PHOTOS: 2016-17 SEASON

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BOUNDARY ESTATE OF MIND

Boundary Estate 4-0 Eastway Olympia

Double's double helps return Boundary to winning ways

After a sorry run of form, Boundary Estate bounced back in style on Sunday with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Eastway Olympia.

Discarding the 4-5-1 system that has provided a strong defensive base, if limited goal threat this season, Boundary gaffer Stefan Swift elected to play a more offensive 4-4-2 and was rewarded from the off with some encouraging attacking football.

Combining the captaining nous of Alistair Cook with the coin winning ability of a scouse pickpocket, Toby Grainger secured a first half wind advantage and Boundary responded with more shots in the first 10 minutes than they had mustered in the previous five games.

Exotic new French signing Jeremy the French lad, George Corden and Zoolander Bridger all went close early on, while Welsh international Ben Harrison was on the receiving end of a classic "how the fuck did he save that?!" Sunday League keeper moment.

Despite their dominance, Boundary could not breach Eastway's defence and had it not been for an impressive save from Tom Bennett midway through the first half, the Adam and Evers (see if this sticks as a nickname) could have gone into the break a goal down.

Just as frustration seemed to be rising, Boundary broke the deadlock via a set piece. The famously impressive dead ball delivery of George Corden, combined with the swirly Hackney gale, wreaked havoc in the Eastway box allowing Double to nod home at the back post. Despite claims that it was nigh on impossible to miss, about six inches out and may have been going in anyway, this reporter will remember it as a towering header from approximately 18 yards out that almost broke the net.

With Double's thunderbolt alleviating the growing pressure, Boundary pushed home their advantage almost instantly. Tidy work from Harrison and Jeremy the French lad saw Corden find room in the box. His cultured right foot finish looked destined for the bottom corner before a deflection took it into the top corner via a post.

Leading 2-0 at half time, Boundary took the unprecedented step of turning up for the second half after a decent first half performance. With a defence marshalled superbly by Grainger and the ever unflappable Dan Bowmar, Boundary felt confident enough to push home their advantage playing into the wind.

With an average squad height of around 5"8 and a Hackney hurricane swirling,  Boundary rightly committed to an attractive passing game. Corden and Double controlled the midfield, Harrison and Bridger provided attacking verve and Jeremy the French lad provided a certain je ne sais pas throughout.

However, it was Max "free role" Benjamin that added the third. Playing in a position that has not yet been invented, Benjamin was put through again by the talismanic Harrison. His toe poke finish was harder to let in than it was to save, but benefitted from a classic "how the fuck did that go in?!" Sunday League keeper moment to make it 3-0.

From that point on, the game was all but over as a contest. Swift and Sharma, much to the horror of Bowmar, joined attack after attack as Boundary looked to improve their goal difference.

The final goal saw Corden and Double link up again, as a slide tackle and slide rule pass from the latter was latched upon by the former, who was then agriculturally brought down in the box.

Capitalising on the fact that Corden was down injured and Harrison didn't quite have the pace to beat him to the ball, Double took the penalty and converted with a shuffle and consummate ease.

Speaking in the Adam and Eve, Swift's post - match interview struck a grounded tone:
 

"Let's not get it twisted, they were shit. That said, we're occasionally shit so it was nice to be the least shit team out there today.

"In all seriousness, it looks like our decision to focus on the league ahead of the cup is paying dividends and, if we play like that every week, we will beat opposition better than these clowns."

CLUB STATEMENT: SOCIAL MEDIA

The club is delighted to announce the launch of the official Boundary Estate Instagram account. 

In addition to providing live coverage of Boundary Estate games, the account will also take regular trips down memory lane for both ‪#‎ThrowBackThursday‬ and ‪#‎WayBackWednesday‬. 

Also keep an eye out for the occasional slightly homoerotic ‪#‎ManCrushMonday‬ - keep your eyes peeled for our first ever one later on today.

A club spokesman said earlier: "As the Boundary Estate brand continues to grow worldwide, it's important that the club can communicate with literally tens of fans across the globe. 

