Crumlin 1 AFC TPS 7

A super result to kick start our 11 a side season. After Daniel opened the scoring early in the first half there was only going to be one winner in this game.

Oliver then added an early contender for goal of the season with a superbly placed long range effort before Harry and Johnston netted to give us a comfortable 4 nil half time lead.

Crumlin came out battling in the second half and quickly got back into the game with a well taken goal after a corner.

AFC TPS replied in the only way they know how : they kept calm and continued their fine passing game which saw Johnston, Graeme and Daniel add to our lead.

Adam had a confident game in goal, with Peter McW showing his tackling skills on his debut. Peter, Oliver and Dylan kept it tight at the back throughout the game. Daniel and Ross linked up brilliantly in the centre of midfield while Jake and Graeme were always dangerous on the wings. Adam D and Aaron came on at half time and both made good claims for a starting place in the next match.

Overall, a pleasing performance as we sign of for the Christmas break. Player of the match today was Graeme who was a constant danger on the wing. It is great to have such a good defence that we can play Graeme - who is an excellent defender himself - in this attacking role.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here's the stats......

Antrim Area Primary Schools' 11 a side league
P1 W1 D0 L0 F7 A1 Pts 3

Ballyclare & District Principals' Association 7 a side Football League
P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A 0 Pts 3

Overall
P2 W2 D0 Lo F11 A1 Pts 6

Goalscorers
Daniel 4
Harry 3
Johnston 2
Graeme 1
Oliver 1

Player of the match
Jake 1
Graeme1

Onwards and upwards!
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Crumlin v AFC TPS

Game on!

Rescheduled for this Friday, the 11th of December.

Same team as for the match that was postponed earlier this season.

LET'S GET THIS SEASON STARTED!

(I know. We already did. But y'know......)

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Loanends 0 AFC TPS 4

And so we begin.....

...with a super result in this first outing of the season for AFC TPS , against a determined and well organised Loanends team. As usual we displayed the battling spirit that is now common for AFC TPS, but this season it looks like we will be bringing a little more flair to our games.

Loanends started well and we were pleased to come in at half time with a 1-0 lead, when captain Daniel finished off a neat passing move involving Harry and Johnston. Jake came on for his debut in the second half and made an absolute nuisance of himself, taking on players and beating them regularly. A superb long range effort from Daniel gave us a 2-0 lead before Harry finally took off his skates and put his football boots on. After this he added a third with another excellent long range effort and tapped in for the fourth on the final whistle.

All in all, this was a super team effort which also saw Adam, Johnston, Dylan C and Ollie make their first appearances for the team. Both teams enjoyed the game in the fine autumn sunshine. While we can only hope for more of the same weather, we expect to see more of the same football!

Man of the match for frightening the life out of the Loanends defence, and showing that there is going to be fierce competition for places this season goes to Jake.

Well done Jake and well done everybody!

Here's the stats......

Ballyclare & District Principals' Association 7 a side Football League
P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A 0 Pts 3

Goalscorers
Daniel 2
Harry 2

Player of the match
Jake 1

Onwards and upwards!

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Ahem.......

clicky!

2009/10

Season 2009/10 is now well under way, with the last two Monday and Friday afternoons taken up with some great sessions.

Things are looking good, with lots of new players forcing their way into consideration for a place in the first squad of the year - hopefully for a match next Friday. All matches, like last season, will have to be away from home, but this hardly matters as we won the league last year without a single match at home!

Whenever the first squad is announced, it is up to the players in it to play for their place in the next squad, and it is up to those omitted from the squad to keeping working hard at training to force their way into the squad. The squad will NEVER be closed and places will always be up for grabs.

I forgot to announce after the practice match today, but the player of the week this time, after Adam A won the honour in the first match, was Johnston. Well done Johnston and well done everybody.

The Antrim Area 11 a side league trophy is sitting in pride of place in our nice new shiny trophy cabinet. I hope we'll need a new cabinet at the end of the season after we win EVERYTHING!

Onwards and upwards!

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

CHAMPIONS!

AFC TPS are the champions of the Antrim Area Primary Schools League for season 2008/9.

Congratulations to all the players and a huge thank you to all the parents for all the support this season. There are still plenty more trophies to play for so keep at it all of you!

I'm sure you all enjoyed the trip down to the Hilton Hotel where Northern Ireland internationals David Healy and Gareth McAuley surprised us by presenting us with our trophy and medals. We even got onto BBC Newsline for a few seconds! I'm so sorry for not letting you know earlier - I knew last week but was trying to sort out a wee surprise!

