St. Joseph's (Crumlin) 0 AFC TPS 3

A totally different match for AFC TPS this week, but another super win to put us clear at the top of the table with two wins from two. It was a real battle with end to end football throughout. AFC TPS held on to the early lead that they took through Daniel, and added two more right at the end, with Adam settling the nerves with the second before Daniel netted again. Player of the match was a tough one with every single player battling for the whole game, but I've decided to give it to Philip for slotting straight back into defence and doing exactly what is needed.

I'm not so good at getting the players' match reports on the blog - they have been doing them and they've been in the school newsletter - I just keep forgetting to put them on here! I'll try again this time!

For now, here's the season's stats :

STATS
11 a side league
P2 W2 D0 L0 F12 A0 pts 6

11 a side friendlies
P1 W1 D0 L0 F5 A2 pts 3

7 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D1 L0 F4 A2 pts 4

overall
P5 W4 D1 L0 F21 A4 pts 13

goal scorers
Adam 5
Philip 5
Michael 4
Daniel 4
Johnny 2
Luke S 1

player of the match
Gerard 1
Luke B 1
Michael 1
Philip 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Parkhall 0 Templepatrick 9

Wow! What a result for AFC TPS in their first competitive match of the season. Three points and with this goal difference, we almost certainly go straight to the top of the table. Rumours are rife that there will be an online league table this season - I will add a link once I find out where it is.

Again, (though I forgot last time, despite Michael and Philip producing an excellent report for the school newsletter), I will let the team do the match report.

I will just say that is was a superb all round display, with some excellent goals, hard tackling, teamwork and concentration throughout. It was also a record score for an 11 a side match in all my time with AFC TPS - 14 years and counting! Three goals each for Michael and Adam, 2 for Philip and one for Johnny. Excellent displays also from Dean, Ross and player of the match Gerard, as well as a disciplined performance from the whole back four.

Here's the stats.....

STATS
11 a side league
P1 W1 D0 L0 F9 A0 pts 3

11 a side friendlies
P1 W1 D0 L0 F5 A2 pts 3

7 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D1 L0 F4 A2 pts 4

overall
P4 W2 D1 L0 F18 A4 pts 10

goal scorers
Philip 5
Adam 4
Michael 4
Daniel 2
Johnny 2
Luke S 1

player of the match
Gerard 1
Luke B 1
Michael 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Whitehouse 2 AFC TPS 5

A fantastic away win for AFC TPS - we better get used to it - all our matches will be away this season!

I am hoping to get the players to write the match reports this season - I believe there is one waiting in school from Philip and captain and player of the match Michael. I will get it added to this post ASAP.

All I will say is that we are going to score plenty of goals this season - but we still look a bit wobbly in defence. We will get this sorted though!

For now, here are the seasons stats.

STATS
11 a side friendlies
P1 W1 D0 L0 F5 A2 pts 3

7 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D1 L0 F4 A2 pts 4

overall
P3 W2 D1 L0 F9 A4 pts 7

goal scorers
Philip 3
Daniel 2
Adam 1
Johnny 1
Luke S 1
Michael 1

player of the match
Luke B 1
Michael 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Fairview v AFC TPS report and stats

A super start to season 2008/9 for AFC TPS this afternoon, with a win and a draw in two friendlies in the mud and the wind and the rain at Fairview.

The first match resulted in a 1-1 draw, with both goals coming in the first half. Fairview opened the scoring on the break and AFC TPS hit back on the stroke of half time as Philip tucked home the rebound from a shot from captain Gerard.

The second half was all AFC TPS with chances for Michael, Philip, Gerard and Daniel. There were a few scares in our own defence, but it was some miraculous saves from Fairview's goalkeeper that kept the scores level by the end of the match.

The second match started as the first one had ended, with pressure from AFC TPS. Luke S fired home a super goal early on which gave AFC TPS the chance to relax and play some lovely football. The pressure paid as Johnny slammed home an unstoppable shot as half time approached. Fairview came out for the second half determined to make a match of it, and with the wind now in their favour Luke B, Peter and Andrew were a lot more involved. Andrew pulled of some fine saves, Luke B showed he had the handy knack of being in the right place at the right time, while Peter kept things simple by clearing the ball early and getting back into position. Adam added a third for AFC TPS with a vicious first time shot from wide on the right. Fairview hit straight back, and Andrew had to be at his best to stop them hauling themselves right back into the game. Some super saves and some solid defending gave us a full time score of 3-1 to AFC TPS.

