Season's stats (4)

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


Friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A 2 Pts 3


Overall
P4 W2 D1 L1 F13 A 6 Pts 7


Scorers
Daniel D : 5
Adam : 3
Michael : 3
Gerard : 2


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

Crumlin PS 2 AFC TPS 5

AFC TPS started this, their second Antrim Area League match of the season playing down the slope in the first half. With this advantage, it was vital to get off to a good start. TPS retained possession for most of the half, but despite countless corners and chances in the box, went into half time with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a cool finish from 15 yards from Michael.

The second half got under way and almost immediately Crumlin drew level with their first serious attack of the day, heading home via a deflection from a well executed corner kick.

TPS continued to have the majority of possession, and regained the lead as captain Adam fired home from close range after good work from Gerard and Brook. Crumlin came straight back with a second equaliser as they blasted the ball home after being allowed far too much time to pick their spot. The game was turning into a real battle, as both teams were urged on by their supporters.

Brook continued to be a threat and his dangerous crosses from the right wing led to a well deserved goal from Daniel D. Daniel quickly followed up with his second and his team's fourth as TPS really began to take charge. Brook then sent over another teasing cross which Michael expertly headed home at the near post as TPS ran out 5-2 winners.

Daniel took the player of the match award for continuing his goalscoring run, but more importantly for remaining alert throughout the match, making half chances into proper chances, and proper chances into goals!

So 4 points from 2 games along with some great goals, but a bit of work for the defence to do to nail down their places for the next game. Players must be closed down more quickly and the whole team must start to communicate more forcefully out on the pitch. Sort these few small details out, and there could be a lot to look forward to this season with AFC TPS!

Onwards and upwards,

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

AFC TPS v Crumlin

Our second Antrim Area 11 a side league match takes place on Tuesday 27th November, at Crumlin Primary School, kicking off at 3.20pm (ish).

Please make sure you have your kit, as you are now allowed to keep it for the whole season.

Supporters welcome as always, but we need you from THE FIRST WHISTLE!

Onwards and upwards,

Mr Alcorn

director of football

AFC TPS

Season's stats (3)

Antrim Area 11 a side league
P1 W0 D1 L0 F2 A2 Pts 1

Friendlies
P2 W1 D0 L1 F6 A 2 Pts 3

Overall
P3 W1 D1 L1 F8 A 4 Pts 4

Scorers
Daniel D : 3
Adam : 2
Gerard : 2
Michael : 1

Player of the match
Brook 1
Jordan : 1
Michael : 1

Greystone v AFC TPS

AFC TPS got their league campaign under way this afternoon with a well earned point away to Greystone Primary.

Latest league tables here : clicky

In conditions similar to those at the recent senior Green and White Army v Denmark match, TPS got off to the brighter start, having most of the possession in the early exchanges. While chances were few and far between for both teams Greystone showed the importance of making a chance count when it comes as they swept into a two goal lead inside 10 minutes.

TPS were shell shocked but they continued to play the better football and were justly rewarded as Daniel volleyed home early in the second half after excellent work from Brook, Gerard and Johnny. TPS then pressed for the equaliser with Michael being a constant threat on the right wing. Brook's claims for a penalty were waved away, but there was no doubt when Johnny was brought down in the box after another surging run down the left. Gerard - the calmest player on the pitch - stepped up and placed his penalty to the keeper's right. The travelling supporters watched in agony as the keeper got a hand to it and deflected it onto the bar. There followed an eruption of cheers from the sideline as the ball bounced down and over the line for the equaliser.

TPS kept the pressure up as they chased an unlikely winner with man of the match Brook continuing to threaten, but the final whistle sounded to give both teams their first point of the season.

A lot can be learned from this experience : the importance of being totally focussed on each game even before the first whistle, and the fact that a game is not over until it's over! The league title remains in our own hands, win every game and it's ours.

There again, it's not about winning.............. (post your comment below!)

Onwards and upwards!

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Video Jug coaching tips

First in an occasional series :

Shooting on the move

Now, go practise it!

Onwards and upwards.

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS

Greystone v AFC TPS

Our first league match of the season will take place at Greystone Primary School in Antrim, kicking off at 3.20pm on Tuesday 20th November.

The squad has been announced in school, now all we need is the three points.

Oh, and some help with transport.

All supporters more than welcome. The louder and slightly manic-er the better!

Onwards and upwards.

Mr Alcorn
director of football
AFC TPS