Sun Sports 2 Kings Langley 1 1993/94 Aubrey Cup
Semi final showdown for Sun and Bovingdon
Bovingdon, last season's beaten finalists, can now look forward to a trip to Sun Sports in the semi final after they defeated Kings Langley 2-1.
Kings Langley opened the scoring through Paul Gash after 20 minutes and had it not been for some poor finishing might have been well in control by the break.
Instead, however, some slack defending let in Colin MacMillan on the stroke of half time while Stuart Kent seized upon a poor back pass what turned out to be the winner in the 55th minute.
The Kings cause was not helped when they lost Stuart Read through injury at half time and had to further reshape when they lost Paul Power midway through the second half.
"I was more than pleased with the commitment we showed," said Langley boss Kevin Andrews, "but we can not afford to make defensive errors like that."
Friday, 30 June 2017
Sun Sports 6 Sandridge Rovers 1 1993/94 HCL Prem
Sun shine
Four goals up after only 20 minutes, Sun Sports' clash at home to Sandridge Rovers was over as a contest, with them going onto win at a canter, 6-1.
Goals from John Field, Stuart Kent (2) and Colin MacMillan knocked the stuffing out of highly rated Sandridge and although they pulled one back they were never really in it.
Centre half Mark Goodman hit the fifth three minutes into the second period and the sixth in the closing stages following a run from the halfway line.
"That was easily our best performance of the season," enthused Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"All the players are really buzzing at the moment. It would be unfair to pick out any one individual."
Sun Reserves completed a winning weekend with Richard Galvin scoring the only goal of the game to beat Kings Langley Reserves.
Sun shine
Four goals up after only 20 minutes, Sun Sports' clash at home to Sandridge Rovers was over as a contest, with them going onto win at a canter, 6-1.
Goals from John Field, Stuart Kent (2) and Colin MacMillan knocked the stuffing out of highly rated Sandridge and although they pulled one back they were never really in it.
Centre half Mark Goodman hit the fifth three minutes into the second period and the sixth in the closing stages following a run from the halfway line.
"That was easily our best performance of the season," enthused Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"All the players are really buzzing at the moment. It would be unfair to pick out any one individual."
Sun Reserves completed a winning weekend with Richard Galvin scoring the only goal of the game to beat Kings Langley Reserves.
Met. Police Bushey 2 Sun Sports 3 1993/94 HCL Prem
Sun smash
Among the chasing pack are Sun Sports and they did themselves a huge favour by winning at fellow hopefuls Met Police Bushey 3-2.
Despite the closeness of the scoreline, the Sun were always in control with a first half Stuart Kent brace sending the visitors in 2-1 to the good by the break.
Noel Gallagher knocked in the third while the Police did not score their second until the closing stages through Colin Christie.
John Keen had netted earlier for the police after a Renny Grant cross.
"We have no complaints," conceded police spokesman Jim Howard, "the score flattered us. All the players seemed to choose the same day to have an off day."
Although he did not appear on the scoresheet, Phil Walker was outstanding up front for Sun.
Sun Sports Reserves strolled their Reserve Cup third round tie against Croxley Guild Reserves winning 8-0.
Ian Pepper, Tony Price and Richard Galvin all scored twice while there was one each for Greg Manning and John White.
Sun smash
Among the chasing pack are Sun Sports and they did themselves a huge favour by winning at fellow hopefuls Met Police Bushey 3-2.
Despite the closeness of the scoreline, the Sun were always in control with a first half Stuart Kent brace sending the visitors in 2-1 to the good by the break.
Noel Gallagher knocked in the third while the Police did not score their second until the closing stages through Colin Christie.
John Keen had netted earlier for the police after a Renny Grant cross.
"We have no complaints," conceded police spokesman Jim Howard, "the score flattered us. All the players seemed to choose the same day to have an off day."
Although he did not appear on the scoresheet, Phil Walker was outstanding up front for Sun.
Sun Sports Reserves strolled their Reserve Cup third round tie against Croxley Guild Reserves winning 8-0.
Ian Pepper, Tony Price and Richard Galvin all scored twice while there was one each for Greg Manning and John White.
Sun Sports 2 Bovingdon 0 1993/94 HCL Prem
Still in there
A 2-0 defeat of Bovingdon maintained Sun Sports' challenge at the top of the table.
Bovingdon could not cope with the attacking and aggressive style which Sun employed.
Within the first four minutes a scrambled goal had put the Sun in front and they never looked back.
Another goal came only six minutes later and Bovingdon could never recover from the smash and grab raid.
Although they fought back well, the aerial battle was won by Sun stopping Bovingdon from the net.
Manager of Bovingdon, Terry Magee, said, "All credit to Sun, they really did their homework on us and put it into practice."
"We never competed at first and by the time we had woken up they were two goals in front. We played five at the back and, in hindsight, perhaps we should have taken the game to them a bit more"
"The referee didn't have a great game but we are all entitled to a bad day."
Still in there
A 2-0 defeat of Bovingdon maintained Sun Sports' challenge at the top of the table.
Bovingdon could not cope with the attacking and aggressive style which Sun employed.
Within the first four minutes a scrambled goal had put the Sun in front and they never looked back.
Another goal came only six minutes later and Bovingdon could never recover from the smash and grab raid.
Although they fought back well, the aerial battle was won by Sun stopping Bovingdon from the net.
Manager of Bovingdon, Terry Magee, said, "All credit to Sun, they really did their homework on us and put it into practice."
"We never competed at first and by the time we had woken up they were two goals in front. We played five at the back and, in hindsight, perhaps we should have taken the game to them a bit more"
"The referee didn't have a great game but we are all entitled to a bad day."
Sun Sports 3 Met. Police Bushey 3 1993/94 HCL Prem
Late goals nick point from Police
Two goals in the last ten minutes rescued a point for reigning Premier Division champions
Sun Sports at home to Met Police Bushey.
It needed late strikes from Paul Walters and Alan Langdale to snatch a point for Sun after they had seemed set for all three at one stage.
Playing against the wind in the first period, Darren Hardwick sent Sun into an interval lead after scoring in the 25th minute.
With the winds at their backs in the second period, Sun were clear favourites and had their fair share of chances.
But the Police shocked their hosts by getting back on level terms within five minutes of the restart when Colin Christie sold the Sun a dummy only to be brought down.
Renny Grant stepped up and dispatched the penalty.
Harry Baldwin then came on and his pace caused Sun instant problems, giving the visitors the lead in the 55th minute and then latching onto the end of a Grant pass to score the third in the 73rd minute.
For all the chances Sun had, they looked as if they would finish pointless until Walters and Langdale came up with the goods in the last 10 minutes.
The Police, with an average age of 31, began to run out of steam and Sun could have nicked it in the final minute.
"We had chance after chance," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "but I can't remember when a side last scored three against our first team."
"I thought we did well," said the Police's Jim Howard, "a draw was probably a fair result."
Sun Sports Reserves, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Bedmond Social Reserves.
Ian Pepper and Mark Williams gave Sun a two goal lead before a controversial second half strike gave the home side a consolation.
Late goals nick point from Police
Two goals in the last ten minutes rescued a point for reigning Premier Division champions
Sun Sports at home to Met Police Bushey.
It needed late strikes from Paul Walters and Alan Langdale to snatch a point for Sun after they had seemed set for all three at one stage.
Playing against the wind in the first period, Darren Hardwick sent Sun into an interval lead after scoring in the 25th minute.
With the winds at their backs in the second period, Sun were clear favourites and had their fair share of chances.
But the Police shocked their hosts by getting back on level terms within five minutes of the restart when Colin Christie sold the Sun a dummy only to be brought down.
Renny Grant stepped up and dispatched the penalty.
Harry Baldwin then came on and his pace caused Sun instant problems, giving the visitors the lead in the 55th minute and then latching onto the end of a Grant pass to score the third in the 73rd minute.
For all the chances Sun had, they looked as if they would finish pointless until Walters and Langdale came up with the goods in the last 10 minutes.
The Police, with an average age of 31, began to run out of steam and Sun could have nicked it in the final minute.
"We had chance after chance," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "but I can't remember when a side last scored three against our first team."
"I thought we did well," said the Police's Jim Howard, "a draw was probably a fair result."
Sun Sports Reserves, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Bedmond Social Reserves.
Ian Pepper and Mark Williams gave Sun a two goal lead before a controversial second half strike gave the home side a consolation.
Chipperfield Corinthians 2 Sun Sports 1 1993/94 Herts Senior Trophy
Lowe blow
A last minute Alan Lowe strike saw Chipperfield progress through to the third round of the Herts Senior Trophy at the expense of Sun Sports 2-1.
Paul Webb gave Sun a 20th minute lead and they were further denied by the woodwork.
Nicky Lennox equalised in the second period with a brilliant solo effort following a 40 yard run.
Lowe then booked Chipperfield's passage with the vital strike a minute from time.
Sun Sports Reserves, the reigning league champions who lost their year long unbeaten run last month, found themselves 5-0 down by the break at home to Wormley Reserves.
"We were disgraceful," admitted Tom Barber.
"We were guilty of some schoolboy defending."
Lowe blow
A last minute Alan Lowe strike saw Chipperfield progress through to the third round of the Herts Senior Trophy at the expense of Sun Sports 2-1.
Paul Webb gave Sun a 20th minute lead and they were further denied by the woodwork.
Nicky Lennox equalised in the second period with a brilliant solo effort following a 40 yard run.
Lowe then booked Chipperfield's passage with the vital strike a minute from time.
Sun Sports Reserves, the reigning league champions who lost their year long unbeaten run last month, found themselves 5-0 down by the break at home to Wormley Reserves.
"We were disgraceful," admitted Tom Barber.
"We were guilty of some schoolboy defending."
Sun Sports 2 Croxley Guild 1 1993/94 Aubrey Cup
Sun march on
With Chipperfield out, Sun Sports must fancy their chances of lifting the Aubrey Cup for the second time in three years.
On Saturday they did all the hard work in the first period on the way to a 2-1 victory over Croxley Guild.
"We played very well in the first half," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "but went to sleep a bit in the second."
Paul Webb volleyed Sun into a fifth minute lead from a Stuart Kent cross and doubled the lead 15 minutes later.
Croxley pulled one back through a 30 yard Nick Allen strike.
"We were still in the dressing room in the first half," said Guild's Dave Rickman, "We pushed them back after the break but it was probably a fair result."
Sun Sports Reserves put their run of three defeats behind them to win 6-2 at Welwyn Reserves with Richard Galvin scoring a hat trick and Chris Price a brace.
Sun march on
With Chipperfield out, Sun Sports must fancy their chances of lifting the Aubrey Cup for the second time in three years.
On Saturday they did all the hard work in the first period on the way to a 2-1 victory over Croxley Guild.
"We played very well in the first half," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "but went to sleep a bit in the second."
Paul Webb volleyed Sun into a fifth minute lead from a Stuart Kent cross and doubled the lead 15 minutes later.
Croxley pulled one back through a 30 yard Nick Allen strike.
"We were still in the dressing room in the first half," said Guild's Dave Rickman, "We pushed them back after the break but it was probably a fair result."
Sun Sports Reserves put their run of three defeats behind them to win 6-2 at Welwyn Reserves with Richard Galvin scoring a hat trick and Chris Price a brace.
Sun Sports Reserves 1 Kings Langley Reserves 3 1993/94 Reserve League
Sun Sports find they have nothing left in reserve
The all-conquering Sun Sports Reserves no longer seem to be so invincible.
After losing a recent year long unbeaten run, they fell to a third successive defeat, this time 3-1 at home to Kings Langley Reserves.
Sun enjoyed the best of the first half and went into the break a goal to the good through Richard Galvin.
Langley were level 10 minutes into the second period when Barry Shead met an Ian Sudbury flick.
They went onto dominate the champions and were rewarded in the 64th minute when Nick Webb shot home.
Jason Jackson tied the three points up five minutes from time, shooting home from the edge of the box.
Sun Sports find they have nothing left in reserve
The all-conquering Sun Sports Reserves no longer seem to be so invincible.
After losing a recent year long unbeaten run, they fell to a third successive defeat, this time 3-1 at home to Kings Langley Reserves.
Sun enjoyed the best of the first half and went into the break a goal to the good through Richard Galvin.
Langley were level 10 minutes into the second period when Barry Shead met an Ian Sudbury flick.
They went onto dominate the champions and were rewarded in the 64th minute when Nick Webb shot home.
Jason Jackson tied the three points up five minutes from time, shooting home from the edge of the box.
Sun Sports 4 Bushey Rangers 1 1993/94 HCL Prem
Sun Walker-on
A Phil Walker brace helped Sun Sports onto another three points, with an entertaining 4-1 victory over Bushey Rangers.
Bushey played some fine flowing football in contrast to Sun's more direct approach, but unlike Sun, let themselves down in front of goal.
Stuart Kent set the ball rolling after only five minutes, tucking home from the penalty spot.
Former Sun player Rob Raw pulled one back for Bushey but Walker restored the Sun lead five minutes before the break.
Darren Hardwick volleyed in the third from 20 yards out after 58 minutes while Walker latched onto the end of a quickly taken Paul Webb free kick to net the fourth eight minutes from time.
"It was a terrific game," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"We must give credit to Bushey but we played very well ourselves."
The reserves turned in another fine performance but lost out 3-2 to Harpenden Town in the Intermediate Cup.
Tony Price scored both the Sun goals.
Sun Walker-on
A Phil Walker brace helped Sun Sports onto another three points, with an entertaining 4-1 victory over Bushey Rangers.
Bushey played some fine flowing football in contrast to Sun's more direct approach, but unlike Sun, let themselves down in front of goal.
Stuart Kent set the ball rolling after only five minutes, tucking home from the penalty spot.
Former Sun player Rob Raw pulled one back for Bushey but Walker restored the Sun lead five minutes before the break.
Darren Hardwick volleyed in the third from 20 yards out after 58 minutes while Walker latched onto the end of a quickly taken Paul Webb free kick to net the fourth eight minutes from time.
"It was a terrific game," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"We must give credit to Bushey but we played very well ourselves."
The reserves turned in another fine performance but lost out 3-2 to Harpenden Town in the Intermediate Cup.
Tony Price scored both the Sun goals.
Sun Sports 1 GDS Valmar 1 1993/94 HCL Prem
Sun blocked
In the only Premier Division of the weekend, holders Sun Sports disappointed a 1-1 draw at home to GDS Valmar.
"It was awful," said a candid Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "We played for the first 20 minutes but then it went from bad to worse. We just could not get going. Inconsistent is the best way to describe us at the moment."
John Field struck Sun into the lead but GDS equalised by the break.
Sun Reserves, meanwhile, lost their first league match since November of last year, going down 3-0 to Roussell Sports Reserves.
Sun blocked
In the only Premier Division of the weekend, holders Sun Sports disappointed a 1-1 draw at home to GDS Valmar.
"It was awful," said a candid Sun spokesman Tom Barber, "We played for the first 20 minutes but then it went from bad to worse. We just could not get going. Inconsistent is the best way to describe us at the moment."
John Field struck Sun into the lead but GDS equalised by the break.
Sun Reserves, meanwhile, lost their first league match since November of last year, going down 3-0 to Roussell Sports Reserves.
Knebworth 1 Sun Sports 3 1993/94 HCL Prem
Back on song
After the previous week's disappointing performance against Oxhey Jets, Sun Sports returned to form with a fine 3-1 win at Knebworth.
"Roger Cowans read the riot act to the players after that game," said spokesman Tom Barber,
"Knebworth are not a bad side, but we played excellently."
The result was never in much doubt with goals from Darren Hardwick, Phil Walker and Mark Goodman seeing Sun through.
The home side's only reward came in the final minute.
Sun Sports Reserves, meanwhile, go from strength to strength and notched up their 31st point out of a possible 33 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Chipperfield Corinthians Reserves.
Greg Manning shot home the first from all of 30 yards while Ian Pepper and Richard Galvin wrapped the victory up.
Back on song
After the previous week's disappointing performance against Oxhey Jets, Sun Sports returned to form with a fine 3-1 win at Knebworth.
"Roger Cowans read the riot act to the players after that game," said spokesman Tom Barber,
"Knebworth are not a bad side, but we played excellently."
The result was never in much doubt with goals from Darren Hardwick, Phil Walker and Mark Goodman seeing Sun through.
The home side's only reward came in the final minute.
Sun Sports Reserves, meanwhile, go from strength to strength and notched up their 31st point out of a possible 33 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Chipperfield Corinthians Reserves.
Greg Manning shot home the first from all of 30 yards while Ian Pepper and Richard Galvin wrapped the victory up.
Sun Sports 5 Chipperfield Corinthians 2 1993/94 HCL Prem
Sun Sports are only behind Met Police on goal difference after they chalked up a fine 5-2 victory over Chipperfield Corinthians.
The game was effectively over as a contest by the break with Sun leading 4-1.
Chipperfield had taken a first minute lead through Colin Smith only for Stuart Kent to level a minute later.
Alan Langdale crossed for Darren Hardwick to head Sun into the lead after 10 minutes and there was little looking back.
Chipperfield were caught out by a quickly taken Phil Walker free kick for the third while John Field banged in the fourth.
Kent scored his second and Sun's fifth in the 58th minute.
But instead of ramming home their advantage Sun tried to be a bit too flashy for their own good to earn the after match wrath of their manager.
"We won't win the league if we play again like we did in the second half," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"We played very well and direct in the first half, the final score flatters us though."
John Hall scored a second goal for Chippo from the penalty spot five minutes from time.
The Sun reserves maintained their 100 per cent start to the season, but only just, as they beat St Peters 4-2 after extra time in the reserve Cup.
Richard Galvin struck in the final minute of normal time to rescue Sun from defeat.
Ian Pepper (2) and Kelly Dunning were the other scorers.
Sun Sports are only behind Met Police on goal difference after they chalked up a fine 5-2 victory over Chipperfield Corinthians.
The game was effectively over as a contest by the break with Sun leading 4-1.
Chipperfield had taken a first minute lead through Colin Smith only for Stuart Kent to level a minute later.
Alan Langdale crossed for Darren Hardwick to head Sun into the lead after 10 minutes and there was little looking back.
Chipperfield were caught out by a quickly taken Phil Walker free kick for the third while John Field banged in the fourth.
Kent scored his second and Sun's fifth in the 58th minute.
But instead of ramming home their advantage Sun tried to be a bit too flashy for their own good to earn the after match wrath of their manager.
"We won't win the league if we play again like we did in the second half," said Sun spokesman Tom Barber.
"We played very well and direct in the first half, the final score flatters us though."
John Hall scored a second goal for Chippo from the penalty spot five minutes from time.
The Sun reserves maintained their 100 per cent start to the season, but only just, as they beat St Peters 4-2 after extra time in the reserve Cup.
Richard Galvin struck in the final minute of normal time to rescue Sun from defeat.
Ian Pepper (2) and Kelly Dunning were the other scorers.
Thursday, 29 June 2017
Joe Maguire "The Silver Fox" 1993/94
Anyone who knows about the local non league football scene will have heard of Joe Maguire and defenders who have come up against him will vouch the fact that he is deadly in front of goal, even approaching the age of 36.
Last season Maguire helped Sun Sports end their lengthy wait for the Herts Senior County League championship which had eluded them for 50 years, scoring 26 goals in the process.
Nicknamed "The Silver Fox" because of his distinguished greying hair and his goal scoring ability, Maguire has prowled around the penalty boxes for nearly 20 years since starting out at Selby in the South Midlands League.
Although he never quite made the step up to league level he got nearer than most.
"When I was 16 I had a trial with Queens Park Rangers but I was played out of position in midfield. Then a few years later I was picked to play in a friendly match for Brentford but that was cancelled."
Who knows what might have happened had Maguire gained a break at that early stage of his career.
"I would have loved to have found out how good I really was and to have played for a league side."
Maguire's style of play is not dissimilar to that of Gary Lineker and it may come as a surprise to find that "Gentleman Joe" has quite a lot more in common with England's finest goalscorer than it may seem.
"My strengths are my stamina, I've got good ball control and I hold the ball up well to play others into the game."
"I suppose the "Gentleman Joe" nickname comes from the fact that I try to get on well with everyone, I don't get involved with referees and I tend not to kick people."
"I know it may sound clichéd but if players rubbish the referees too much they will start to drop out and then the game will be in an awful mess," warns Maguire.
Despite his love of the game, Maguire admits he was considering retiring at the end of last season..
"Success for Sun Sports meant we had to play over 50 games last season and towards the end we were playing three times a week on bone hard pitches. After a while it starts to take it's toll on the joints and I was really fed up."
Joe has also toyed with the idea of management.
"I might take an FA coaching badge but I'd rather be an assistant then take the full responsibility of manager."
"Whatever happens football has been great fun and full of laughs. Life is never dull when there is football to be played."
Anyone who knows about the local non league football scene will have heard of Joe Maguire and defenders who have come up against him will vouch the fact that he is deadly in front of goal, even approaching the age of 36.
Last season Maguire helped Sun Sports end their lengthy wait for the Herts Senior County League championship which had eluded them for 50 years, scoring 26 goals in the process.
Nicknamed "The Silver Fox" because of his distinguished greying hair and his goal scoring ability, Maguire has prowled around the penalty boxes for nearly 20 years since starting out at Selby in the South Midlands League.
Although he never quite made the step up to league level he got nearer than most.
"When I was 16 I had a trial with Queens Park Rangers but I was played out of position in midfield. Then a few years later I was picked to play in a friendly match for Brentford but that was cancelled."
Who knows what might have happened had Maguire gained a break at that early stage of his career.
"I would have loved to have found out how good I really was and to have played for a league side."
Maguire's style of play is not dissimilar to that of Gary Lineker and it may come as a surprise to find that "Gentleman Joe" has quite a lot more in common with England's finest goalscorer than it may seem.
"My strengths are my stamina, I've got good ball control and I hold the ball up well to play others into the game."
"I suppose the "Gentleman Joe" nickname comes from the fact that I try to get on well with everyone, I don't get involved with referees and I tend not to kick people."
"I know it may sound clichéd but if players rubbish the referees too much they will start to drop out and then the game will be in an awful mess," warns Maguire.
Despite his love of the game, Maguire admits he was considering retiring at the end of last season..
"Success for Sun Sports meant we had to play over 50 games last season and towards the end we were playing three times a week on bone hard pitches. After a while it starts to take it's toll on the joints and I was really fed up."
Joe has also toyed with the idea of management.
"I might take an FA coaching badge but I'd rather be an assistant then take the full responsibility of manager."
"Whatever happens football has been great fun and full of laughs. Life is never dull when there is football to be played."
Vernon Thomas One time Sun goalkeeper 1993/94
Ex Sun Sports and Bushey Rangers manager and goalkeeper Vernon Thomas cites as one of his biggest regrets as leaving Watford to join Chelsea just as Graham Taylor was joining the Vicarage Road club.
Thomas was aged just 15 at the time and was in the England Schoolboy squad, and when he heard about Chelsea's interest he jumped at the chance.
Now older and wiser he looks back at the episode and Wishes that he had stayed with the Hornets.
"Chelsea were a glamorous club with some of the best players in the country," explains Thomas.
"I was drawn to that glamour but they had the pick of all the players in the country and it didn't work out for me."
"The problem was I didn't grow any taller, not tall enough to make it there was a goalkeeper and they didn't offer me a contract."
"I wish I had stayed at Watford where I received the best coaching from Tom Walley. He was a great motivator. At Watford I received the sort of training and attention I never had at Chelsea.
Thomas played for the same school team, Grange Park, as Nigel Callaghan.
In fact Grange Park (Now known as Bushey Academy), also had another representative in the England Schoolboys team in Dennis Powell, who also went to Chelsea along with Thomas.
From Chelsea, Thomas went to play for Chesham, Amersham, Chalfont St Peter and Harefield United before work commitments forced him to retire from that level to the local football scene.
Thomas then reappeared in the County League with Sun Sports and then moved south to Bushey Rangers.
Thomas ruptured a thigh muscle which sidelined him for three years in which time he put on a lot of weight, his involvement with football has certainly been a bittersweet one with it's highs and lows.
Among the highs Thomas counts his appearance for England Schools against Wales at West Bromwich and the sheer excitement of the atmosphere in the 3-1 win against West Germany in front of an 80,000 crowd in Munich.
Ex Sun Sports and Bushey Rangers manager and goalkeeper Vernon Thomas cites as one of his biggest regrets as leaving Watford to join Chelsea just as Graham Taylor was joining the Vicarage Road club.
Thomas was aged just 15 at the time and was in the England Schoolboy squad, and when he heard about Chelsea's interest he jumped at the chance.
Now older and wiser he looks back at the episode and Wishes that he had stayed with the Hornets.
"Chelsea were a glamorous club with some of the best players in the country," explains Thomas.
"I was drawn to that glamour but they had the pick of all the players in the country and it didn't work out for me."
"The problem was I didn't grow any taller, not tall enough to make it there was a goalkeeper and they didn't offer me a contract."
"I wish I had stayed at Watford where I received the best coaching from Tom Walley. He was a great motivator. At Watford I received the sort of training and attention I never had at Chelsea.
Thomas played for the same school team, Grange Park, as Nigel Callaghan.
In fact Grange Park (Now known as Bushey Academy), also had another representative in the England Schoolboys team in Dennis Powell, who also went to Chelsea along with Thomas.
From Chelsea, Thomas went to play for Chesham, Amersham, Chalfont St Peter and Harefield United before work commitments forced him to retire from that level to the local football scene.
Thomas then reappeared in the County League with Sun Sports and then moved south to Bushey Rangers.
Thomas ruptured a thigh muscle which sidelined him for three years in which time he put on a lot of weight, his involvement with football has certainly been a bittersweet one with it's highs and lows.
Among the highs Thomas counts his appearance for England Schools against Wales at West Bromwich and the sheer excitement of the atmosphere in the 3-1 win against West Germany in front of an 80,000 crowd in Munich.
Met. Police Bushey 3 Sun Postal Sports 3 1999/00 Aubrey Cup
Letting games slip from their grasp is becoming a habit for Met Police Bushey, who allowed Sun Postal Sports back into the game after taking a 3-1 lead.
Visitors Sun were left feeling relieved to have their cup hopes intact after earning a replay with what boss Terry Hows called their "worst performance so far".
Duncan West bagged Police's first when he netted from the edge of the area through a melee, but Sun levelled in style through Andrew Wood's 25 yarder into the top corner.
West took his personal tally to two before the break when he beat two defenders and the keeper in a one to one chance.
And when Rennie Grant stormed down the left and finished with a cracking shot, police looked to be coasting to victory.
Instead, they proceeded to leave themselves open at the back and Sun levelled through Jimmy Harrison and Michael Woolner, who could apparently spot the target despite a lack of contact lenses.
It was Police who were left hanging through full time.
"We were 3-1 up and chasing the game," exclaimed Police's Jim Howard.
Letting games slip from their grasp is becoming a habit for Met Police Bushey, who allowed Sun Postal Sports back into the game after taking a 3-1 lead.
Visitors Sun were left feeling relieved to have their cup hopes intact after earning a replay with what boss Terry Hows called their "worst performance so far".
Duncan West bagged Police's first when he netted from the edge of the area through a melee, but Sun levelled in style through Andrew Wood's 25 yarder into the top corner.
West took his personal tally to two before the break when he beat two defenders and the keeper in a one to one chance.
And when Rennie Grant stormed down the left and finished with a cracking shot, police looked to be coasting to victory.
Instead, they proceeded to leave themselves open at the back and Sun levelled through Jimmy Harrison and Michael Woolner, who could apparently spot the target despite a lack of contact lenses.
It was Police who were left hanging through full time.
"We were 3-1 up and chasing the game," exclaimed Police's Jim Howard.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Oxhey Jets 0 1999/00 HCL Prem
After conceding seven goals in two games, Sun Postal Sports kept two clean sheets and took six points from two games.
Micky Woolner and Wayne Gladdy netted in a fully deserved victory at Colney Heath on Saturday.
And midweek, Sun made it three wins out of four at the expense of Oxhey Jets.
After a tight, goalless first half, Sun hit the bar and post before Jimmy Harrison headed home a cross.
Substitute Alex Brown headed the second with virtually his first touch of the game.
After conceding seven goals in two games, Sun Postal Sports kept two clean sheets and took six points from two games.
Micky Woolner and Wayne Gladdy netted in a fully deserved victory at Colney Heath on Saturday.
And midweek, Sun made it three wins out of four at the expense of Oxhey Jets.
After a tight, goalless first half, Sun hit the bar and post before Jimmy Harrison headed home a cross.
Substitute Alex Brown headed the second with virtually his first touch of the game.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Bedmond Social 3 1999/00 HCL Prem
Bedmond were forced to come from behind again when they travelled to Sun Postal Sports on Tuesday.
Michael Woolner netted for the home side, but ex Sun player Bradley Dunning levelled, only for Woolner to bag his second from the spot.
After the break, Bedmond's Nick Jones equalised and Mark Fryer snatched the winner ten minutes from time.
Sun earned an eventful 4-3 win on the opening day against Elliott Star.
An own goal and two goal keeping errors from Simon Bartley gifted Elliott their three goals, with Woolner's spot kick keeping the scoreline to 3-1.
The comeback began with a fantastic effort from the broken-toed Warren Gladdy, substitute Chris Bellotti headed the equaliser and a James Keen header from four yards sealed the win.
Bedmond were forced to come from behind again when they travelled to Sun Postal Sports on Tuesday.
Michael Woolner netted for the home side, but ex Sun player Bradley Dunning levelled, only for Woolner to bag his second from the spot.
After the break, Bedmond's Nick Jones equalised and Mark Fryer snatched the winner ten minutes from time.
Sun earned an eventful 4-3 win on the opening day against Elliott Star.
An own goal and two goal keeping errors from Simon Bartley gifted Elliott their three goals, with Woolner's spot kick keeping the scoreline to 3-1.
The comeback began with a fantastic effort from the broken-toed Warren Gladdy, substitute Chris Bellotti headed the equaliser and a James Keen header from four yards sealed the win.
Tring Athletic 3 Sun Postal Sports 1 1998/99 St Marys Cup Final
Sun fail to apply the finishing touch as Tring take the honours
Despite a brave attempt, Sun Postal failed to turn possession into goals in this year's St Marys Cup Final as Tring Athletic won the trophy for the second time in three seasons.
Sun Postal, sixth in the Herts County Premier League, matched their opponents who are third in the Minerva South Midlands Senior Division for much of the final.
But their neat approach play, which carved out enough opportunities, did not have a ruthless finish to it.
Tring took just eight minutes to seize control when Matt Ruscoe's left wing free kick was flighted to the far post where John Perry imperiously rose above Paul Haynes at the back post.
Sun then escaped going further behind when on minutes Matt Strange's flick sent Danny Robbins through the middle.
Tring's striker swept his shot past the advancing Andrew Felton but he was denied by the inside of the post.
Sun Postal's defence then found itself facing a string of corners and free kicks but the Herts County Premier side survived the barrage of attacks and then asserted themselves on the game with attacks of their own.
On 25 minutes the bustling Alan Langdale turned adroitly and unleashed a venomous shot from a tight angle that Tring keeper Tom Vincent did well to stop.
Gavin Allaway had an opportunity and from Langdale's cross, Paddy Gallagher's glancing touch was just not strong enough.
Sun were unlucky to go in at the interval trailing and early in the second period Michael Woolner looked to have played in Allaway until Tring's Vincent rushed from his line to clear the danger.
Tring then struck in the 67th minute to go further ahead when Robbins capitalised on a dithering Sun defence.
But once again Sun's heads did not drop and they were rewarded with a goal on 83 minutes.
Chris Bellotti's low shot from a corner had already been turned around the post by Vincent before Sun deservedly got back in the game when substitute Jim Harry latched onto a near post flick.
Influential captain Andrew Wood had an excellent dipping volley turned around the post by the busy Vincent but as Sun poured forward in search of an equaliser that ultimately never materialised - Tring hit back on the break.
With a minute remaining Robbins sprinted from his own half and Felton could only parry his shot as the Tring striker claimed his second goal of the game.
Sun Sports: Felton, Gallagher, White, Bellotti, Allaway (Harry), Masters, Wood, Haynes, Woolner, Langdale, Gladdy
Sun fail to apply the finishing touch as Tring take the honours
Despite a brave attempt, Sun Postal failed to turn possession into goals in this year's St Marys Cup Final as Tring Athletic won the trophy for the second time in three seasons.
Sun Postal, sixth in the Herts County Premier League, matched their opponents who are third in the Minerva South Midlands Senior Division for much of the final.
But their neat approach play, which carved out enough opportunities, did not have a ruthless finish to it.
Tring took just eight minutes to seize control when Matt Ruscoe's left wing free kick was flighted to the far post where John Perry imperiously rose above Paul Haynes at the back post.
Sun then escaped going further behind when on minutes Matt Strange's flick sent Danny Robbins through the middle.
Tring's striker swept his shot past the advancing Andrew Felton but he was denied by the inside of the post.
Sun Postal's defence then found itself facing a string of corners and free kicks but the Herts County Premier side survived the barrage of attacks and then asserted themselves on the game with attacks of their own.
On 25 minutes the bustling Alan Langdale turned adroitly and unleashed a venomous shot from a tight angle that Tring keeper Tom Vincent did well to stop.
Gavin Allaway had an opportunity and from Langdale's cross, Paddy Gallagher's glancing touch was just not strong enough.
Sun were unlucky to go in at the interval trailing and early in the second period Michael Woolner looked to have played in Allaway until Tring's Vincent rushed from his line to clear the danger.
Tring then struck in the 67th minute to go further ahead when Robbins capitalised on a dithering Sun defence.
But once again Sun's heads did not drop and they were rewarded with a goal on 83 minutes.
Chris Bellotti's low shot from a corner had already been turned around the post by Vincent before Sun deservedly got back in the game when substitute Jim Harry latched onto a near post flick.
Influential captain Andrew Wood had an excellent dipping volley turned around the post by the busy Vincent but as Sun poured forward in search of an equaliser that ultimately never materialised - Tring hit back on the break.
With a minute remaining Robbins sprinted from his own half and Felton could only parry his shot as the Tring striker claimed his second goal of the game.
Sun Sports: Felton, Gallagher, White, Bellotti, Allaway (Harry), Masters, Wood, Haynes, Woolner, Langdale, Gladdy
Sun Postal Sports 2 Wormley Rovers 0 1998/99 HCL Prem
Even without any real motivation left in the league, Sun Postal Sports left the best until last in a 2-0 win over Wormley Rovers.
The home side took the lead after 15 minutes when the ball was headed out to Andrew Wood who hit a fierce shot from the edge of the box.
Michael Woolner added the second after the break.
"We played really well, which showed what might have been," said Sun manager Terry Hows.
"I was disappointed with the lack of discipline this season as we ended four games with nine men."
Sun still have a St Marys Cup semi final clash to contest.
Even without any real motivation left in the league, Sun Postal Sports left the best until last in a 2-0 win over Wormley Rovers.
The home side took the lead after 15 minutes when the ball was headed out to Andrew Wood who hit a fierce shot from the edge of the box.
Michael Woolner added the second after the break.
"We played really well, which showed what might have been," said Sun manager Terry Hows.
"I was disappointed with the lack of discipline this season as we ended four games with nine men."
Sun still have a St Marys Cup semi final clash to contest.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Chipperfield Corinthians 0 1998/99 HCL Prem
It will be either Bedmond or Sun Postal Sports who will finish the top local side in the Premier Division.
Sun picked up three points with a 2-0 win over struggling Chipperfield Corinthians.
The home side grabbed both their goals in the first half, although Chipperfield did create a couple of chances and were once denied by the bar.
An excellent move by Alan Langdale opened the scoring when he volleyed home into the top corner from 12 yards.
Wayne Gladdy added the second after his pace took him past the defender and he drew the keeper before slipping his shot into the corner.
It will be either Bedmond or Sun Postal Sports who will finish the top local side in the Premier Division.
Sun picked up three points with a 2-0 win over struggling Chipperfield Corinthians.
The home side grabbed both their goals in the first half, although Chipperfield did create a couple of chances and were once denied by the bar.
An excellent move by Alan Langdale opened the scoring when he volleyed home into the top corner from 12 yards.
Wayne Gladdy added the second after his pace took him past the defender and he drew the keeper before slipping his shot into the corner.
Wednesday, 28 June 2017
Oxhey Jets 1 Sun Postal Sports 4 1998/99 HCL Prem
Jets blasted after dismal display allows Sun to shine brightly
Relegation threatened Oxhey Jets were slammed for an "abysmal" performance after they were brushed aside by Sun Postal Sports.
Club man John Elliott blasted the attitudes of some of the players after 14 men in total were unavailable for Saturday.
"I was disgusted - the attitude stinks and the football was abysmal," said Elliott.
"It was an embarrassment. I felt like apologising to Sun or having to play such uncommitted, non -responsive opposition."
"They did nothing but whinge about tackles instead of making any."
"We are being sucked back into trouble but when there is half a side missing it shows a lack of dedication to the cause."
Sun had little trouble taking the three points - hitting four and conceding one when Jets' Gary Page found the target.
Jets blasted after dismal display allows Sun to shine brightly
Relegation threatened Oxhey Jets were slammed for an "abysmal" performance after they were brushed aside by Sun Postal Sports.
Club man John Elliott blasted the attitudes of some of the players after 14 men in total were unavailable for Saturday.
"I was disgusted - the attitude stinks and the football was abysmal," said Elliott.
"It was an embarrassment. I felt like apologising to Sun or having to play such uncommitted, non -responsive opposition."
"They did nothing but whinge about tackles instead of making any."
"We are being sucked back into trouble but when there is half a side missing it shows a lack of dedication to the cause."
Sun had little trouble taking the three points - hitting four and conceding one when Jets' Gary Page found the target.
Sun Postal Sports 1 Benington 5 1998/99 Herts Centenary Trophy Semi Final
Bad discipline leaves Sun empty handed
Disciplinary problems proved top be the downfall of Sun Postal Sports in their second semi final cup defeat in as many weeks.
For the fourth time this season, Sun were reduced to nine men after Kevin Affleck and Luke Eldridge were given their marching orders in the Herts Centenary Trophy clash with Benington.
The numerical disadvantage left them with no chance as Benington netted four times in extra time to emerge 5-1 winners.
"It is very, very disappointing having played in two semi finals which we should have won, but ended up with nothing," said manager Terry Hows.
"It is down to stupidity by the players and was not fair to the nine left on the pitch."
Sun fell 1-0 behind early on in Saturday's clash, but began to dominate in the second half.
Disaster struck when their two players were red carded in the 75th and 85th minutes, though Sun still equalised on the 86th minute when Michael Woolner converted from the spot.
In extra time, a bad defensive mistake gave Benington the early advantage and when they netted their third the game was over as a contest.
Bad discipline leaves Sun empty handed
Disciplinary problems proved top be the downfall of Sun Postal Sports in their second semi final cup defeat in as many weeks.
For the fourth time this season, Sun were reduced to nine men after Kevin Affleck and Luke Eldridge were given their marching orders in the Herts Centenary Trophy clash with Benington.
The numerical disadvantage left them with no chance as Benington netted four times in extra time to emerge 5-1 winners.
"It is very, very disappointing having played in two semi finals which we should have won, but ended up with nothing," said manager Terry Hows.
"It is down to stupidity by the players and was not fair to the nine left on the pitch."
Sun fell 1-0 behind early on in Saturday's clash, but began to dominate in the second half.
Disaster struck when their two players were red carded in the 75th and 85th minutes, though Sun still equalised on the 86th minute when Michael Woolner converted from the spot.
In extra time, a bad defensive mistake gave Benington the early advantage and when they netted their third the game was over as a contest.
Colney Heath 2 Sun Postal Sports 1 1998/99 Aubrey Cup Semi Final
Hand of fate deals Sun a nasty blow in Aubrey bid
The perfect start turned into a nightmare for Sun Postal Sports as their bid for cup glory was dashed on Saturday.
All seemed to be going according to plan in the Aubrey Cup clash with Colney Heath when prolific midfielder Mick Woolner gave Sun a fifth minute lead.
But five minutes later the same player received his marching orders for hand ball - a decision hotly disputed by the Sun bench.
Following a ball into the box, Woolner seemingly put his arm up to defend his face.
A penalty was given and Woolner red carded.
"It was very disappointing," said Sun's Terry Hows.
"The worst scenario should have been a penalty, but it was not a sending off. It ruined the game."
Colney Heath converted from the spot and then took the lead before half time.
They then squandered more chances to lengthen their lead after the break but the score remained the same.
Hand of fate deals Sun a nasty blow in Aubrey bid
The perfect start turned into a nightmare for Sun Postal Sports as their bid for cup glory was dashed on Saturday.
All seemed to be going according to plan in the Aubrey Cup clash with Colney Heath when prolific midfielder Mick Woolner gave Sun a fifth minute lead.
But five minutes later the same player received his marching orders for hand ball - a decision hotly disputed by the Sun bench.
Following a ball into the box, Woolner seemingly put his arm up to defend his face.
A penalty was given and Woolner red carded.
"It was very disappointing," said Sun's Terry Hows.
"The worst scenario should have been a penalty, but it was not a sending off. It ruined the game."
Colney Heath converted from the spot and then took the lead before half time.
They then squandered more chances to lengthen their lead after the break but the score remained the same.
Sun Postal Sports 6 Hatfield Town 1 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun Postal Sports' 6-1 scoreline over Hatfield Town apparently seems more exciting than it actually was.
The home side scored in the first minute and expected to cruise to victory, but were shut out until the first minute after the break.
In a much improved second half, Sun added five more to seal the three points.
Alex Brown grabbed a hat trick, Michael Woolner hit a brace and Wayne Gladdy was also on target.
Sun Postal Sports' 6-1 scoreline over Hatfield Town apparently seems more exciting than it actually was.
The home side scored in the first minute and expected to cruise to victory, but were shut out until the first minute after the break.
In a much improved second half, Sun added five more to seal the three points.
Alex Brown grabbed a hat trick, Michael Woolner hit a brace and Wayne Gladdy was also on target.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Bedmond Social 0 1998/99 HCL Prem
A typically heated battle was played out between Sun Postal Sports and Bedmond Sports & Social, with three players sent off.
Sun's Dion Osbourne headed his side to a 30 minute lead from a couple of yards out after team mate and keeper Simon Bartlett had saved a penalty 15 minutes earlier.
Then minutes into the second half, Bedmond were reduced to nine men and Sun to ten.
Paddy Gallagher's header from "two inches" after 70 minutes put the three points in the bag for Sun.
A typically heated battle was played out between Sun Postal Sports and Bedmond Sports & Social, with three players sent off.
Sun's Dion Osbourne headed his side to a 30 minute lead from a couple of yards out after team mate and keeper Simon Bartlett had saved a penalty 15 minutes earlier.
Then minutes into the second half, Bedmond were reduced to nine men and Sun to ten.
Paddy Gallagher's header from "two inches" after 70 minutes put the three points in the bag for Sun.
Monday, 26 June 2017
Sun Postal Sports 2 Cuffley 0 1998/99 Herts Centenary Trophy
In a week in which fixtures were decimated by the weather, Saturday's volatile game between Sun Postal Sports and Cuffley in the Herts Centenary Trophy was the only game to feature a local first team clash.
The clash was goalless after 90 minutes, with Sun forced to play with nine men for 12 minutes of normal time and extra time.
Sun's defence performed particularly well to keep Cuffley out, with keeper Simon Bartley making some tremendous saves and saving a penalty in the dying moments of normal time.
Paul Haynes and Michael Woolner found the target for Sun in extra time with two breakaway efforts.
In a week in which fixtures were decimated by the weather, Saturday's volatile game between Sun Postal Sports and Cuffley in the Herts Centenary Trophy was the only game to feature a local first team clash.
The clash was goalless after 90 minutes, with Sun forced to play with nine men for 12 minutes of normal time and extra time.
Sun's defence performed particularly well to keep Cuffley out, with keeper Simon Bartley making some tremendous saves and saving a penalty in the dying moments of normal time.
Paul Haynes and Michael Woolner found the target for Sun in extra time with two breakaway efforts.
Tom Barber 1998/99 From Watford Observer
Club man quits Sun after 50 years' service
A stalwart of Sun Postal Sports for more than half a century has decided to quit the club in protest at the standard of officials and system of fines in the Hertfordshire County League.
Tom Barber, who first played for the club when he was 15 and has since managed all three teams, encountered the final straw at Saturday's bad tempered cup game against Cuffley.
The decision highlights a faltering relationship between some clubs and the league, which is currently tightening its rules and regulations.
"It's no longer a man's game - there are players falling around, referees getting conned and referees punishing good tackles," said ex referee Barber.
"Some referees don't seem to know the difference between a late, or mis-timed tackle, and a tackle with intent."
"The other thing is the amount of fines clubs have to pay. The sort of money is ridiculous. Most clubs do not have the money."
"Things are deteriorating and I just don't enjoy it anymore,"
But Herts County League secretary Kevin Folds said most of the fines attracted by the clubs are avoidable.
One bone of contention has been the technical area rule, which limits the number of club members in the dug out and allows only one person to be standing.
Other clubs have been fined for not adhering to the rule of phoning in their result to the league within half an hour of the final whistle.
"Clubs have been sloppy in terms of administration, but with a number of new officers coming in, we have started the transition of getting rules and regulations back to standard," said Folds.
"Most of the clubs are going to find it painful, but once they get into the habit it will be for their long term benefit and the league will attract quality new clubs.
"We introduced the technical area rule because we were struggling to get officials and the linesmen did not appreciate being chased up and down the line.
There is also a safety aspect.
"The main problem is that clubs do not have the administrators anymore and they have got sloppy."
"The league has been over generous in the pat. We gave an inch and clubs took a mile. We are now applying the rules rigidly and it is hurting,"
"Any incident involving a player is down to the FA. I accept that clubs have a genuine grievance due to the fact that the penalty for an offence can be less in a Premiership game than at our level."
"For example, swearing can mean a two week suspension in the Premier League, but a five week suspension at this level, which can mean a player misses 15 games."
Club man quits Sun after 50 years' service
A stalwart of Sun Postal Sports for more than half a century has decided to quit the club in protest at the standard of officials and system of fines in the Hertfordshire County League.
Tom Barber, who first played for the club when he was 15 and has since managed all three teams, encountered the final straw at Saturday's bad tempered cup game against Cuffley.
The decision highlights a faltering relationship between some clubs and the league, which is currently tightening its rules and regulations.
"It's no longer a man's game - there are players falling around, referees getting conned and referees punishing good tackles," said ex referee Barber.
"Some referees don't seem to know the difference between a late, or mis-timed tackle, and a tackle with intent."
"The other thing is the amount of fines clubs have to pay. The sort of money is ridiculous. Most clubs do not have the money."
"Things are deteriorating and I just don't enjoy it anymore,"
But Herts County League secretary Kevin Folds said most of the fines attracted by the clubs are avoidable.
One bone of contention has been the technical area rule, which limits the number of club members in the dug out and allows only one person to be standing.
Other clubs have been fined for not adhering to the rule of phoning in their result to the league within half an hour of the final whistle.
"Clubs have been sloppy in terms of administration, but with a number of new officers coming in, we have started the transition of getting rules and regulations back to standard," said Folds.
"Most of the clubs are going to find it painful, but once they get into the habit it will be for their long term benefit and the league will attract quality new clubs.
"We introduced the technical area rule because we were struggling to get officials and the linesmen did not appreciate being chased up and down the line.
There is also a safety aspect.
"The main problem is that clubs do not have the administrators anymore and they have got sloppy."
"The league has been over generous in the pat. We gave an inch and clubs took a mile. We are now applying the rules rigidly and it is hurting,"
"Any incident involving a player is down to the FA. I accept that clubs have a genuine grievance due to the fact that the penalty for an offence can be less in a Premiership game than at our level."
"For example, swearing can mean a two week suspension in the Premier League, but a five week suspension at this level, which can mean a player misses 15 games."
Agrevo Sports 0 Sun Postal Sports 5 1998/99 HCL Prem
A crushing first half display from Sun Postal Sports left Agrevo Sports stunned - and five goals down by the interval.
Sun Postal showed some of the form that knocked Elliott Star out of the Aubrey Cup quarter final the previous week and the 5-0 drubbing lifts Sun Postal above Agrevo in the Premier Division table.
Dion Osbourne led the way for Sun Postal by completing a quick hat trick in the first 25 minutes - featuring two volleys and a header - before Alex Brown and Michael Woolner got in on the act before the break.
The scintillating first half display effectively secured the points for Sun but Agrevo managed to stop the flow of goals in the second half.
Tom barber of Sun Postal Sports said, "I've never known a scoreline like that before at half time and, up to then, it was the best performance I've seen all season."
"We can still be inconsistent, we can be awful one week like we were at Benington but then the next week play like that,"
A crushing first half display from Sun Postal Sports left Agrevo Sports stunned - and five goals down by the interval.
Sun Postal showed some of the form that knocked Elliott Star out of the Aubrey Cup quarter final the previous week and the 5-0 drubbing lifts Sun Postal above Agrevo in the Premier Division table.
Dion Osbourne led the way for Sun Postal by completing a quick hat trick in the first 25 minutes - featuring two volleys and a header - before Alex Brown and Michael Woolner got in on the act before the break.
The scintillating first half display effectively secured the points for Sun but Agrevo managed to stop the flow of goals in the second half.
Tom barber of Sun Postal Sports said, "I've never known a scoreline like that before at half time and, up to then, it was the best performance I've seen all season."
"We can still be inconsistent, we can be awful one week like we were at Benington but then the next week play like that,"
Elliott Star 2 Sun Postal Sports 4 1998/99 Aubrey Cup
The art of defending went out of the window for Sun Postal Sports in the fist half of their Aubrey Cup quarter final clash with Elliott Star.
Slow in coming out of the traps, Sun were 2-0 behind after ten minutes, before finding their feet and levelling before the break through Michael Woolner and Dion Osbourne.
With no further goals in the second half, extra time beckoned and Alex Brown gave Sun the advantage in the first period.
Elliott shot themselves in the foot when they had a man sent off and Sun sealed the victory with an Andrew Wood effort.
"It was a tight game and Elliott had a chance to go three up in the first half which could have made the difference," said Sun's Terry Hows, "Woolner was outstanding".
The art of defending went out of the window for Sun Postal Sports in the fist half of their Aubrey Cup quarter final clash with Elliott Star.
Slow in coming out of the traps, Sun were 2-0 behind after ten minutes, before finding their feet and levelling before the break through Michael Woolner and Dion Osbourne.
With no further goals in the second half, extra time beckoned and Alex Brown gave Sun the advantage in the first period.
Elliott shot themselves in the foot when they had a man sent off and Sun sealed the victory with an Andrew Wood effort.
"It was a tight game and Elliott had a chance to go three up in the first half which could have made the difference," said Sun's Terry Hows, "Woolner was outstanding".
Sun Postal Sports 1 Benington 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
Three men received their marching orders in the clash between Sun Postal Sports and Benington.
Reduced to nine men, Sun left it until the last couple of minutes to stage their comeback from a 2-0 deficit.
Andy Wood hit a cracking volley from outside the area and then Luke Eldridge whacked the post with virtually the last kick of the game.
Apart from that flurry of activity, however, the game was described as "awful", with the only other notable occurrence being a dubious penalty granted to Benington for which the Sun player who put in the last tackle was sent off.
Three men received their marching orders in the clash between Sun Postal Sports and Benington.
Reduced to nine men, Sun left it until the last couple of minutes to stage their comeback from a 2-0 deficit.
Andy Wood hit a cracking volley from outside the area and then Luke Eldridge whacked the post with virtually the last kick of the game.
Apart from that flurry of activity, however, the game was described as "awful", with the only other notable occurrence being a dubious penalty granted to Benington for which the Sun player who put in the last tackle was sent off.
Oxhey Jets 2 Sun Postal Sports 3 1998/99 Herts Senior Trophy
There was a clash between Oxhey Jets and Sun Postal Sports in the Herts Senior Trophy on Saturday.
It was a dire game, although one with a twist in its tail.
In form Sun found themselves two goals behind after 16 minutes after Jets' striker Gary Page struck twice and the home side looked to be cruising to victory with the score at 2-0 after 75 minutes.
But Sun's Lee Pope started the late comeback when he burst through midfield and smashed his shot into the top left hand corner from the edge of the box.
Chris Bellotti levelled the score after 80 minutes and striker Alex Brown netted the late winner.
"We were not very happy, they totally collapsed," said Jets' John Elliott.
"It's a man's game and our lot are unfit wimps."
There was a clash between Oxhey Jets and Sun Postal Sports in the Herts Senior Trophy on Saturday.
It was a dire game, although one with a twist in its tail.
In form Sun found themselves two goals behind after 16 minutes after Jets' striker Gary Page struck twice and the home side looked to be cruising to victory with the score at 2-0 after 75 minutes.
But Sun's Lee Pope started the late comeback when he burst through midfield and smashed his shot into the top left hand corner from the edge of the box.
Chris Bellotti levelled the score after 80 minutes and striker Alex Brown netted the late winner.
"We were not very happy, they totally collapsed," said Jets' John Elliott.
"It's a man's game and our lot are unfit wimps."
Sun Postal Sports 2 Elliott Star 3 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun Postal Sports' good run came to an end in disappointing fashion on Saturday when Elliott Star converted a penalty in the dying minutes.
The home side had a very poor first half and were left facing a one goal deficit at the break which 0was doubled in the 75th minute.
But Sun fought back through midfielder Andrew Wood's 25 yarder and Lee Pope's equaliser.
Then straight from the kick off, an Elliott shot hit the bar, and during the resulting efforts of the defence to clear, a spot kick was awarded for shirt pulling.
Sun Postal Sports' good run came to an end in disappointing fashion on Saturday when Elliott Star converted a penalty in the dying minutes.
The home side had a very poor first half and were left facing a one goal deficit at the break which 0was doubled in the 75th minute.
But Sun fought back through midfielder Andrew Wood's 25 yarder and Lee Pope's equaliser.
Then straight from the kick off, an Elliott shot hit the bar, and during the resulting efforts of the defence to clear, a spot kick was awarded for shirt pulling.
Sandridge Rovers 1 Sun Postal Sports 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun rise above the pack with sparkling recent form in a division of contradictions
In a division where everybody seems capable of beating everyone else, it is currently Sun Postal Sports who are establishing themselves as the team to beat.
After losing just one in the last 11 games, the young team can hardly seem to put a foot wrong at the moment.
In one of their more notable victories yet, they defeated one of the league's front runners, Sandridge Rovers on Saturday to continue the good run.
The home side started well and took the lead after ten minutes, but Sun restored parity with an Alex Brown strike.
Maybe the turning point of the game came when Rovers were awarded a penalty after half an hour, with Anderson's spot kick hitting the post.
With 15 minutes remaining, it took a spectacular goal from Sun's Dion Osbourne to snatch victory.
the ball was crossed into the area and looked reasonably safe until Osbourne produced a cracking bicycle kick with his back towards goal.
Defender Paddy Gallagher was praised for his outstanding performance at the back for Sun.
Sun rise above the pack with sparkling recent form in a division of contradictions
In a division where everybody seems capable of beating everyone else, it is currently Sun Postal Sports who are establishing themselves as the team to beat.
After losing just one in the last 11 games, the young team can hardly seem to put a foot wrong at the moment.
In one of their more notable victories yet, they defeated one of the league's front runners, Sandridge Rovers on Saturday to continue the good run.
The home side started well and took the lead after ten minutes, but Sun restored parity with an Alex Brown strike.
Maybe the turning point of the game came when Rovers were awarded a penalty after half an hour, with Anderson's spot kick hitting the post.
With 15 minutes remaining, it took a spectacular goal from Sun's Dion Osbourne to snatch victory.
the ball was crossed into the area and looked reasonably safe until Osbourne produced a cracking bicycle kick with his back towards goal.
Defender Paddy Gallagher was praised for his outstanding performance at the back for Sun.
Benington 1 Sun Postal Sports 1 1998/99 HCL Prem
In form Sun Postal Sports played well, but had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils from their visit to Benington.
The home side took the lead before Chris Bellotti scrambled home the equaliser, and from that point on Sun controlled the game - ultimately feeling unlucky not to bag all three points.
In form Sun Postal Sports played well, but had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils from their visit to Benington.
The home side took the lead before Chris Bellotti scrambled home the equaliser, and from that point on Sun controlled the game - ultimately feeling unlucky not to bag all three points.
Agrevo Sports 0 Sun Postal Sports 4 1998/99 Herts Senior Trophy
Sun Postal Sports can't put foot wrong at the moment and the weather could not stop them romping to a Herts Senior Cup win against Agrevo Sports.
The home side started badly when they were reduced to ten men after about 15 minutes when a player caught a through ball and Sun exploited the advantage of the extra man.
The prolific Michael Woolner hit a treble to give Sun a 3-0 lead at the break and Lee Pope added the fourth.
Sun Postal Sports can't put foot wrong at the moment and the weather could not stop them romping to a Herts Senior Cup win against Agrevo Sports.
The home side started badly when they were reduced to ten men after about 15 minutes when a player caught a through ball and Sun exploited the advantage of the extra man.
The prolific Michael Woolner hit a treble to give Sun a 3-0 lead at the break and Lee Pope added the fourth.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
Chipperfield Corinthians 1 Sun Postal Sports 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
In form Sun Postal Sports continued their impressive run with a pleasing win over Chipperfield Corinthians.
Sun's cohesion and flair in midfield seems to be the key to opening the opposition up.
However, it was Chipperfield who bossed the first half, playing some good football.
An example of this led to an opening goal for the home side when they picked the ball up in their own half, played a couple of good one-two's and released a player wide.
The resulting cross found the target thanks to Sun manager Terry Hows' attempts to clear.
After the break, Sun were soon back on level terms when Alex Brown netted.
It was veteran Paddy Gallagher who was making his season's debut after being called up from the reserves, who grabbed the winner - smashing one home from "about two inches".
"We are playing quite well, but still do not quite have the bite and belief in the final third," was the verdict of Sun's Tom Barber.
In form Sun Postal Sports continued their impressive run with a pleasing win over Chipperfield Corinthians.
Sun's cohesion and flair in midfield seems to be the key to opening the opposition up.
However, it was Chipperfield who bossed the first half, playing some good football.
An example of this led to an opening goal for the home side when they picked the ball up in their own half, played a couple of good one-two's and released a player wide.
The resulting cross found the target thanks to Sun manager Terry Hows' attempts to clear.
After the break, Sun were soon back on level terms when Alex Brown netted.
It was veteran Paddy Gallagher who was making his season's debut after being called up from the reserves, who grabbed the winner - smashing one home from "about two inches".
"We are playing quite well, but still do not quite have the bite and belief in the final third," was the verdict of Sun's Tom Barber.
Wormley Rovers 1 Sun Postal Sports 1 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun Postal Sports almost produced an excellent win against one of the Premier Division's top sides, but lacked the necessary belief to finish the game.
Before the clash at Wormley Rovers, Sun would have been pleased to take a point but ended up feeling slightly disappointed after the 1-1 result.
"They needed that extra belief and application, but we are well pleased with the way they are playing," said Sun's Tom Barber.
"We were really on top in the second half and could have got a nice win."
Sun took the lead after 20 minutes following a well worked move in midfield which culminated in Michael Woolner finding the target.
But eight minutes later, Wormley restored parity and despite some good play by Sun, the score line stayed the same.
Sun Postal Sports almost produced an excellent win against one of the Premier Division's top sides, but lacked the necessary belief to finish the game.
Before the clash at Wormley Rovers, Sun would have been pleased to take a point but ended up feeling slightly disappointed after the 1-1 result.
"They needed that extra belief and application, but we are well pleased with the way they are playing," said Sun's Tom Barber.
"We were really on top in the second half and could have got a nice win."
Sun took the lead after 20 minutes following a well worked move in midfield which culminated in Michael Woolner finding the target.
But eight minutes later, Wormley restored parity and despite some good play by Sun, the score line stayed the same.
Sun Postal Sports 3 Standon & Puckeridge 1998/99 Aubrey Cup
Midfielder Michael Woolner grabbed all three goals for Sun Postal Sports in their 3-0 cup win over Standon & Puckeridge.
The first of his hat trick came from the spot after 21 minutes.
The game was evenly balanced until the 76th minute when Sun began to play with more authority and gain the upper hand.
The decisive two goals came in a five minute spell - both stemming from good moves.
First, Gavin Hollaway's cross was volleyed home and then Woolner finished a well worked build up in midfield.
Midfielder Michael Woolner grabbed all three goals for Sun Postal Sports in their 3-0 cup win over Standon & Puckeridge.
The first of his hat trick came from the spot after 21 minutes.
The game was evenly balanced until the 76th minute when Sun began to play with more authority and gain the upper hand.
The decisive two goals came in a five minute spell - both stemming from good moves.
First, Gavin Hollaway's cross was volleyed home and then Woolner finished a well worked build up in midfield.
Colney Heath 1 Sun Postal Sports 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
A puncture to a car carrying five Sun Postal Sports' players meant Sun did not get the best start against Colney Heath.
After three minutes, Sun were a goal behind, but came back to secure a thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory.
Michael Woolner netted both - the first stemming from a ball from the back, touched on by three midfield players and the second from a free kick to the far post.
Keeper Andy Feltham saved a penalty in the 64th minute to protect the lead.
"They really tightened it up this week," said Sun's Tom Barber, "The midfield were terrific."
A puncture to a car carrying five Sun Postal Sports' players meant Sun did not get the best start against Colney Heath.
After three minutes, Sun were a goal behind, but came back to secure a thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory.
Michael Woolner netted both - the first stemming from a ball from the back, touched on by three midfield players and the second from a free kick to the far post.
Keeper Andy Feltham saved a penalty in the 64th minute to protect the lead.
"They really tightened it up this week," said Sun's Tom Barber, "The midfield were terrific."
Sun Postal Sports 3 Kings Langley 0 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun posted a runaway win against pointless Kings Langley.
The division's punching bag will need to make some changes after yet another defeat - something manager Colin Jones is currently considering.
According to Sun's Tom Barber, his team "Won at a canter," on Saturday, courtesy of an own goal, plus strikes from Michael Woolner and Alan Langdale.
Sun posted a runaway win against pointless Kings Langley.
The division's punching bag will need to make some changes after yet another defeat - something manager Colin Jones is currently considering.
According to Sun's Tom Barber, his team "Won at a canter," on Saturday, courtesy of an own goal, plus strikes from Michael Woolner and Alan Langdale.
Sun Postal Sports 4 Oxhey Jets 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun Postal Sports earned two consecutive wins - the first a 4-2 win in the league over Oxhey Jets.
Sun appeared to be cruising at 2-0, but conceded a Gary Page goal which seemed top panic the defence.
They increased their lead to 4-1 through scorers Alan Langdale, Alex Brown, Greg Manning and Lee Pope, before Darren Stewart netted a consolation.
Sun Postal Sports earned two consecutive wins - the first a 4-2 win in the league over Oxhey Jets.
Sun appeared to be cruising at 2-0, but conceded a Gary Page goal which seemed top panic the defence.
They increased their lead to 4-1 through scorers Alan Langdale, Alex Brown, Greg Manning and Lee Pope, before Darren Stewart netted a consolation.
Sun Postal Sports 1 Sandridge Rovers 2 1998/99 HCL Prem
Sun Postal Sports' Tom Barber insisted there was no disappointment despite an opening day defeat at the hands of Sandridge Rovers.
The game looked promising for Sun when Stephen Kelly opened the scoring with a 30 yard shot that flew past Paul Toms in the Sandridge goal.
However, a deliberate handball in the 40th minute left Sun with ten men going into the second half.
Things went from bad to worse when Sun had a second player red carded for a tough tackle and the remaining nine men conceded three goals.
"We didn't deserve to lose," said Barber.
Sun Postal Sports' Tom Barber insisted there was no disappointment despite an opening day defeat at the hands of Sandridge Rovers.
The game looked promising for Sun when Stephen Kelly opened the scoring with a 30 yard shot that flew past Paul Toms in the Sandridge goal.
However, a deliberate handball in the 40th minute left Sun with ten men going into the second half.
Things went from bad to worse when Sun had a second player red carded for a tough tackle and the remaining nine men conceded three goals.
"We didn't deserve to lose," said Barber.
Sun Postal Sports 1 Benington 2 1997/98 Aubrey Cup Semi Final Replay
Sun Postal saw their lead and their hopes of reaching the Aubrey Cup Final, disappear on Saturday.
Postal went ahead after 14 minutes when Paul Haynes pulled the ball back for Alan Langdale to score with a brilliant volley.
Benington did not equalise until the 76th minute but, eight minutes later , they scored again to go through to the final.
"Their equaliser was a little bit fortunate but we had enough chances before then," admitted Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal saw their lead and their hopes of reaching the Aubrey Cup Final, disappear on Saturday.
Postal went ahead after 14 minutes when Paul Haynes pulled the ball back for Alan Langdale to score with a brilliant volley.
Benington did not equalise until the 76th minute but, eight minutes later , they scored again to go through to the final.
"Their equaliser was a little bit fortunate but we had enough chances before then," admitted Sun's Tom Barber.
Wormley Rovers 0 Sun Postal Sports 2 1997/98 HCL Prem
Sun Postal lifted themselves to the dizzy heights of fifth in the table as a result of their 2-0 win at Wormley.
The purple patch of form continued for Sun as they went ahead after 33 minutes through a Lee Pope goal.
The points were made safe 16 minutes from time when Mark Graham unleashed a 25 yard free kick.
Sun's excellent run now needs to continue into tomorrow's Aubrey Cup semi final replay with Benington.
Sun Postal lifted themselves to the dizzy heights of fifth in the table as a result of their 2-0 win at Wormley.
The purple patch of form continued for Sun as they went ahead after 33 minutes through a Lee Pope goal.
The points were made safe 16 minutes from time when Mark Graham unleashed a 25 yard free kick.
Sun's excellent run now needs to continue into tomorrow's Aubrey Cup semi final replay with Benington.
Elliott Star 2 Sun Postal Sports 5 1997/98 HCL Prem
Unpredictable Sun Postal made an amazing comeback as they beat Elliott Star 5-2 in another high scoring encounter.
Earlier this season Sun beat Star 7-3 in the Aubrey Cup and Sun's earning of three league points was no less exciting.
Paul Haynes and Steve Kelly made it 2-0 within 17 minutes of the restart, Alan Langdale put Sun ahead and a brace from Ben Cowan put the result beyond doubt.
"I just cannot work us out at the moment. We never know what will happen from one week to the next," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Unpredictable Sun Postal made an amazing comeback as they beat Elliott Star 5-2 in another high scoring encounter.
Earlier this season Sun beat Star 7-3 in the Aubrey Cup and Sun's earning of three league points was no less exciting.
Paul Haynes and Steve Kelly made it 2-0 within 17 minutes of the restart, Alan Langdale put Sun ahead and a brace from Ben Cowan put the result beyond doubt.
"I just cannot work us out at the moment. We never know what will happen from one week to the next," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Benington 1 Sun Postal Sports 1 1997/98 Aubrey Cup Semi Final
Sun Postal are still in the Aubrey Cup, but needed an equaliser four minutes from the end of extra time from Alan Langdale to draw 1-1 with Benington.
Sun felt they had a perfectly good goal from Chris Bellotti ruled out for offside 15 minutes from the end of normal time, and then fell a goal down in the first extra period.
Langdale levelled in the 116th minute to earn the replay.
"It was a battling performance in awful conditions," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal are still in the Aubrey Cup, but needed an equaliser four minutes from the end of extra time from Alan Langdale to draw 1-1 with Benington.
Sun felt they had a perfectly good goal from Chris Bellotti ruled out for offside 15 minutes from the end of normal time, and then fell a goal down in the first extra period.
Langdale levelled in the 116th minute to earn the replay.
"It was a battling performance in awful conditions," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal Sports 3 Oxhey Jets 0 1997/98 HCL Prem
Sun Postal's 3-0 win over Oxhey Jets was such a low key affair that Jets' John Elliott said, "It was more like a friendly than a league game."
Benny Higham headed into his own net to give Sun the lead and they scored two more in the last five minutes.
Jets conceded a needless penalty which Michael Woolner tucked away and Chris Bellotti hit the third in the last minute.
Sun Postal's 3-0 win over Oxhey Jets was such a low key affair that Jets' John Elliott said, "It was more like a friendly than a league game."
Benny Higham headed into his own net to give Sun the lead and they scored two more in the last five minutes.
Jets conceded a needless penalty which Michael Woolner tucked away and Chris Bellotti hit the third in the last minute.
Elliott Star 3 Sun Postal Sports 7 1997/98 Aubrey Cup
Sun Postal beat Elliott Star 7-3 in the Aubrey Cup, but either side could have reached double figures.
"It was a game where either defence looked capable of giving a goal away at any time," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun, missing three suspended players, led 4-2 at the break before stretching their lead in the second half.
They even afforded themselves the luxury of failing to score from three one on ones after their seventh goal went in.
Sun Postal beat Elliott Star 7-3 in the Aubrey Cup, but either side could have reached double figures.
"It was a game where either defence looked capable of giving a goal away at any time," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun, missing three suspended players, led 4-2 at the break before stretching their lead in the second half.
They even afforded themselves the luxury of failing to score from three one on ones after their seventh goal went in.
Met Police Bushey 1 Sun Postal Sports 2 1997/98 HCL Prem
Sun Postal gave what manager Terry Hows described as "An improved performance but not perfect," as they beat Met Police Bushey 2-1.
Having gone behind, Sun levelled when Chris Bellotti pounced after a free kick had been parried.
The same player scored the winner in the 73rd minute, heading home from a well flighted free kick.
Sun Postal gave what manager Terry Hows described as "An improved performance but not perfect," as they beat Met Police Bushey 2-1.
Having gone behind, Sun levelled when Chris Bellotti pounced after a free kick had been parried.
The same player scored the winner in the 73rd minute, heading home from a well flighted free kick.
Oxhey Jets 4 Sun Postal Sports 1 1997/98 HCL Prem
Boss Hodges inspires Jets to a fightback
An inspirational half time talk from manager George Hodges turned the game for Oxhey Jets as they came back from a goal down to trounce Sun Postal 4-1.
Jets had wasted a succession of chances and then received a blow on the stroke of half time as one of their former players, Chris Bellotti, broke clear to put Sun 1-0 up.
"The boys were down at half time but George stayed calm, lifted them and they responded," said Jet's John Elliott.
Paul Eggleton levelled after 65 minutes and Jets won the game with three goals in six minutes in the closing stages.
Gary Page toe-poked them in front, Eggleton's low drive made it 3-1 and Darryn Stewart ended his poor run with the fourth.
"We were poor but they were the best Jets team we've played. They should have been well in front before we scored and could have had ten," admitted Sun's Tom Barber.
Boss Hodges inspires Jets to a fightback
An inspirational half time talk from manager George Hodges turned the game for Oxhey Jets as they came back from a goal down to trounce Sun Postal 4-1.
Jets had wasted a succession of chances and then received a blow on the stroke of half time as one of their former players, Chris Bellotti, broke clear to put Sun 1-0 up.
"The boys were down at half time but George stayed calm, lifted them and they responded," said Jet's John Elliott.
Paul Eggleton levelled after 65 minutes and Jets won the game with three goals in six minutes in the closing stages.
Gary Page toe-poked them in front, Eggleton's low drive made it 3-1 and Darryn Stewart ended his poor run with the fourth.
"We were poor but they were the best Jets team we've played. They should have been well in front before we scored and could have had ten," admitted Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Sandridge Rovers 0 1997/98 Aubrey Cup
Only a week after beating them in the league, Sun Postal knocked Sandridge out of the Aubrey Cup, winning 2-0.
Richard Galvin's accurate finish a minute before the interval was added to two minutes after the restart when Michael Woolner rounded off a flowing move.
"They came to spoil the game and that was about all they achieved," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Only a week after beating them in the league, Sun Postal knocked Sandridge out of the Aubrey Cup, winning 2-0.
Richard Galvin's accurate finish a minute before the interval was added to two minutes after the restart when Michael Woolner rounded off a flowing move.
"They came to spoil the game and that was about all they achieved," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal Sports 3 Sandridge Rovers 1 1997/98 HCL Prem
Sun rise to the top as Jets fly into second
They had to do it from behind to do it, but Sun Postal beat Sandridge and went top of the league on Saturday.
Sun were shocked into action as the visitors went ahead after only six minutes, but eight minutes later Chris Bellotti powered home a header from paddy Gallagher's cross and Sun took control.
Four minutes after the interval a fine solo effort from Michael Woolner put Sun in front and they made sure of the points in the 78th minute.
John White's run and pass setting up Woolner for the second.
"We should have had twice as many, really," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun rise to the top as Jets fly into second
They had to do it from behind to do it, but Sun Postal beat Sandridge and went top of the league on Saturday.
Sun were shocked into action as the visitors went ahead after only six minutes, but eight minutes later Chris Bellotti powered home a header from paddy Gallagher's cross and Sun took control.
Four minutes after the interval a fine solo effort from Michael Woolner put Sun in front and they made sure of the points in the 78th minute.
John White's run and pass setting up Woolner for the second.
"We should have had twice as many, really," said Sun's Tom Barber.
St Peters 3 Sun Postal Sports 4 1997/98 HCL Prem
Patched up Sun Postal included manager Terry Hows in defence as they beat St Peters 4-3.
Having gone a goal up through a Michel Woolner penalty, Sun went 3-1 down in the second half.
An Alan Langdale brace brought them level before Paddy Gallagher neted the winner with a long range drive.
"I was just pleased to get something out of the game," admitted Hows.
Patched up Sun Postal included manager Terry Hows in defence as they beat St Peters 4-3.
Having gone a goal up through a Michel Woolner penalty, Sun went 3-1 down in the second half.
An Alan Langdale brace brought them level before Paddy Gallagher neted the winner with a long range drive.
"I was just pleased to get something out of the game," admitted Hows.
Sun Postal Sports 4 Bragbury Athletic 0 1997/98 HCL Prem
Sun Postal may have beaten Bragbury 4-0, but it was far from impressive.
Richard Galvin's first half penalty gave Sun the lead and two goals in a minute midway through the second half, from Lee Pope and Tony Price, made the game safe.
Jim Harrison netted the fourth in the final minute.
Sun Postal may have beaten Bragbury 4-0, but it was far from impressive.
Richard Galvin's first half penalty gave Sun the lead and two goals in a minute midway through the second half, from Lee Pope and Tony Price, made the game safe.
Jim Harrison netted the fourth in the final minute.
Sun Postal Sports 3 Kings Langley 3 1997/98 HCL Prem
Postal overjoyed by a very late delivery
Ten man Sun Postal hit three goals in the last nine minutes in an amazing comeback against Kings Langley on Tuesday night.
Trailing 3-0 and with John White having been sent off, Sun looked dead and buried as the game entered the closing stages.
Phil Walker's predatory instincts earned him two goals in the last six minutes of the first half and, when Phil Reid exposed gaps at the back for Langley's third in the 79th minute; it looked all over.
However, Jim Harrison looped a shot over Alan Grew in the 81st minute to make it 3-1 and Sun sensed a chance when Paddy Gallagher's 30 yard drive flashed through a crowd of players and into the net four minutes later.
Then, with virtually the last kick, Lee Pope spotted grew off his line and executed a delightful chip on the run from 25 yards.
It went some way to making up for Sun's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of defending champions Elliott Star on Saturday.
Postal overjoyed by a very late delivery
Ten man Sun Postal hit three goals in the last nine minutes in an amazing comeback against Kings Langley on Tuesday night.
Trailing 3-0 and with John White having been sent off, Sun looked dead and buried as the game entered the closing stages.
Phil Walker's predatory instincts earned him two goals in the last six minutes of the first half and, when Phil Reid exposed gaps at the back for Langley's third in the 79th minute; it looked all over.
However, Jim Harrison looped a shot over Alan Grew in the 81st minute to make it 3-1 and Sun sensed a chance when Paddy Gallagher's 30 yard drive flashed through a crowd of players and into the net four minutes later.
Then, with virtually the last kick, Lee Pope spotted grew off his line and executed a delightful chip on the run from 25 yards.
It went some way to making up for Sun's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of defending champions Elliott Star on Saturday.
Chipperfield Corinthians Reserves 1 Sun Postal Sports Reserves 1 (Sun won 4-3 on pens)
Herts County League Reserve Cup Final 1996/97
Double for Postal thanks to Sun Sports
Simon Bartley made the two vital saves that secured the league and cup double for Sun Postal Reserves as Saturday's listless final at Met Police Bushey was finally settled on penalties.
The dull and chilly afternoon was matched by the entertainment on offer.
The two teams cancelled each other out and it looked for a long time that one goal would win it.
Ironically both goals came within a minute of each other, either side of the interval in extra time.
Sun's victory was tarnished though as, in the final minute of extra time, defender nick Wood fell awkwardly while contesting a cross and suffered a broken collarbone.
The game was held up for 20 minutes while an ambulance came and the two teams tried to keep warm while they waited to play out the final few seconds.
Sun's bright start was merely a false dawn as the two defences quickly took control.
Jim Harrison, who limped out of the game after 20 minutes, headed over in the first attack of the game and then player-manager Joe Maguire saw his header superbly tipped over by keeper Phil Robinson.
Tim Beesley headed a Gavin Allaway free kick wide for Chipperfield and the half ended with a Clark Jenner shot from a cleared corner being held by Robinson.
Again the second period started reasonably brightly before petering out.
Wood had a header cleared off the line and then peter Law beat Bartley to a long through ball but saw his lofted shot drift wide of the empty net.
Robinson pulled off another fine save when he blocked Wood's close range header after an hour and Chipperfield had penalty appeals waved away when Craig Powell blocked an Allaway cross under pressure from Law.
Beesley finally made the breakthrough in the final minute of the first period of extra time.
Having just seen his downward header bounce up and over the bar, Beesley pounced on a half cleared corner.
He did not connect cleanly with his shot, but there was just enough power to squeeze between Bartley and the post.
Amazingly for a game that produced so little goalmouth action, Sun levelled immediately after the restart.
It was a very similar goal, Chipperfield failing to clear and Michael Woolner slotted home with Corinthians claiming handball.
A third goal was always very unlikely and the closest either side came was when Chipperfield's Darren Horwood fired in a half volley from a corner that Bartley held.
The Sun keeper then took centre stage, saving penalties from Mark Duce and Paul Downing.
That left the way clear for Maguire, who had earlier been booked for an uncharacteristic display of petulance, to score from the vital spot kick.
Sun Postal Sports Reserves: Bartley, Powell, Jenner, Joyce, Wood, Masters, Harrison, Maguire, Smithson, Freeman, Dunning. Substitutes: Mantle for Harrison, Woolner for Smithson.
Herts County League Reserve Cup Final 1996/97
Double for Postal thanks to Sun Sports
Simon Bartley made the two vital saves that secured the league and cup double for Sun Postal Reserves as Saturday's listless final at Met Police Bushey was finally settled on penalties.
The dull and chilly afternoon was matched by the entertainment on offer.
The two teams cancelled each other out and it looked for a long time that one goal would win it.
Ironically both goals came within a minute of each other, either side of the interval in extra time.
Sun's victory was tarnished though as, in the final minute of extra time, defender nick Wood fell awkwardly while contesting a cross and suffered a broken collarbone.
The game was held up for 20 minutes while an ambulance came and the two teams tried to keep warm while they waited to play out the final few seconds.
Sun's bright start was merely a false dawn as the two defences quickly took control.
Jim Harrison, who limped out of the game after 20 minutes, headed over in the first attack of the game and then player-manager Joe Maguire saw his header superbly tipped over by keeper Phil Robinson.
Tim Beesley headed a Gavin Allaway free kick wide for Chipperfield and the half ended with a Clark Jenner shot from a cleared corner being held by Robinson.
Again the second period started reasonably brightly before petering out.
Wood had a header cleared off the line and then peter Law beat Bartley to a long through ball but saw his lofted shot drift wide of the empty net.
Robinson pulled off another fine save when he blocked Wood's close range header after an hour and Chipperfield had penalty appeals waved away when Craig Powell blocked an Allaway cross under pressure from Law.
Beesley finally made the breakthrough in the final minute of the first period of extra time.
Having just seen his downward header bounce up and over the bar, Beesley pounced on a half cleared corner.
He did not connect cleanly with his shot, but there was just enough power to squeeze between Bartley and the post.
Amazingly for a game that produced so little goalmouth action, Sun levelled immediately after the restart.
It was a very similar goal, Chipperfield failing to clear and Michael Woolner slotted home with Corinthians claiming handball.
A third goal was always very unlikely and the closest either side came was when Chipperfield's Darren Horwood fired in a half volley from a corner that Bartley held.
The Sun keeper then took centre stage, saving penalties from Mark Duce and Paul Downing.
That left the way clear for Maguire, who had earlier been booked for an uncharacteristic display of petulance, to score from the vital spot kick.
Sun Postal Sports Reserves: Bartley, Powell, Jenner, Joyce, Wood, Masters, Harrison, Maguire, Smithson, Freeman, Dunning. Substitutes: Mantle for Harrison, Woolner for Smithson.
Sun Postal Sports 3 North Mymms 2 1996/97 HCL Prem
Sun Postal are finishing the season with a burst after beating Bovingdon 2-0 in midweek, then seeing off North Mymms 3-2 on Saturday before trouncing Sandridge 6-1 on Tuesday.Mymms led 2-0 as they used the wind to their advantage in the first period.
However, Sun did exactly the same in the second period to turn the game around.
Superb strikes from Greg Manning and Lee Pope levelled the scores before Doug Taylor netted the winner six minutes from time.
Taylor hit a hat trick in the drubbing of Sandridge, Sun scoring four in the first half.
Thursday, 22 June 2017
Sun Postal Sports 1 Somersett Ambury 3 1996/97 Herts Senior Trophy Semi Final
Sun Postal Sports missed out on the chance of silverware when they were beaten 3-1 in extra time by Somersett Ambury in the Herts Senior Trophy semi final.
What was a very bruising encounter appeared to have been settled in the 84th minute when Ambury went ahead.
However, Alan Dunton headed Sun level and took the game to extra time.
That was the end of the road for Sun though, as Somersett won the game with two good strikes.
"We didn't deserve to lose but we didn't really deserve to win either," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal Sports missed out on the chance of silverware when they were beaten 3-1 in extra time by Somersett Ambury in the Herts Senior Trophy semi final.
What was a very bruising encounter appeared to have been settled in the 84th minute when Ambury went ahead.
However, Alan Dunton headed Sun level and took the game to extra time.
That was the end of the road for Sun though, as Somersett won the game with two good strikes.
"We didn't deserve to lose but we didn't really deserve to win either," said Sun's Tom Barber.
Sun Postal Sports 2 Welwyn Garden City 0 1996/97 HCL Prem
An own goal out of the top drawer helped Sun Postal beat Welwyn 2-0 on Saturday.
Sun dominated the first half and led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a Lee Pope volley.
Their performance in the second half dipped but the three points were made safe, thanks to a Welwyn defender, 15 minutes from time.
Alan Dunton broke, but, thinking he was offside, attempted to flick the ball up.
The Welwyn keeper made a fine save, pushing the ball out, but one of his central defenders, in acres of space, thumped the ball past him and into the net.
An own goal out of the top drawer helped Sun Postal beat Welwyn 2-0 on Saturday.
Sun dominated the first half and led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a Lee Pope volley.
Their performance in the second half dipped but the three points were made safe, thanks to a Welwyn defender, 15 minutes from time.
Alan Dunton broke, but, thinking he was offside, attempted to flick the ball up.
The Welwyn keeper made a fine save, pushing the ball out, but one of his central defenders, in acres of space, thumped the ball past him and into the net.
Sun Postal Sports 6 Wormley Rovers 2 1996/97 Herts Senior Trophy
With Elliott Star out of the way, Sun Postal have an outstanding chance of picking up some silverware in the Herts Senior Trophy.
While Sun were crushing Wornley 6-2, Star were suffering their first defeat of the season as they were knocked out 2-0 by Cuffley.
"The league looks a forgone conclusion but this win and Elliott Star's defeat gives us something to go for," said Sun manager Terry Hows.
Doug Taylor led the rout with two goals while Darren Grieves marked his return to fitness by also getting on the scoresheet.
With Elliott Star out of the way, Sun Postal have an outstanding chance of picking up some silverware in the Herts Senior Trophy.
While Sun were crushing Wornley 6-2, Star were suffering their first defeat of the season as they were knocked out 2-0 by Cuffley.
"The league looks a forgone conclusion but this win and Elliott Star's defeat gives us something to go for," said Sun manager Terry Hows.
Doug Taylor led the rout with two goals while Darren Grieves marked his return to fitness by also getting on the scoresheet.
Chipperfield Corinthians 3 Sun Postal Sports 2 1996/97 HCL Prem
In form Chipperfield Corinthians lifted themselves further up the table while denting Sun Postal's hopes of the runners up spot by beating them 3-2.
It was a game of two distinct halves as Chipperfield raced into a 3-0 lead before the break.
Alan Lowe netted the first before Paul Rastrick finished off good work from Tomy Garratt for the second.
Rastrick then turned provider for Sean Houghton to grab the third.
Back came Sun in the second half but two goals from Darren Hardwick on his return to the team after a spell in Germany was not enough for a share of the spoils.
"I thought we deserved a point but no more because we were so bad in the first half," said Sun's Tom Barber.
In form Chipperfield Corinthians lifted themselves further up the table while denting Sun Postal's hopes of the runners up spot by beating them 3-2.
It was a game of two distinct halves as Chipperfield raced into a 3-0 lead before the break.
Alan Lowe netted the first before Paul Rastrick finished off good work from Tomy Garratt for the second.
Rastrick then turned provider for Sean Houghton to grab the third.
Back came Sun in the second half but two goals from Darren Hardwick on his return to the team after a spell in Germany was not enough for a share of the spoils.
"I thought we deserved a point but no more because we were so bad in the first half," said Sun's Tom Barber.
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