A huge thank you to David and Gareth and also to Mr Robinson who arranged the visit for us.

Enjoy the pics! (and send me more!)

Your comments on this post are welcome. COME ON!

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

Hilton trip

The squad have been invited to the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday 31st March to meet some of the Northern Ireland players who are staying there at the moment.

We will leave school at 2.30pm and need to leave the hotel by 3.30pm as there is a press conference at that time.

Players should travel in full school kit (apart from boots obviously) and are welcome to bring cameras and stuff to get signed.

AFC TPS players' parents are also welcome to come along.

A big thank you to former NI international Stephen Robinson for arranging this visit for our team. It might even secure Harry a wee run out for the team next year!

onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

St. Joseph's (Antrim) 1 AFC TPS 4

St. Joseph's (Antrim) 1 AFC TPS 4
(Graeme 2, Gerard, Michael)

And so the 11 a side league season is wrapped up with another win. Now the waiting begins to see if 6 wins out of 7 will be enough to give us the league title, after three years in succession of being runners up!

The match got off to the worst possible start for AFC TPS as they conceded within the first minute to a quick break and a smart finish from St. Joseph's.

AFC TPS had experience of being in this position earlier in the season after turning a half time 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory. This, along with the knowledge that nothing less than a win would do was enough to spur our team on and the equaliser came quickly after a super finish back acoss the goalkeeper from Graeme. Gerard and Michael then began to show their class with some excellent tackles, passes and runs, resulting in Gerard giving us the lead shortly before half time. There was time for Michael to add another before the break, as he curled a corner directly in for a 3-1 lead.

AFC TPS came out for the second half hoping to add to their goal difference and Luke and Daniel were unfortunate with several efforts throughout the half. In fact we only added 1 more goal, Graeme slotting home from a narrow angle near the end. Dean pulled off two superb saves to stop St. Joseph's getting back into the game and the match ended with a 4-1 win.

This gives AFC TPS a total of 18 points out of a possible 21, and we now rely on Antrim Primary School's results. As they were the only team to beat us, they are the only team who can finish above us. They have had one draw so far, winning all their other matches. They will be in for some tough games, as we have had to battle for many of the points we have gained, so all we can do is wait and hope!

I will post as soon as I have any further news!

Player of the match for this game is tough to call again - not quite as many outstanding performances as recently. Philip and Andrew were solid and disciplined in defence, Graeme revelled in his new midfield role, Gerard and Michael again contributed all over the pitch and both scored important goals, Luke made quite an impression when he came on at half time and the rest of the squad all played their part too. In the end, the award goes to Dean for those two saves that were quite astonishing and utterly vital.

Here's the stats ...

11 a side league
P7 W6 D0 L1 F32 A8 pts 18 GD +24

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P16 W11 D1 L4 F59 A22 pts 34

goal scorers
Daniel 15
Michael 13
Gerard 11
Adam 6
Philip 6
Johnny 3
Graeme 2
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 5
Michael 3
Dean 2
Philip 2
Andrew 1
Johnny 1
Luke B 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Gresytone 0 AFC TPS 9

Greystone 0 AFC TPS 9
(Gerard 2, Michael 2, Daniel 4, Johnny)

Another super win for AFC TPS today, matching our record 11 a side win from earlier this season, and also featuring our goal of the season - so far - from Michael.

After a slow start as some players got used to unfamiliar positions, Gerard got his team going with a super goal from outside the penalty area, before providing the corner from which Michael netted the goal of the season - so far! His corner seemed to overhit as it passed over the 6 yard box and out to the corner of the 18 yard area. But it all made sense as Michael allowed the ball to bounce once before unleashing an unstoppable volley across goal and in off the far post. Did I mention that it was goal of the season - so far?

AFC TPS came in at half time 2 nil up but confident that there was more to come once they started to play more as a team. This proved to be the case as the goals flowed throughout the second half with Michael and Gerard both scoring again and Daniel notching up four more goals. Johnny got in on the act as well with a powerful downward header from a Gerard cross. The defence of Philip, Andrew, Scott, Luke, Peter and Graeme kept their concentration up throughout the game and together with Dean in nets did their bit to ensure a clean sheet while both Adam and Ross continued to work hard up front.

Player of the match is a tough one, as despite the scoreline the team didn't quite play as well as they had in the previous match. I'm going to give today to someone who has improved their whole game - their tackling, passing, heading and their fitness - as the season has gone on. Congratulations to Johnny.