Player of the day for Fairview was clearly their goalkeeper in the first match, while our player of the day, playing his way into a (possible) starting position, through his determination and positioning was Luke B.

On a final note, I have to say that while matches between these two schools are fiercely competitive, they are always played in the right spirit with supporters of both teams mixing happily. Long may it continue!


STATS

7 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D1 L0 F4 A2 pts 6

goal scorers
Adam 1
Johnny 1
Luke S 1
Philip 1

player of the match
Luke B 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Fairview v AFC TPS

Two matches against Fairview will take place on

Thursday 23rd October 2009 ** cough cough I mean 2008 cough cough **

at Fairview in Ballyclare. These will be 7 a side matches with kick off times of 3.20pm and 3.40pm.

Players should be collected at TPS at 4.30pm, or at Fairview at the end of the matches.

Team sheets will be provided in school tomorrow (Weds 22nd) and permission slips must be returned.
Help with transport would be appreciated.

So : it's here : our first match in our last ever season with the old school. Let's make sure we've got a lovely full trophy cabinet for the new school!

But most of all, let's enjoy the season because, as you know, it's not about winning! (Please post your reply!)

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS SEASON 2008/9

Well folks, the new season is nearly here.

Football practice starts in the week beginning 15th September.

Don't worry about not having a pitch, we'll sort that out, just come along and have fun, because as ever - it's not about winning!

(yes it is)

I've got my new boots, wanna see them? (that's not really them at the top)
Please reply below if you do!

I'm ready!

Are you?

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS 1 Fairview 2

Guys, I am so proud of everything you have done on the pitch this season.

I just want to thank you all.

You came up against a (slightly) better team today, but you gave them a real fright near the end. Brilliant goal Adam! Just keep doing that wherever you're playing next year, it's what you do!

Player of the match : EVERYBODY!

Good luck to those of in P7 who are moving on. Keep looking in at the blog!

Those of you who are staying : ONWARDS and UPWARDS! You will be quite a team next season after all the experience you have gained this season.

To all the parents : THANK YOU for your tremendous support and the laughs on the touchline.

Looking forward to 2008/9 already!

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

(final season stats and awards will follow)

AFC TPS into FINAL

As a result of our battling 2-1 victory over Ballynure today, AFC TPS are now into the final of the Ballyclare & District Principals' Association Football League.

Gerard scored another two goals today, to add to his two in the 2-2 draw with St. Comgall's. Gerard also shared the player of the match award with Michael, both of whom have been so vital to everything we have achieved this season. These details will be added to the stats shortly - promise!

The final, against our old friends and rivals Fairview, will be played on

TUESDAY 24th JUNE

at

TEMPLEPATRICK PRIMARY SCHOOL

with a kick off at 3pm or shortly after.

To the players and supporters this season : thanks for everything!

GUTS
HEART
HEAD
GO FOR IT!

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS Staff v Parents 2008

****** BREAKING NEWS *******

News is just reaching us from the 3rd annual AFC TPS Staff v Parents match. After a strong start from the parents, Alcorn then asserted his authority on the match with two clinical finishes to give the Staff a 2-0 lead. With virtually the last kick of the half, the Parents hauled themselves back into the match, netting from from a hotly disputed penalty.

We will endeavour to bring you news of the second half as we receive it. We just won't endeavour terribly hard, that's all.

If you have any photographs from this event, please feel free to KEEP THEM TO YOURSELVES.

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
and top scorer as far as I know, with 4, in the annual AFC TPS Staff v Parents match.
AFC TPS

Recent results

Just a quick post to update the stats after a few recent matches.

RESULTS

Antrim Area 11 a side league
AFC TPS 1 (Gerard) Antrim 2
player of the match : Jordan

Antrim Area 7 a side tournament
Parkhall 1 AFC TPS 0
Round Tower 1 AFC TPS 3 (Daniel 2, Michael)
AFC TPS 1 Greystone 4 (Gerard)
Groggan 0 AFC TPS 7 (Michael 3, Daniel 2, Brook, Gerard)
shield final : St. Comgall's 1 AFC TPS 0
player of the tournament : Gerard - outstanding, according to at least 4 other teachers!

