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