Here's the stats ...

11 a side league
P6 W5 D0 L1 F28 A7 pts 115

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P15 W10 D1 L4 F55 A21 pts 31

goal scorers
Daniel 15
Michael 12
Gerard 10
Adam 6
Philip 6
Johnny 3
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 5
Michael 3
Philip 2
Andrew 1
Johnny 1
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

St. Comgall's 1 AFC TPS 3

St. Comgall's 1 AFC TPS 3
(Michael, Daniel 2)

An absolutely fantastic scoreline today, after a fantastic performance by each and every player. Following our defeat at the hands of Antrim the squad knew there could be no further defeats, and that every player had to be on top form. On a full size pitch, with plenty of space, this resulted in some of the best passing this season, with the ball being released early into dangerous areas at every opportunity.

The defence of Dean, Philip, Andrew, Scott and Graeme dealt superbly with any threat from St. Comgall's, timing their tackles and calmly clearing the ball to green shirts throughout the game. Graeme - forcing his way back into the starting XI - was particularly impressive, and has created a selection headache for the next match!

In midfield Johnny continues his progress, adding some excellent passing and tackling to his game. Ross kept the pressure up on the right wing while Gerard and Michael were nothing short of outstanding. It is true that when these two click, we are a better team - but the fact today is that they clicked at the same time as the whole team! Adam continued his unselfish running and team play up front, while Daniel just did his usual superb reading of the game which so often means he ends up in exactly the right place at the right time.

Right from kick off it was clear that AFC TPS were really up for this game, and Michael deservedly gave us the lead after a super diagonal ball from Gerard was cleverly left by Adam. It fell perfectly into Michael's path and he made no mistake with his finish. Daniel then got the faintest of touches on a shot from Gerard to just redirect the ball away from the St. Comgall's keeper and into the net to make the half time score 2-0 to AFC TPS.

After a half time warning that the game was not won yet, St. Comgall's came out for the second half determined to get back into the game, but they found our defensive line determined to keep them out. Daniel gave us a three goal lead with another fine finish midway through the half after another fine run from Michael, and despite a late consolation goal for St. Comgall's, and a stunning clearance off the line from Michael, AFC TPS ran out deserved 3-1 winnners in the end.

I'm finding it increasingly hard to split Michael and Gerard as the season goes on, as when they perform it lifts to whole team. I think both of them just happened to put in their best performances of the season, so - despite match winning performances all over the pitch, and a particularly impressive comeback from Graeme, I have to give Gerard and Michael the joint player of the match award.

Here's the stats ...

11 a side league
P5 W4 D0 L1 F19 A6 pts 12

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P14 W9 D1 L4 F46 A20 pts 28

goal scorers
Daniel 11
Michael 10
Gerard 8
Adam 6
Philip 6
Johnny 2
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 5
Michael 3
Philip 2
Andrew 1
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Antrim 5 AFC TPS 2

Antrim 5 AFC TPS 2
(Adam, Gerard)

Have you noticed that it takes a little longer for the match reports to appear if we've lost?

This is mainly due to the fact that I am busy throwing things at other things to try to stop being so angry! This time however, the only person to be angry at is myself.

I am taking full responsibility for this defeat, as Mr Cromie pointed out (quite a lot) in assembly! The simple facts are that we were in control of the match at half time, at which point Antrim spotted what they needed to change and who they needed to mark out of the game. They did this and I failed to respond with a change in our tactics. My fault : sorry : won't happen again!

However, while Antrim's change in approach - i.e. they stopped our most dangerous players from being any sort of threat - was the reason we failed to score in the second half, it can not fully explain why we conceded 4 second half goals! This is something we must improve, so that when a match is tight, we come out victorious, and when we are on top, we punish teams and finish games off.

You will notice I have not mentioned any players by name in this report. I will simply state that Adam and Gerard scored our goals, and name Andrew - a player who is not always noticed on the pitch because he just gets on with his job - as player of the match.

I would welcome your comments on this match. As I would on any of our matches. Constructive if possible!