"Our Instagram account will enable those fans, former players and well wishers to interact with the club in a brand new way - and also allow them to gain some key insight into what makes the Boundary Estate boys tick. 

"We will be looking to build on the success of our official Twitter channel, and may even look to sync the two up when we can remember what the Twitter password is."

Join @boundaryestate on Instagram NOW

Follow @boundary_e_fc on Twitter NOW 

Nos Vincere

EASTWAY OLYMPIA 0-2 BOUNDARY ESTATE

This week's match reporting effort comes courtesy of @TobyGrainger

Carlo Ancelotti once said "Football  is the most  important  of the  less important  things in  life" and, on a weekend that will be long remembered for reasons other than football, Boundary Estate travelled to the North Marshes to take on Eastway Olympia, looking to build on last week's resounding 5-1 victory.

Lining up in a rough 4-2-3-1 formation, Captain Jack Pegg emerged victorious from the toss and the Los Colchoneros (look it up) gradually settled in the game playing with the wind in fairly breezy conditions.

After a scrappy opening fifteen minutes Sam Kidby came closest to opening the scoring with a deft flicked header from a lovely Joe Burdon cross, the ball agonisingly kissing the crossbar before landing safely in the keepers arms.

Boundary did eventually get the goal their superiority deserved as defensive midfielder Grainger, on long (or more realistically, medium) throw duty in Stuart Cooper's continued absence, saw one of his chucks headed back to him on the right flank. His left footed cross-cum-shot (shot according to him, cross according to 90% of his teammates) evaded the Eastway keeper whose cry of 'KEEPERS…..oh shit' gave the goal a lovely Sunday league vibe.

The rest of the first 45 saw plenty of Boundary possession but passed mainly without incident; despite some slick interplay between Boundary’s new look attacking quartet of Ben Watson, Burdon, Anthony Bridger and Greg Hall.

Facing the wind in the second half, the Boundary back four knew they would be tested aerially. But, led by the magnificently bearded Pegg and the Mascherano to his Pique, Daniel Bowmar, they coped admirably with the expected aerial onslaught. The versatile Sam Kidby at right back (who may have well have nailed down this position as his own with an assured display) and new signing, Louis Collin, at left back dominated Eastway's wingers.

It gave the Boundary defensive midfield pivot of Double and Grainger the perfect platform to feed the ball to AMC Joe Burdon, Boundary’s chief creator on the day. One surge from Burdon, coupled with a Marseille roulette, drew comparisons with a young Zidane, whilst centre forward Hall was a constant menace, deserving a goal for his powerful all round display.

When Boundary’s second goal did arrive, it came via a sumptuous right footed finish from Substitute Nick Harvey, smashing home Hall’s precise layoff. From a fairly acute angle, Harvey took one touch before lashing the shot across the keeper’s body. It was a finish that will live long in the memory.

By this point Boundary had made all three allotted substitutions, with the aforementioned Harvey, Andrew Knapp and Connor Hardy adding fresh legs and boundless enthusiasm to replace the tireless running of Collin, Bridger and Watson, all of whom had impressed with good shifts.

Knapp and Hardy combined instantly down the left flank, the former bombing forward at every opportunity but a third goal just wouldn’t arrive.

There was still time for a superb tactical foul from Double (for which he somehow evaded a booking) as well as some classic Sunday league handbags after Burdon lashed out slightly at an Eastway defender.

Keeper Tom Bennett was calm throughout, dealing with any danger with his customary coolness, and making one world class save near the end to ensure Bowmar, Pegg, Kidby and co got the clean sheet their defensive performance warranted.

Overall it was an excellent Boundary display, with the two nil scoreline against decent opposition no more than they deserved for a solid and fluid performance. Carlo Ancelotti would have approved.

EAST LONDON 1-5 BOUNDARY ESTATE

Boundary Estate bounced back from their cup disappointment with what turned out to be a comfortable victory against bottom of the table East London in Hackney and Leyton Sunday Football League Division 4.

A mist had descended over Hackney Marshes - surely a hangover from Halloween - as Boundary travelled to the North Marsh for this away league fixture.

The mist brought with it a slippery surface and both sides struggled to win balls in the air due to poor visibility. It took some time for Boundary to settle but, once they acclimatised to the conditions, they showed their superiority.

Greg Double and Joe Burdon were sitting at the base of a midfield five, and East London struggled to cope with their short sharp passing interplay.

It was Ben 'the bullet' Watson who thunderously headed the away side into a deserved lead 15 minutes into the first half. Watto headed majestically past the opposition goalkeeper, after great work from Luke Benjamin and Carl Halewood down the left wing. 

It looked like Estate would take complete control of the game from that point on, but they conceded a free kick in the opposing half on 20 minutes, allowing East London to throw bodies forward.

Their long deep ball got lost in the mist, and somehow skidded off the head of club captain, Jack Pegg, and beyond the stranded 'keeper, Tom Bennett. The usually calm Pegg reacted to an East London player in the aftermath of the goal and his kick out was perhaps lucky to only warrant a yellow card.

Boundary dominated for the rest of the first half but were thwarted by some last ditch defending, and poor finishing, as they have for much of the season so far. The sides went down the tunnel for the half time break with the scores level.

The second half began in much of the same ilk, with Boundary dominating possession but failing to convert that dominance into goals. Benjamin had a decent early chance, but couldn't quite get the ball out of his feet and shot wide.

East London had been time wasting for much of the game since their equaliser and continued to do so throughout the second half. Boundary were committing players forward and, against a better side, may well have been susceptible on the break.

But they needn't have worried as more great work down the right by Benjamin led to a simple tap in from Watson again. East London crumbled thereafter, and shipped another three before the final whistle.

Another ball in from the right caused another bout of confusion in the box. This time the goalkeeper pretty much fell over himself before passing it into the path of Double who cooly slotted home to make it 3-1. Carl Halewood did his best to stop it from going in, but it definitely, definitely didn't hit him. Or his hand.

Boundary's fourth came from more Luke Benjamin inspired trauma down the right hand side. His cross found the 'keeper in no-man's land, and he pulled it back to Double who looked to dink a dangerous ball into the mixer. The definitely on target cross, which had not one jot of backspin on it, looked to be destined for the top corner before their defender slightly deflected it home. A Double for Double for sure.

And Max Benjamin made absolutely sure of the points with minutes to go. Ignoring calls from four separate players screaming at him to pass, he beat two men before sending a rocket of a shot past the keeper.

MOTM: Luke Benjamin - they tried but couldn't even foul the tricky right winger

BOSTON CELTICS 5-1 BOUNDARY ESTATE‏

Like Agincourt exactly 600 years ago to the day, Boundary Estate were a few men down as they made their debut in the Preliminary Round of the Dickie Davies Cup.

Unlike at Agincourt, Boundary Estate couldn't hold on to a 1-0 lead against the Division 3 league leaders, Boston Celtics, eventually losing 5-1.

The cup - described by the Hackney and Leyton Sunday League as their most prestigious cup - is named after the late Dickie Davies, a former registration secretary of the league.

The Dickie Davies Cup dates back to 1981 and is the league's equivalent to the FA Cup.

Despite having a 12-strong squad on the Friday before this match up, only nine Boundary players arrived in the changing rooms on the morning of this cup tie.

It meant Boundary, who last made a cup final in March 2011, played the unorthodox 4-3-1 formation.

Despite the two man disadvantage, Boundary started the game rather well, with Nick Harvey playing superbly both on the left of midfield and alone (very alone) up front.

Whilst Boston Celtics had much of the ball, they were thwarted throughout the opening 20 minutes at every turn from a committed defence led by the irreplaceable Dan Bowmar.

Things got even better for Boundary on 25 minutes when great work down the left wing meant Harvey found himself through on goal. The midfielder has spent much of the season so far claiming he can do a job up front, and so it proved as he calmly slotted home. The giantkilling was on.

But Boston Celtics are top of Division 3 - and the goal only inspired them to work harder.

The home side were, however, a tad fortunate to find themselves level after 35 minutes. A through ball pierced the Boundary defence and landed at the feet of a Celtics striker who had surely wandered into a deep offside position. But the referee allowed the goal to stand, to the disbelief of stand in centre back, Lewis Clayton, who berated the official in his usual way.