Ballyclare May Fair 7 a side tournament
AFC TPS 1 (Gerard) Loanends 0
AFC TPS 0 Ballyclare 0
AFC TPS 1 (Daniel) Kilbride 0
AFC TPS 1 (Daniel) Ballynure 0
AFC TPS 0 Thompson 0
AFC TPS 0 Fairview 1
player of the tournament : Michael

AFC TPS finish as runners up with 11 points.

Ballyclare May Fair 5 a side tournament
AFC TPS 0 Mossley 0
AFC TPS lost 1-0 on sudden death penalties


STATS

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P5 W2 D1 L2 F14 A11 Pts 7

5 a side tournaments
P5 W2 D1 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 7

7 a side tournaments
P11 W5 D2 L4 F14 A8 pts 17

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P6 W5 D0 L1 F36 A 10 Pts 15
(now complete : with our one defeat unfortunately counting double, and our win against Loanends counting double, making a final points total of 18. Details of semi finals to follow)

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P30 W16 D4 L10 F84 A 39 Pts 52

Scorers
Daniel D : 26
Michael : 22
Gerard : 17
Adam M : 9
Brook : 8
Adam I : 1
Jordan : 1

Player of the match/ tournament
Gerard : 4
Michael : 4
Daniel D : 3
Jordan : 2
Philip : 2
Brook 1
Jack : 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Templepatrick 8 Thompson 0

Match report by Brook (captain)

As today was my first match as permanent captain, this was a definitely a must win match against Thompson Primary! So when the match kicked off, we did what Mr Alcorn told us to do and passed the ball about. Finally, Gerard hit it and it floated in to the top right hand corner. Then we had lots of throws which Jack and Phillip took nicely. We got a corner from which Gerard hit a very dangerous shot into the 6 yard box but their keeper punched it away for another corner. Gerard hit it well again and the ball fell beautifully for a bicycle kick from me, which made it 2-0. Templepatrick kept applying the pressure so Michael took a shot and it rolled in. It was 3-0. However, Templepatrick lost concentration and gave away a penalty from an apparent hand ball. We all got tense as the player ran up to hit the penalty which Daniel J saved with a super dive! After half time, Daniel Dand Daniel J got subbed off (Daniel J for Matthew , Daniel D for Adam M). It was a good start for Templepatrick as Gerard scored 2 in a row, which made it 5-0. Then Michael scored and then tried for another goal but it deflected off a Thompson defender. It was 7-0 with 5 minutes to play. Michael and Gerard were playing well together and suddenly Michael crossed it high and Gerard got on to the end of it and scored to finish it at 8-0. Everybody played really well and we will keep this winning streak up, until we win all the leagues! Congratulations to Gerard who got man of the match.

Check out our blog at www.afctps.blogspot.com for more details.

By
Brook (captain)

Season stats (13)

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P4 W2 D1 L1 F13 A9 Pts 7

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament
P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P6 W5 D0 L1 F36 A 10 Pts 15

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P17 W11 D1 L5 F69 A 30 Pts 34

Scorers
Daniel D : 20
Michael : 18
Gerard : 13
Adam M : 9
Brook : 7
Adam I : 1
Jordan : 1

Player of the match
Daniel D : 3
Gerard : 3
Michael : 3
Philip : 2
Brook 1
Jack : 1
Jordan : 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Season's stats (12)

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P4 W2 D1 L1 F13 A9 Pts 7

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament
P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P5 W4 D0 L1 F28 A 10 Pts 12

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P16 W10 D1 L5 F61 A 30 Pts 31

Scorers
Daniel D : 20
Michael : 15
Adam M : 9
Gerard : 9
Brook : 6
Adam I : 1
Jordan : 1

Player of the match
Daniel D : 3
Michael : 3
Gerard : 2
Philip : 2
Brook 1
Jack : 1
Jordan : 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

St.. Joseph's Antrim 3 AFC TPS 1

Hi all. Just a very quick match report to keep Mrs D happy, as I'm sure she's been checking for one all weekend.

Well, we lost.

After an even and scoreless first half, it seemed that this match would be decided by the first goal. So it proved as St. Joseph's scored with 10 minutes left before running out 3-1 winners. Overall St. Joseph's deserved their victory because they

(a) had 11 players who were hungry for the ball,

(b) passed the ball and created space better than we did

and (c) they finished their chances better!

We did have the chances to get back into the game at 1-0 and 2-0 down, but maybe we didn't make the right decisions on the day. Maybe we were unlucky to see an incredible clearance of the line by St. Joseph's from one of Michael's many dangerous corners, but that's too many maybes! Several of our players seemed to lose heart a little once they went behind. This is something we must not allow to happen again. The game is not over until it's over, and one goal can make a huge difference to both teams! We did manage one goal, but Gerard's * finish proved too little too late, as the whistle for full time blew immediately afterwards. This is not to say that St. Joseph's were by far a better team than us on the day, they did play better overall, but if we played them 10 times in a row, it would probably end up with 5 victories each.

The league is still there to be won. It will come down to who gets most points in matches between us, Antrim, Parkhall, St. Joseph's and St. Comgalls. We have three of these teams still to play, and 3 wins will probably be enough!

So heads up everybody, let's learn from this defeat today, and let's move on with determination to not do any more learning from defeat -because there will be no more defeats!

Player of the match, for keeping his head throughout and making some vital tackles and interceptions was Philip. Well done!

The captain for the remainder of the season will be announced in school on Monday.

* Gerard has been awarded the goal in this game as he had the final touch by an AFC TPS player.


Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

St. Joseph's (Crumlin) v AFC TPS

Bit of a hash on the sheet that went home today.

The match tomorrow (Friday 7th March) is in CRUMLIN and not Antrim as stated. Sure we've already beaten St. Joseph's from Antrim anyway!

Kick off is at 2.20pm, so we are leaving school at 2pm.

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS 1 Straid 0

On a blustery day, to say the least, AFC TPS showed true determination to battle their way to this 1-0 victory. With captain Michael winning the toss and electing to play with the wind, it was hoped that AFC TPS would take a lead into half time. This did not prove to be the case, as Straid were a match in every part of the field, and so half time came with no score, despite numerous chances for both sides.

AFC TPS knew they would be up against it in the second half when Straid would have the advantage of the increasingly strong wind. So it proved as most of the second period was played in the AFC TPS half. Michael and Gerard continued their superb form of the season, and adapted to suit the conditions. When they got the ball, they knew to keep it down and run with it, as long balls were getting held up in the wind, and passes were getting stuck in the mud. Straid had several corners and caused intense pressure round the AFC TPS goal, but the defence stood firm with Daniel J pulling off some great saves and the defence mopping up any loose balls. After one Straid corner AFC TPS broke quickly with the ball finally reaching Daniel D. His low cross may have been going in, but Brook made absolutely sure by hammering the ball home to give his side the lead.

Straid continued to press and had further attempts on goal in the closing minutes, but AFC TPS managed to keep them out until the final whistle to claim a vital three points.

It was, in the end, another hard won victory for AFC TPS. The most pleasing part of today's match was that we finally kept a clean sheet in a competitive match! Long may it continue!

Player of the match today, for his vital match winning goal after coming on at half time was Brook. But the whole squad deserve another pat on the back for two gutsy displays in two days. These have been two tough, physical encounters and we have emerged with 6 points and only two goals conceded.

Don't forget Monday's match at home to the Thompson Primary School. Players who did not start today, will start on Monday.

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Season's stats (11)

We MAY have been awarded the points after the late cancellation of the Parkhall game. If the season is extended, the board of AFC TPS has decided that this game WILL be rearranged, at which point we will be awarded the points anyway, because we will win them! The stats below do NOT include the Parkhall game.

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P3 W2 D1 L0 F12 A6 Pts 7

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament
P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P4 W3 D0 L1 F27 A 10 Pts 9

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P14 W9 D1 L4 F59 A 27 Pts 28

Scorers
Daniel D : 20
Michael : 15
Adam M : 9
Gerard : 8
Brook : 5
Adam I : 1
Jordan : 1

Player of the match
Daniel D : 3
Michael : 3
Gerard : 2
Brook 1
Jack : 1
Jordan : 1
Philip : 1

Like I said last time : 59 goals scored in 14 games is amazing! We MUST not rely on our ability to score more than we concede - we are AFC TPS, not Spurs! A bit tighter at the back please!

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

St. Joseph's (Antrim) 2 AFC TPS 5

After quite a break from competitive football, AFC TPS resumed their 11 a side league challenge today with this hard earned win against a tough and determined St. Joseph's team.

After early dominance, forcing several corners, AFC TPS were first to concede. Following a fanastic save from Daniel J, St. Joseph's reacted faster and fired the rebound home. AFC TPS stayed calm, knowing their football would bring them chances. This proved to be the case as they equalised with a cheeky shot from out wide on the left from Michael.

AFC TPS continued to play some fine passing football and were rewarded before half time with goals from Adam M and captain for the day Daniel D.

Even with a 3-1 half time lead, AFC TPS knew there was all to play for in the second half. Jack and Matthew kept it tight at the back while Gerard and Michael continued to run the show in midfield. Johnny had a great game out on the left wing, while Brook was his usual talkative and combative self on the right. Philip and Jordan, later to be replaced by Andrew did all that was asked of them in their full back roles.

AFC TPS extended their lead after an excellent run by Gerard. He produced a dangerous cross which was touched home by Daniel, yet again in the right place at the right time. St. Joseph's kept their heads up and scored the goal of the game, firing home from 20 yards to make it 4-2. Adam A was replaced late on by Adam I, making his full debut for the team, and he was involved in the mood which led to Daniel completing his hat trick touching home brother Gerard's cross.

A great performance from everyone today. Total determination and good communication all over the pitch. Great to see! On this showing there is absolutely no reason why we can not win this league! We must remain calm and focussed on the pitch, and just tighten up a little bit more at the back, and the trophies will come our way!

Player of the match, and therefore captain for tomorrow's match is Michael, though he was pushed hard for this honour today by Gerard, Daniel D, Johnny, Jack, Philip, Matthew, Andrew, Jordan, Adam A, Adam I, Daniel J and Brook! (in no particular order!)

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

Today's postponement

Just apologising for the late postponement of today's match against Parkhall. At 1pm following a phone call to the opposition, the match was on.

At 1.45pm I received a message that they would be unable to come. Hopefully this match will be rearranged, but if the deadline for completing matches is still Easter, AFC TPS will be claiming the points.

Thursday's match away to St. Joseph's in Antrim is still on, as is Friday's against Straid at home.

Thanks for your understanding, hope the late notice was not too much bother.

onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Season's stats (10)

Following delicate negotiations, the executive committee of AFC TPS has ruled that the final score in the recent victory was 12-2.

AFC TPS records have been amended to show the following :

most goals in a game : 12
largest margin of victory : 10

most goals in a game by one player remains at 7.

Michael has now been credited with 3 goals in the 12-2 game, an increase of one on the previously reported total.

Can everyone now please leave me alone and stop nagging?

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE : these records are all there to be broken!

The season's stats now show

Antrim Area 11 a side league

P2 W1 D1 L0 F7 A4 Pts 4

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament

P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league

P4 W3 D0 L1 F27 A 10 Pts 9

Friendlies

P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall

P13 W8 D1 L4 F54 A 25 Pts 25

Scorers

Daniel D : 17
Michael : 14

Adam M : 8

Gerard : 8

Brook : 5

Adam I : 1

Jordan : 1

Player of the match

Daniel D : 3

Gerard : 2

Michael : 2

Brook 1
Jack : 1

Jordan : 1

Philip : 1

I hope it is clear to all that while attack is always the best form of defence, as shown by an amazing total of 54 goals in 13 games, we still need to tighten up at the back, as we are leaking almost two goals per game.

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Thompson PS 2 AFC TPS 11*

AFC TPS came out with all guns blazing today, with captain Jack having won the toss and elected to play down the hill in the first half.

Within 20 seconds Daniel had put his team ahead, and in a half in which AFC TPS put their downhill advantage to good use, he added 5 more goals, with Brook adding one of his own.

The second half was a different story, with Thompson showing they knew their hill very well themselves. They pulled one back early in the half, and while AFC TPS came back with four of their own, 2 (*) from Michael, one from Adam, and a beautiful lob from Daniel, it was Thompson who had the final say with a goal in the dying seconds.

This match broke several records for AFC TPS. Firstly it was our highest winning margin (9 goals*), secondly it represented the most goals scored in one match (11*) and finally it also represented the most goals in a match by one player (7 by Daniel).

We have now played all the teams in our group. To qualify, we must ensure that we beat them all again in the return fixtures, which must be completed by the Easter break.

Thanks again to the many parents who have turned out to support us, not just in this match, but throughout the season. We intend to keep you cheering!

(you may have noticed some little stars* in this report. There is a little confusion over the exact score and scorers, it may have been 12. We shall have a team meeting on Monday and sort this out.)