Here's the stats :

11 a side league
P4 W3 D0 L1 F16 A5 pts 9

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P13 W8 D1 L4 F43 A19 pts 25

goal scorers
Daniel 9
Michael 9
Gerard 8
Adam 6
Philip 6
Johnny 2
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 4
Michael 2
Philip 2
Andrew 1
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS 2 Crumlin 1

AFC TPS 2 Crumlin 1
(Ross, Gerard)

Yet another lesson learned by the AFC TPS squad today - how to come back from behind to win! Despite dominating possession in the first half, AFC TPS came in at half time 1 nil down, due to a lapse in concentration in defence. I don't usually like to put things like that in the match reports - but we know it was a mistake and we ALL take responsibility for it and move on.

Come half time, there was nothing we could about the goal, but there was plenty we could do about the score! There was no question that the team were good enough and more importantly confident enough that they could still win. This was the focus of the half time team talk, and the players went back out to prove it.

AFC TPS continued to have most of the possession but were finding an inspired goalkeeper in the Crumlin net. Time after time he kept us out, until finally Ross beat two defenders before firing low and hard in off the post for his first goal for the school.

With the scores level and time running out, it was clear that the next goal would win the match. Thankfully - and deservedly - that goal came from the head of the new permanent captain Gerard after yet another dangerous long throw from our own Rory Delap, otherwise known as Johnny.

After the match Crumlin's coach was kind enough to admit that we were a much better footballing team that his team and he had quickly realised that his tactics would have to focus on stopping us playing. He so nearly succeeded in this - but not quite!

A super performance and yet again it is hard to pick out one player as player of the match. I'm going to go for Gerard though because of the way he encourages everyone around him and leads by example. He has now been appointed captain for 1 off matches, while Michael will continue as captain for tournaments. Who will get the opportunity to lift silverware at the end of the season? Hopefully both of them, but keep reading our blog to find out!

Here's the stats :

11 a side league
P3 W3 D0 L0 F14 A1 pts 9

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P12 W8 D1 L3 F41 A16 pts 25

goal scorers
Daniel 9
Michael 9
Gerard 7
Philip 6
Adam 5
Johnny 2
Luke S 2
Ross 1

player of the match
Gerard 4
Michael 2
Philip 2
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Antrim Area 5 a side tournament

Results

AFC TPS 4 Groggan 0
(Daniel, Philip, Gerard, Michael)

AFC TPS 5 Ballycraigy 0
(Gerard 2, Daniel 2, Michael)

AFC TPS 5 Greystone 0
(Michael 2, Daniel 2, Gerard)

AFC TPS 0 St. Joseph's (Crumlin) 2

These 4 results meant that we qualified for the semi finals as runners up in our group.

Semi Final
AFC TPS 3 St. Comgall's 4
(Gerard 2, Michael)

A close fought semi final with AFC TPS fighting for the equaliser right until the final whistle. Unfortunately we had just given ourselves too much to do by going 2 behind so early on in the match. The goals throughout the day were superb, and there was definite improvement in the passing and moving, meaning there is still plenty to look forward to in the rest of the season.

I can't fault anyone on their performance today, so player of the tournament is going to the whole squad of Dean, Philip, Michael, Gerard, Daniel and Adam.

Here's the season's stats :

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

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

5 a side tournaments
P5 W3 D0 L2 F17 A6 Pts 9

overall
P11 W7 D1 L3 F39 A15 pts 22

goal scorers
Daniel 9
Michael 9
Gerard 6
Philip 6
Adam 5
Johnny 2
Luke S 2

player of the match
Gerard 3
Michael 2
Philip 2
Luke B 1
Dean 1
Daniel 1
Adam 1

Onwards and upwards

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Fairview 4 AFC TPS 1

I suppose I have to get around to this match report eventually!

We lost.

4-1.

To be honest, 4-1 makes it sound worse than it was. I got an email from Fairview about the match; here's part of it :

"Just a wee e-mail to thank you for the match last week. It was a very enjoyable game and the scoreline didn't reflect how tight and how good a match it was for the majority of the game."

We battled away as usual, but we need to pass the ball more! Simple as that. Luke S equalised for us on the stroke of half time and it was end to end stuff until the last 5 minutes when our heads dropped slightly as we let in three late goals. Better to do it in a friendly though! Player of the match, for his usual all action display, but also for his awareness of what is going on all over the pitch was Gerard.

Thank you so much to Mrs Jones and her crew who helped to provide little Christmas treats for all the players and spectators. It was much appreciated by everyone.

Here's the season's stats :

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

11 a side friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A6 pts 3

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

overall P6 W4 D1 L1 F22 A8 pts 13

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

player of the match
Gerard 2
Luke B 1
Michael 1
Philip 1

Onwards and upwards
Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS