly flicked the ball over the goalie’s outstretched arms and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net just before the break, just the right time to take the lead!
Welwyn came out for the second half and bombarded the Sun with a barrage of balls pumped into the box both kicked and thrown in with one of the longest throws probably seen at this level of football.
Karl Penny’s speed was giving the Welwyn defence problems and he was soon running with the ball on a break, leaving the City defence in his wake and with only the keeper to beat but the City custodian spread himself well to block the attempt and although Karl managed to get a foot on the rebound he was leaning back and blasted it over the bar.
For the last 25 minutes it was Welwyn on the front foot, constantly putting pressure on the Sun back four.
Jamie Speer and Tom Gibson were having a great game, getting their legs in important tackles when it mattered most while Damien Cruickshank, Scott Bonner, Gary Wallace and Deji Ikusemori were all paramount in the centre mopping up high balls and clearing away the danger when necessary.
The only real shot on goal that Welwyn had was in the closing minutes which was well saved by Matty Evans who got down quick to deflect the shot onto the post and away for a corner.
So the Sun came away with another clean sheet and three points to put them back into 10th position.
Leighton Town v Sun Sports 1st April 2017 SSMLP
Gary’s goal wins game against Leighton
In a scrappily contested match in Leighton Buzzard, Sun Sports came away from their first ever visit to Bell Close with all three points thanks to a solitary goal from centre back Gary Wallace.
Leighton came into this match three games undefeated and no goals conceded while the Sun had scored five and conceded six in their last two league matches.
Despite the team’s’ difference in form the match was expected to be a close one, however the Sun came to attack using a 4-3-3 formation and could have won the match by more goals.
It was Leighton Town who came out of the stocks the quickest and they had two close attempts in the opening minutes.
Clement Asante had the first chance for the Sun but his shot was blocked by the legs of Town’s keeper.
As confidence grew the Sun moved forward and Karl Penny found the room to move with some freedom and take a shot at goal, the shot was parried by the keeper who showed bravery by getting up quickly to smother the rebound by Kyle Johnson.
The chances were now coming fast and furious as a lob from Jamie Speer was headed on by Scott Bonner finding Tommy Walsh whose left foot shot went just out of reach of a stretching Kyle Johnson and past the far post.
Intricate passing from the boys in yellow proved too hot for Town to handle and Tommy Walsh stepped back to let Kyle take a free kick on the edge of the Leighton box.
The shot was hit low and hard and deflected off of the wall, bounced off the upright, rolled along the line and back in Brad Kirkwood’s grateful hands.
A free header at the far post from a Leighton corner saw the opportunity wasted as the header went way over the bar and bouncing down off the clubhouse roof.
Then it was the Sun’s turn to have a corner and a curling cross from Jack Johnson missed everyone in the six yard box except for Gary Wallace at the back who smashed the ball in at short range to make sure…making it two goals in two consecutive games for Mr Wallace.
Just before half time and there was a chance for everyone to make fun of the referee.
A Leighton free kick in front of goal was marked out incorrectly by the ref. As the referee counted the steps to show that he had made the correct decision the crowd all joined in. By the count of nine the ref moved away for the kick to be taken which was safely gathered by Matty Evans.
As the second half started Jack Johnson was on the ball again, and with his pace and agility he turned his marker and lashed a shot from the edge of the area which flew narrowly past the post.
Deji Ikusemori was a powerhouse in midfield for the Sun, making some strong, important tackles as well as reading the game well to provide his team mates with some excellent passing.
From another Jack Johnson corner the ball fell perfectly to Kyle Johnson whose header drifted just over the bar.
Karl Penny continued to use his pace to cause the Town defence some problems although his aim may need a little more practice!!
This was confirmed when on a break Karl had a one to one on the Town keeper but placed the ball just wide, this of course is also down to some fine keeping by Kirkwood who managed to narrow a difficult angle down to the most minimum possible!
Leighton Town seemed a little disappointing on the day and failed to really make any kind of attempt on the Sun goal, with the exception of one shot that darted just past the post and a shot from out of the area that was straight at Matty in the Sun goal.
Substitute Dom David came on and continued to run Town ragged and from a Kyle Johnson cross Dom volleyed the ball hard and true which was only stopped by a Town defender by saving the ball with his face.
And so the game finished with a clean sheet and another three points towards the Sun’s total for this season….next will be another away trip on Wednesday to Welwyn Garden City.
Crawley Green v Sun Sports 29th March 2017 SSMLP
Set pieces not enough as Sun lose to Green
Sun Sports travelled up to Bedfordshire on a Wednesday night to play Crawley Green and came away with nil points in another exciting clash between the sides.
The Sun team sheet was certainly different from the fixture played four days earlier with more injuries and a couple of suspensions coming into effect.
The management team of Pat Fallon, Gary Burkett and James Hall, in manager Tim O’Sullivan’s absence, had to put together a mish-mash of first teamers, reserves and under 18’s into the fray.
It was Crawley who had the first shot on target making Matty Evans get down to his left in the opening minutes.
Tom Gibson and Scott Bonner got some important tackles in as Crawley took advantage of the notorious Barton slope as they continued to hit balls high into the penalty area.
Youngsters Olamide Emiloju and John Nott, who made his first team debut, worked hard and didn’t look out of place, and the pair were back in action 24 hours later in an under 18’s match.
While up front Clement Asante and Karl Penny hassled and pushed up to put pressure on the Green defence at every opportunity.
Despite that though it was Crawley Green who went ahead when they beat the Sun’s offside trap to knock the ball past Evans.
But the boys in yellow were soon level when a Tommy Walsh free kick was curled in and met the foot of Gary Wallace who looped the ball over the Green keeper to make it 1-1.
Before half time and a carbon copy of the first goal for the Sun was “copied and pasted” to give the Sun the lead. Tommy Walsh’s free kick in virtually the same spot as previous was again floated beautifully towards the six yard area and this time Scott Bonner got up to glance his header through the Green keeper’s hands.
It was a case of Deja Vu as half time was, like Saturday, again 2-1 to the Sun.
With the Sun facing downhill for the second half things were looking good that the Sun would come away from Bedfordshire with three points.
Alas Crawley Green were not aware of this plan and within minutes of the restart Green had equalised when an un-cleared ball in the box was smashed in by Drummett.
Now the gander was truly up as Crawley Green saw that they had the advantage and when Gary Wallace barged into Thompson the referee pointed to the spot.
Aaron Brown confidently took the spot kick to send Matty Evans the wrong way for Green to take the lead in this ding dong battle.
The Sun tried to get back into the match with Scott Bonner heading strongly from a corner straight into the keeper’s hands and Gary Wallace attempting a diving header at the back post in the next foray forward.
Tommy Walsh had another chance with a free kick which dropped just over the cross bar and Karl Penny had a couple of shots, one which was unfortunately miss hit and the other went high, wide and not so handsome.
It didn’t look like it was going to be the Sun’s night and this was finally confirmed when Scott Bonner crossed a ball over which flew over the keeper and bounced up kindly for Tom Gibson but his dramatic diving header went agonisingly over the bar.
The defeat has put the Sun back to 12th place and we will be on our travels again on Saturday with a trip to Leighton Buzzard to play Leighton Town.
Sun Sports v Crawley Green 25th March 2017 SSMLP
Battle of Crawley ends all square in six goal thriller
On a sunny but cold, windy day at the Sun Stadium the rather sparse attendance of 43 were treated to an entertaining match with goals galore in a 3-3 draw.
With the Premier league club’s on an international break, and with Sun Sports advertising on social media to any local Premier or Championship club’s fans that the Sun were at home, it was hoped some supporters might come down to Bellmountwood Avenue and take up the opportunity of watching a team that can score goals and win games!!
This however turned out to be a failed attempt at encouraging the masses to come and watch a decent game of football.
And the first goal was soon scored when Kyle Johnson beat his man and placed a perfect low curling shot beyond the Crawley Green keeper and in off the post to make it 1-0 to the boys in yellow.
But the joy was soon to be deflated and the adage came true that you are most likely to concede once you have gone a goal up as Green equalised with a power header from a corner a couple of minutes later.
After the goal Sun went on a bit of a wobble as Green took control of the game for a few minutes until George Hobson knocked a free kick into the box. The ball was headed out by the Green defence but not far enough as Tommy Walsh bravely put his head where others would fear to do so and his header found Jamie Speer who got himself comfortable with the ball before whipping in a hard cross which Kyle Johnson headed dynamically into the Green goal to put the Sun back into the lead.
Kyle Johnson was soon on the end of another fantastically placed pass and got jiggy with the ball before letting rip to curl a shot narrowly over the bar.
Crawley Green knew that they were in for a tough time but continued to press and looked very dangerous mainly on the left flank throughout the rest of the half and at half time the Sun were still in front.
Green started strong from the start of the second half and got their reward when a cross was cut back to leave Matty Evans stranded out of possession for the Bedfordshire team to tap in from six yards out to make it 2-2.
The Sun seemed a little out of sorts in all positions on Saturday, they certainly didn’t seem to be up for it as much as they did last week and Tuesday night when they were against higher placed opposition….of course it could have been that the team had worn themselves out from the previous two matches!!
With a strong wind behind them, Green decided to utilise this by getting their keeper to take the free kicks in the Crawley half and pump them high into the Sun area. The first time a successful ball was hit high into the Sun box it looked like Crawley Green could go into the lead but before the Green forward could latch on to the ball Damien Cruickshank managed to slide in from behind to hook the ball away at the right moment with a brilliant timed tackle.
With the scores level Tim O’Sullivan decided to spice things up and put on the cavalry of Andy Brennan and Dom David but as soon as they came on the Green tried to get a winner when they had three successive shots at goal – all blocked by the brave Sun defence which was followed soon after by a scrambled effort with the ball bouncing around in the Sun six yard area.
Green’s tried and tested route one passing system finally worked when the keeper’s long, wind assisted free kick found a Crawley forward whose header beat Matty Evans who came to punch the ball away but failed to reach it as the ball flew past him and into the net for the Green to complete a brilliant comeback from 2-1 down to 3-2 up.
So with time against the boys in yellow, the Sun rolled their sleeves up to make a comeback of their own. Ryan McMahon was spreading long passes around with accuracy, finding Jamie Speer on more than one occasion and with Dom David running from deep slid the ball through to him but Dom was unable to make a decent connection.
But Dom David did manage to get his chance and as he wrong-footed his marker in the area by turning him inside out, he then lashed the ball with his right foot for a change fooling the Green goalie as the ball crept in-between the keeper and the near post for it to be Sun’s turn to get an equaliser in this match.
Both sides tried to get a last gasp winner but it looked like the Sun would go closest, Dom David tried to make a carbon copy of his first goal but this time the shot was blocked.
A Kerran Lataille free kick in the closing seconds was floated dangerously close to the goal area finding Kyle Johnson who was gunning for a hat trick and although he headed the ball down well the keeper managed to keep hold of it for the teams to go in at full time with a point each.
Cockfosters v Sun Sports 21st March 2017 SSML P
Sun shock ‘Fosters with 2-0 away win
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 harrrasing 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 shock ‘Fosters with 2-0 away win
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 harrrasing 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!!
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