Boundary were still feeling confident, especially with the thought of a tenth man arriving at any time, but the confidence was shattered minutes before the half time break.

The slightly podgy but skilful Celtics striker found himself with just Bowmar and Boundary 'keeper, Tom Bennett in between him and the lead.

A sumptuous piece of skill took the ball past Bowmar and he calmly slotted home.

All Boundary players worked their socks off in the second half, but it wasn't to be as Celtics marked their superiority with three more goals to make it 5-1 in the end.

Club Secretary Stefan Swift said: "The commitment and effort shown by our nine men against a team who are top of the division above was absolutely incredible. I am extremely proud of every single one of them.

"Every single Boston Celtics player I shook hands with at the final whistle was full of admiration. At least three of them suggested that - had we fielded 11 players - we would have given them one hell of a game."

CLUB VOTES TO MOVE LEAGUE

Following a vote by the club's Board, it has been unanimously decided that Boundary Estate will ply their trade in the Hackney and Leyton Sunday Football League from the 2015/16 season. 

Boundary has been for many years played in the Camden Sunday Football League, based at the dilapidated North changing rooms at Hackney Marshes. 

A combination of more teams, nicer changing rooms, and the way the league is run, has contributed to the team moving to the new league.

BOUNDARY ESTATE LIVE ON SKY

The famous Boundary Estate were finally broadcast live on Sky Sports today. Though it was only an image of the team, and it appeared on Sky Sports News.

FIVE-STAR SHOWING

Camden New Journal, 5 December 2013

Cobden’s five-star showing

Published: 5 December, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

COBDEN Athletic are three points clear at the top of the Division One table with a game in hand following their five-star showing in the Camden Sunday League at the weekend.

It took the defending champions just over a minute to take the lead in their match against Surreal Madrid as Pat Jones stole the ball off the defender and coolly fired home.

Jones then turned provider to set up top-scorer Steven Bruce, who confidently doubled the advantage to give Cobden a 2-0 lead at the break.

Man-of-the-match Winston Fowler struck twice midway through the second half before Jones added the finishing touches to a resounding 5-0 win with a stunning 25-yard screamer.

One of the results of the weekend came in Division Three where title chasers Boundary Estate netted a comprehensive 7-0 victory over the Surreal Madrid ‘D’.

Right-back Stuart Cooper was the star of the show in the first half as he helped himself to four assists, laying on two goals for Sam Kidby, along with goals for Ben Watson and Max McCartney.

Boundary turned their comfortable lead into a rout in the second half courtesy of strikes from Leo Spicer Phelps, Paulo Mancini and an unfortunate own-goal.

 

SKIPPER'S RETURN LIFTS TITLE CHASERS

Camden New Journal, 28 November 2013

Skipper’s return lifts title chasers 

Published: 28 November, 2013 

by STEVE BARNETT 

Camden Sunday League SKIPPER Jack Pegg returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines to grab a dramatic late winner for Boundary Estate in Division Three of the league. 

The championship contenders needed just two minutes to take the lead in their game against Rosemary Athletic as Sam Kidby snuck in at the near post from a corner and flicked the ball past the keeper. 

Rosemary took advantage of a defensive mistake to level before the break. But Boundary were back in front early in the second half courtesy of a composed finish from Pete Kelly. 

Rosemary looked like that had earned themselves a point when they made it 2-2 with just 10 minutes left. But captain Pegg, returning after a three month lay-off, marked his comeback in style as he rose highest at a corner to head home the winner for Boundary. 

Chalk Scratchings successfully managed to hold on to their three- point lead at the top of the table. 

The deadlock in their hard-fought game against AFC Birkbeck Orient was finally broken in the 85th minute when striker Siva Van Vliet scrambled the ball home from close range to seal a 1-0 victory.

HAT-TRICK HERO

Camden New Journal, 14 November 2013

Hat-trick hero Steve fires Cobden

Published: 14 November, 2013

by STEVE BARNETT

HOTSHOT Steven Bruce banged in four goals to help Cobden Athletic open up a six-point lead at the top of the table in Division One of the Camden Sunday League.

Bruce added the finishing touches to Jacob Bond’s sublime through-ball to open the scoring against London Badgers, before turning provider to set up Patrick Jones for a second.

Badgers pulled a goal back against the run of play. But their celebrations didn’t last long as man-of-the-match Bond set up Bruce for his second of the game.

Cobden then pulled away from their opponents as a neat finish from Winston Fowler and Bruce’s hat-trick strike overshadowed Badger’s second goal of the game to open up a 5-2 lead.

The Badgers threatened to beat the odds in the second half as they scored twice to move within touching distance of an unlikely comeback.

The Cobden attackers sprung back into life, however, with Luke Morgan and Bruce adding further goals to finally kill off the game and seal a 7-4 victory.

• In Division Three Boundary Estate are top of the table after netting their fourth league win in a row with a 2-1 victory over St Peter’s. Boundary took the lead midway through the first half when a sweeping pass down field from left back Anu Sharma dropped beautifully into the path of Yayo Pelayo, who coolly slotted the ball past the keeper. Five minutes later Peter Kelly picked up the ball on the halfway line, strolled past three players and smashed the ball into the back of the net. St Peter’s pulled a goal back courtesy of a controversial penalty, but Boundary held out to take all three points.

GOAL BLITZ FOR BIG KICK OFF

Camden New Journal, 12 September 2013

Published: 12 September. 2013 by STEVE BARNETT

THE Camden Sunday League roared back into action at the weekend with goal blitz at Hackney Marshes.

The season’s first 11 fixtures saw a staggering 67 goals, 39 of which came on an explosive opener in Division Three.

One of the results of weekend saw Boundary Estate net a comprehensive 11-2 victory over newcomers Stamford Athletic, a team set up in the summer by former Boundary midfielder Pablo Rodriguez.

Danger man Carl Halewood was in exceptional form as he hit the back of the net no fewer than five times. Two goals from Sam Kidby and strikes from Leo Spicer-Phelps, Stefan Swift, Sam Kidby and debutant George Harris, along with an own-goal, completed the rout.

Another in-form sharp-shooter  was Simon Higgins, who hit a hat-trick as Chalk Scratchings FC ran out 8-1 victors against league newcomers Rosemary Athletic. Chris Douse hit two, while Kester Byass, Chris Clarke and Freddie Cull were also all on target

END OF SEASON PARTY CARNAGE

After events during the Boundary Estate FC end of season party that took place on Saturday 6 July, the club would like to make the following statement:

Everybody at the club would like to offer our apologies for what happened at this year's end of season party. Whilst much of the day saw nothing but jovial, good old-fashioned fun and merriment, the crazy golf car window incident needs addressing.

The Boundary Estate FC Board would like to unreservedly apologise to the young women who's car was punctured by a flying golf ball. In defence of the playing staff, the ball was intended for the opposite direction, and an ill-placed rock was the real culprit.

However, the Board would like to apologise for the immature way in which all the club's players scarpered from the area when the ball smashed the window. It is even more surprising given that not one Boundary player moved that fast on a Hackney Marshes pitch for the entirety of the previous season.

Mistakes were made but the danger of leaving that car in the golf club's car park was done so at the owner's own risk. As the sign suggests, the golf club - and Boundary Estate Football Club - take no responsibility for any damage incurred.

We hope this apology draws a line under the situation. We hope that Autoglass didn't charge the poor woman too much. And we hope there will be no further incidents during next year's end of season party.

CAPTAIN SEALS THE WIN

Boundary Estate FC club captain, Jack Pegg, calmly slots home a penalty during a comfortable win on the last day of the 2012/13 season at the famous Hackney Marshes yesterday.

CAMDEN SUNDAY LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP

This article first appeared in the Camden New Journal, dated 11 October 2012.

Published: 11 October, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT
 

BOUNDARY Estate’s Ben Watson (right) and Enate United’s Sam Jackson were among the players hoping to edge their teams a step closer to winning the prestigious Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup at the weekend.
 

The preliminary round of the highly-sought after competition, which we proudly sponsor, once again delivered none stop action with a staggering 72 goals in just 11 games. United play a division above rivals Estate, but did the magic of the cup strike at Hackney Marshes to cause an upset?

The article below also appeared in the Camden New Journal, dated 11 October 2012.

Published: 11 October, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

GUNNERS’ goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone might want to watch their backs as it looks like the club has unearthed another top shot-stopper.

Arsenal communications officer Tom Bennett swapped the Emirates Stadium for Hackney Marshes at the weekend and put in a starring role between the sticks in the preliminary round of the highly-sought after Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup, which we sponsor.

Bennett made a vital save during a dreaded shoot-out as Boundary Estate FC beat Enate United 6-5 on penalties to earn their first win of the season.

The Islington club only managed to field 10 players for the all-important tie, and found themselves even more up against it when skipper Josh Mahony powered home Jesse Caplan’s tantalising delivery from a corner to give United the lead.

But for all of their possession, the Division Two side lacked a genuine goal threat and failed to find a decisive second.

They were left to rue their lack of a cutting edge up front in the final minutes of the match when Fedele Boccia equalised for Boundary, chesting down a corner before walloping the ball into the back of the net.

The game remained 1-1 after extra time and so it was left to Lady Luck to settle the tie. The first 10 penalties were all scored with aplomb, none more cheeky than a chipped effort from United’s Jack Hughes that agonisingly evaded Bennett’s grasp.

The goalkeeper got even closer in sudden-death, however, as he flew across the face of the net to palm away Jason De Lencastre’s effort. That gave Jack Pegg the chance to score the winning penalty, which he nervously accepted.

Following his goalkeeping heroics, Boundary’s No.1 said: “With five minutes of regular time to go, we were 1-0 down with only 10 players against a team from the division above and thought we were a spent force.

“Something in our club motto – nos semper vincere (we always win) – pushed us on though, and in the dying embers of the game, we found an equaliser to take the game to penalties.

“Then it was just a battle of nerve. We were clinical, scoring all six of our spot-kicks and putting tremendous pressure on our opponents.

“I couldn’t get to their first five, but knew I would have a chance sooner or later. I guessed the right way for their first sudden-death kick, and managed to get enough on it to push it away.”

CAMDEN SUNDAY LEAGUE: DIVISION 2

This post first appeared in the Camden New Journal in September 2011

The Hurricanes FC made a decent start to the season when they saw off FC Bertoli 2-1 thanks to goals from James Mandell and Theo Bard.

Enate United and Boundary Estate also start the season unbeaten as they shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Peter Kelly equalised late on for Boundary after David Morgan had put Enate ahead in the first-half.

BOUNDARY LOSE CUP FINAL

This post first appeared in the Camden New Journal, 17 March 2011.

Published: 17 March 2011
by STEVE BARNETT 

THE Hurricanes left Boundary Estate FC in their wake as they took their first step towards a domestic double in the Camden Sunday League by winning the Junior Cup at Cockfosters Stadium. 

Striker Todd Clarkson opened the scoring from the penalty spot after James Mandell was brought down in the area, giving the Blues a well-deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Leading scorer Clarkson grabbed his second of the game, and 20th of the season, early in the second half when he latched on to a defence-splitting pass from Thomas Eccleshare and lifted the ball impudently over the onrushing keeper. 

The Hurricanes’ success this season has owed much to their strength in depth, and so it proved again with three players coming off the bench to make an impact. 

First Dom Ashton climbed highest at a corner to head home a decisive third goal for the Blues. 

Then Harry Satterthwaite calmly set-up fellow sub James Roberts on the edge of the area to brilliantly smash the ball home from distance to add the finishing touches to a resounding 4-0 victory.

Match-day captain Sam Morris and manager Adam Lawrence lifted the trophy in front of the adoring Hurricanes’ faithful on what was a historic day for the club.

“After we opened the scoring, there was only ever going to be one winner,” said Blues’ boss Lawrence.

“I’m delighted with the performance and for all the lads and the supporters. It’s both a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with the Hurricanes.” 

The club’s attention now turns to the league campaign and a looming title-decider against Boston Celtics in April.

The Hurricanes are currently on a run 12 consecutive wins, leaving them four points clear at the top of the Division Three table.

CHALLENGE CUP RECAP

This article first appeared in the Camden New Journal, 10 February 2011:

Published: 11 February, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

Phoenix fired up for the treble

PHOENIX are closing in on the treble after booking their place in the semi-finals of our prestigious Camden Sunday League Challenge Cup. 

The unstoppable side need just a point from their game against Mostyn FC on Sunday to be crowned Division One champions. They’ve also already booked a date with Division Two leaders Athletico Annies in the final of the Senior Cup the following weekend. 

Now Phoenix are just two games away from lifting our Challenge Cup too after beating Lord Southampton 3-1 in the quarter-finals. 

One of the main driving forces behind the club’s success is leading scorer Anthony Clarke, who netted twice again at the weekend and set-up Jake King for the all-important third goal. Striker Clarke has now scored 38 goals so far this season. 

Lord Southampton had threatened a come-back when they pulled the score back to 2-1, but a magnificent goalkeeping display from Daniel Ewens kept Phoenix in the driving seat. 

Manager Dave Harber said after the game: “It would be an honour to lift the Challenge Cup with the bunch of players I’ve got at the moment.

“This is the best squad I’ve ever had, it’s a real pleasure managing them. 

“Anthony has been a huge asset to the club, both on and off the pitch. He’s scored 67 goals in two seasons and behind the scenes he’s helped organised the squad and brought in some top players. I also think that our goalkeeper Daniel deserves a mention. He’s one of the best young keepers in the league, and I’m very proud to have him on the books.” 

AFC Shooters are also in the final four after mounting a remarkable comeback against Cobden Athletic. 

Trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes left, Marc Monserat turned the game around with a quick-fire double. In the final minutes captain Stephen Parker headed home from close range to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory. 

Manager John Domokos said, “After a hangover-ridden season, Marc finally pulled a big performance out of the bag. The rest of the teams in the competition should now be afraid.”

Athletico Annies and Boundary Estate FC complete the semi-final line-up.

CHALLENGE CUP: 8 TEAMS LEFT

This post first appeared in the Camden New Journal, 13 January 2011.

Published: 13 January, 2011

by STEVE BARNETT

THERE are just eight teams left battling it out for the prestigious Camden New Journal trophy following an action-packed second round at Hackney Marshes. 

The shock of the round was the exit of cup holders Mostyn, sensationally knocked out by league newcomers Athletico Annies. 

Joe Thompson opened the scoring when he latched on to a Teddy Barham through ball and coolly beat the keeper. Alan Covington made it 2-0 when he powered home Kurt Freeney’s corner.

Mostyn pulled a goal back before half time to leave the tie tightly balanced. With just five minutes of normal time to go Mostyn grabbed the equaliser to send the game into extra-time. Athletico refused to be beaten, however, and went on to seal a 5-2 win thanks to a quick-fire double from Freeney and a cheeky chip from Ryan Tanner. 

Division One leaders Pho­enix (pictured below) netted the biggest win of the round with an 8-0 victory over Division Two side Constitution. For 35 minutes it looked like the Cons were on course to cause an upset as they kept the free-scoring Phoenix at bay. But two penalties from Anthony Clark ended any chance of a giant-killing act. Captain Michael Pattrick also chipped in with two goals, but it was man-of-the-match Gio Falzone who stole the show with four goals. 

Kevin Shudell scored a hat-trick as Cobden Athletic eased past the Surreal Madrid ‘D’ team. Robin Harrison was also on target in a 5-1 victory. 

Lord Southampton booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win over Mayville. Alexie Nicolaou, Jason Medford, John Purcell and Mark Dawson grabbed the goals. 

Strikes from John Domokos and JJ Monserat saw AFC Shooters progress with a 2-0 win over Park City Rangers. 

Other results saw Lord Tredegar beat Enate United 7-2, while Boundary Estate needed extra-time before sealing a 2-1 win over the Mayville ‘B’ team.