Onwards and upwards.
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Season's stats (9)

Antrim Area 11 a side league

P2 W1 D1 L0 F7 A4 Pts 4

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament

P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league

P3 W2 D0 L1 F15 A 8 Pts 6

Friendlies

P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall

P12 W7 D1 L4 F42 A 23 Pts 22

Scorers

Michael : 11

Daniel D : 10

Gerard : 8

Adam M : 7

Brook : 4

Adam I : 1

Jordan : 1

Player of the match

Daniel D : 2

Gerard : 2

Michael : 2

Brook 1
Jack : 1

Jordan : 1

Philip : 1

AFC TPS 4 Straid 2

AFC TPS director of football Mr Alcorn tried out a new formation today against Straid and watched in horror as Straid took an early but well deserved lead with a great finish from a corner. AFC TPS had already had several chances before they went behind and they fought back quickly to level at 1-1 with a goal by Brook from a corner of their own. The horror show coninued however as Straid almost immediately regained the advantage to lead 2-1 as half time approached. However just before the interval captain Michael got his team back on level terms with a super header from yet another corner.

Mr Alcorn abandoned his bold 2-3-1 experimental formation at half time, reverting to the more familiar 2-2-2. If he had had any tea cups handy, he may have thrown a few of them around the dressing room, if there had also been a dressing room to hand. Lucky for the players that there was neither a dressing room nor any tea cups about. He did however deliver the first "rocket" of the season as he told the team in no uncertain terms that the first half performance was quite simply not acceptable. He asked if the team believed they were good enough to make up for their early showing and asked them to go out and prove it.

And prove it they did!

Out they came with Jonny taking over in nets and Matthew and Jack taking up the defensive duties. Straid continued to press throughout the half, with their outstanding captain - possibly the best visiting player we have been up against this season - instrumental in most of their moves. However they found it much harder to break down the AFC TPS defence, and with Michael continuing to urge his team on, AFC TPS got the goal that put them in front for the first time in the match. It came from - yes - another corner, with Brook swinging it in dangerously from the left. It may have taken a touch off a defender on the way in, but Brook claimed it immediately, and after the controversial goals panel had viewed the evidence, it was awarded to him.

AFC TPS kept it tight in defence and began at last to string a few moves together, with a quick break resulting in a fourth goal from Daniel D to give the team a bit of breathing space. Straid continued to play good football, but their balls into the box were expertly - and occasionally desperately - dealt with, as AFC TPS ran out 4-2 winners in the end.

Straid will be back again later in the season and will be full of confidence that they can turn today's result around. We must play like we did in the second half if we hope to get another 3 points off them.

Lessons have been learnt today - both by the director of football and the players. The director of football will stick to tried and trusted formations from now on, and the players will show the pride and determination that they showed to drag themselves back into this game - AT ALL TIMES!

A tough call for player of the match today, with Michael's sweetly headed goal being the only highlight of a disappointing first half for AFC TPS. However, when the three defensive substitutions were made at half time, the whole team looked much more solid and seemed to gain in confidence. Player of the match therefore goes to Jack who never lost his man for one moment during his time on the pitch and made some vital tackles. Well done Jack! And well done everyone for battling back and showing what you are ALL made of.

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

Season stats (8)

Antrim Area 11 a side league

P2 W1 D1 L0 F7 A4 Pts 4

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament

P4 W2 D0 L2 F11 A 8 Pts 6

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league

P2 W1 D0 L1 F11 A 6 Pts 3

Friendlies

P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall

P11 W6 D1 L4 F38 A 21 Pts 19

Scorers

Michael : 10

Daniel D : 9

Gerard : 8

Adam M : 7

Brook : 2

Adam I : 1

Jordan : 1

Player of the match

Daniel D : 2

Gerard : 2

Michael : 2

Brook 1

Jordan : 1

Philip : 1

5 a side results

AFC TPS took part in the Antrim Area 5 a side tournament today. For the third year in a row, we were knocked out at the semi final stage, having also been beaten in the group stage by eventual winners Parkhall.

This was a very young AFC TPS team today, with 4 of the 6 players on duty in P5 or P6. I am sure these players are already looking forward to improving on this performance next year - if selected!

The results were as follows :

AFC TPS 4 Crumlin PS 0

(Michael 2, Daniel, Gerard)

AFC TPS 6 Round Tower PS 2

(Gerard 3, Michael, Brook, Adam)

AFC TPS 0 Parkhall PS 2

semi final : AFC TPS 1 Antrim PS 4

(Brook)

The team were well organised today, and the concentration was good, but they learned just how important the first goal is in these short matches. A little more aggression - and to be honest just a little more luck - and things could have been very different. I didn't think we did very much wrong, Johnny kept us in the matches with some great saves, but sometimes it just isn't your day, and today was one of those days!

Very hard to decide on the player of the tournament, so I will split it for the first time this season. Gerard gets the nod for his great goals and composure, and he shares it with Michael for his non stop determination, and his goals as well!

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament

This tournament takes place on

MONDAY 28th JANUARY 2008

at

THE ANTRIM FORUM.

The squad (announced in school) will leave school at 12.30pm and return by 4.20pm.

This is an INDOOR tournament so you need trainers and shinpads.

You will also need to bring a packed lunch (to eat at 12 noon) and a bottle of water.

We will need help with transport, and if any parent is able to stay for the whole tournament to assist with supervision, it would be greatly appreciated. (This is because I will be running the tournament and will probably be pulled in various directions all at the same time.)

SO : remember everything you need, score the first goal and practice your penalties (scoring and saving them!)

onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Season's stats (7)

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P2 W1 D1 L0 F7 A4 Pts 4

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P2 W1 D0 L1 F11 A 6 Pts 3

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P7 W4 D1 L2 F27 A 13 Pts 13

Scorers
Daniel D : 8
Michael : 7
Adam M : 6
Gerard : 4
Adam I : 1
Jordan : 1

Player of the match
Daniel D : 2
Brook 1
Gerard : 1
Jordan : 1
Michael : 1
Philip : 1

AFC TPS picture special

Thought you might like to see some photies.
Enjoy!

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

AFC TPS 9 Loanends 3

Back on track for AFC TPS with this convincing victory over Loanends. I must be very hard to please though, because I still feel we can play better!

First half goals from captain Michael, Daniel and 2 from Adam gave us a commanding lead, and when Daniel added his second 18 seconds into the second half, it seemed like a rout was on the cards. But Loanends were not prepared to let that happen, and they came back into the game with three well taken goals, while AFC TPS added four more of their own through Michael (2), Jordan and player of the match Gerard.

The communication was slightly better in this match, but if we can get to the required level, we are going to be very very difficult to compete with for the rest of the season. We also know that any opposing team will have a period in a match where they are dominating, and we need to cope with this!

However, this match does represent a new record in terms of goals scored in one match. We have scored 6 on many occasions, but never more, so we have improved this record by 3. I will post a records section later.

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

I believe!

Do you?

Season's stats (6)

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P2 W1 D1 L0 F7 A4 Pts 4

Ballyclare & District 7 a side league
P1 W0 D0 L1 F2 A 3 Pts 0

Friendlies
P3 W2 D0 L1 F9 A 3 Pts 6

Overall
P6 W3 D1 L2 F18 A 10 Pts 10

Scorers
Daniel D : 6
Adam M : 4
Michael : 4
Gerard : 3
Adam I : 1

Player of the match
Daniel D : 2
Brook 1
Jordan : 1
Michael : 1
Philip : 1

Ballyclare 3 AFC TPS 2

Well, what can I say? A truly bizarre performance from AFC TPS resulted in a 3-2 defeat in a game they dominated almost throughout. Adam gave TPS the lead with a neat finish midway through the first half. The TPS defence was rarely troubled until just before half time when a lack of communication between Jonny in nets and his defence led to Matthew heading through his own goal for Ballyclare to equalise.

TPS came out determined to get their noses back in front and did so with another fine goal from man of the match Daniel D. No matter how much a team dominates, there is always a time in any match when the opposition will be on top, and so it proved when in a matter of minutes Ballyclare came from 2-1 down to lead 3-2 with two great breakaway goals.

TPS continued to press for the equaliser, but it was not to be and the team and management were left to rue the opportunities they had spurned throughout the game.

With Ballyclare taking 6 points for this win, it is vital that TPS get back on track immediately as all the other games in the group have now become must win games if we are to secure a semi final place!

Lessons to learn :
(1) take your chances when on top
(2) communicate!

The business end of the season starts here! Are you up for it?

onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS