12 September (kick off 2.35)

Home v Ripon

Draw 1-1

Last week Aberford were unlucky not to get all 3 points. This week a point was considered a hard fought one. Ripon dominated from the start with 4 corners in the first few minutes and a cracking save round the post from Aberford's keeper.

Aberford's only real chance resulted in a goal from Hassan capitalising on a rebound the keeper couldn't keep hold of which was sweetly drilled into the net.

The 2nd half continued with Ripon having chance after chance hitting the post and some superb saves and resolute defending. Eventually the equalizer came with a very well taken shot which curled into the bottom right goal.

Once the equalizer came though, the game became very evenly matched and the draw was on the cards with opportunities few and far between.

Man of the Match was Rosser, Donkey was Wardy (after last week v Carlton because he didn't wear it)

05 September (kick off 2.30)

Away v Carlton

Draw 0-0

Carlton is famous for 2 reasons. First it is the capital of the world for growing rhubarb and second is that the pitch slopes like hell!

Aberford should have won this game quite easily. It did flow from box to box in the first half with a few good efforts that threatened but failed to hit the target. Aberford remained in control for much of the game although Carlton did look dangerous in Aberford's box and had a very good penalty shout turned down.

Aberford's changed team had most efforts on goal with their best effort came from a header hitting the bar and their worst effort unfortunately going out for a throw-in! It was destined for a draw which Aberford would have left thinking they dropped 2 points instead of gaining one.

Home v Sherburn White Rose

Won 2-0

A blustery day made the football tough for the players to get the ball down and control resulting in a fairly scrappy affair. Aberford were the side that had a lot of possession and created many chances the best falling in the first half to Carl who on the 6 yard line chose to go for power with his effort going over the bar.

Sherburn always looked dangerous on the counter attack will have been disappointed with the outcome when 2 late goals from veteran Simpson from 1 yard! and a very well taken individual goal from Hassan secured Aberford's first win.

05 September (kick off 2.30)

Away v Carlton

Draw 0-0

Carlton is famous for 2 reasons. First it is the capital of the world for growing rhubarb and second is that the pitch slopes like hell!

Aberford should have won this game quite easily. It did flow from box to box in the first half with a few good efforts that threatened but failed to hit the target. Aberford remained in control for much of the game although Carlton did look dangerous in Aberford's box and had a very good penalty shout turned down.

Aberford's changed team had most efforts on goal with their best effort came from a header hitting the bar and their worst effort unfortunately actually going out for a throw-in. It was destined for a draw which Aberford would have left thinking they dropped 2 points instead of gaining one.

Carlton has a small car-park opposite the club and the rest is on theman street, good half time refreshment drinks (but more expensive than Aberford). A good clubhouse with live football but the bitter was a bit too cold.

Next Match

29 August kick off 2.30

Home v Sherburn White Rose

Results 2009/10

15 August

Home v Leeds City

Lost 0-2

A dissapointing match with far too many first team players missing making it a tough opening match. It was still a plucky hard fought performance, and Aberford certainly created a few chances. Unfortunately it did seem a matter of time though until Leeds City took the lead and evetually won the game.

19 August (evening kick off)

Away v Bardsey

Lost 3-2

I didn't see this match, it was probably raining and there was something good on TV. I've been told they were a bit unlucky against a strong and well-organised Bardsey who will be challenging for the title.

22 August

Away v Ossett Common Rovers

Draw 1-1

Ossett started strongly with a lot of possession - probably down to the hot weather that was draining the energy out of the players. After 20 minutes Aberford did get a hold of the game and started to create good chances with Hassan looking strong and confident.
A disastrous start to the 2nd half with an own goal mix up with the right back and keeper (I've withheld Rossers and Brendan's name to save embarrassment). The ball was hit high towards the defence and was headed back to the keeper, who was in the wrong place seeing the ball trickle in to the net.
This perked up Aberford who then went on to have most of the play and did manage to get a looping headed equalizer. Aberford should have gone on to win but fair play to Ossett who battled their socks off and earned a hard fought draw.
Very good post match drinking with good food, beer and The Ashes at the Prince Of Wales.

26 August (evening kick-off)

Home v Altofts

Draw 1-1

I missed both 1st half goals but I was told Aberford were a bit lucky and an undeserved penalty miss from Altofts kept the score at 1-1. Once the rain had gone it turned to be a thoroughly entertaining match with both teams going for it. Aberford were putting in some tremendous passes into the away box and a few glorious chances. But equally Altofts did break strongly on occasions resulting in a few rash challenges and yellow cards! The last minute had a last gasp effort defended with players throwing themselves at the ball.
A large crowd were given good entertainment and a well fought game.

Players Appearances 2008/09

Player ---------------------Appearances------------------- Goals

Scott Allotey------------------- 16 ----------------------------0

Christopher Barrow ------------30----------------------------0

Michael Booth------------------ 4---------------------------- 0

Carl Brain--------------------- 18---------------------------- 1

Martin Britton---------------- 32---------------------------- 16

Gavin Chittick---------------- 29----------------------------- 6

Godwin Douglas--------------- 2------------------------------ 1

Michael Evans---------------- 31----------------------------- 5

Greg Felgate------------------ 6-------------------------------0

Jamie Francis ----------------6------------------------------- 1

Michael Garland------------- 2--------------------------------0

Earl Grey-------------------- 1--------------------------------0

Adam Gunby---------------- 3---------------------------------0

Richard Helliwell------------- 7--------------------------------0

James Hepworth------------- 1--------------------------------0

Paul Hodges------------------ 8--------------------------------0

Christopher Hudson ----------8--------------------------------0

Ian Hutchinson ---------------21------------------------------- 0

Paul Keegan------------------- 1--------------------------------0

Christopher Lindley------------ 2------------------------------- 0

Darren Maloney--------------- 9-------------------------------- 1

Andrew Marshall-------------- 16------------------------------- 3

Ian McKenzie------------------ 9-------------------------------- 1

Curtis McMahon--------------- 1---------------------------------0

Jason Minott ------------------27-------------------------------- 3

James Moon ------------------28---------------------------------0

Keiron O'Brien -----------------1----------------------------------0

Christopher Plant-------------- 3----------------------------------0

Daniel Roberts----------------- 6-----------------------------------0

Martin Rostron---------------- 1------------------------------------0

Ian Simpson------------------ 26----------------------------------- 1

Jordan Talbot ----------------25----------------------------------- 19

Christopher Wade------------- 1-------------------------------------0

Stephen Wardman------------ 28------------------------------------ 7

Kevin Watson------------------ 1------------------------------------0

Anthony Westcarr------------- 3-------------------------------------0

Stephen Woolford------------- 32------------------------------------ 2

End Of Season Awards

The end of season awards were held on the 23rd of May very kindly at the Royal Oak Pub in Aberford who have catered for the team for every home game.

The winners were:

Players Player Of The Year - Stephen Woolford

Player Of The Year - Christopher Barrow

Top Goal Scorer - Jordan Talbot (Hassan)

Clubman Of The Year - Geoff Simpson

The winner of the most "Shady Geezers" is unknown. If someone does know, let me know.

Aberford's Simpson wins World Cup!

HARROGATE Veterans manager Paul Bell is still on cloud nine after helping mastermind their Seniors World Cup victory in Thailand.

The Vets representing The Three Lions returned to England on Monday heroes after their 1-0 victory over Australia on Saturday stood after torrential rain abandoned the contest in the second half.It brings to an end a quite superb tournament for the Vets who returned to the Far East for another crack after 2008’s competition.Bell praised his players and hard working staff in the aftermath of their success.

“We learnt a lot last year, especially in regard to the age restriction rules and of course how to play in the heat,” he said.“I was fortunate to be able to call on a wealth of experience. Daz Ekin and Charlie Brown assisted in the daily management , Mark Smitheringale ran training sessions and John Deacey was superb with his coaching, in particular our set pieces, which were eventually to prove so crucial. “In the dugout I was lucky to be aided by Andy Newell and physio Richie Scarth.”

Before the tournament Bell had to cope with the last minute setbacks of losing the squad’s most experienced players - Peter Reid, because of Thai FA commitments( but the reality of it was that he went to watch Everton lose in the FA Cup Final 2-1 against Chelsea) and former Brighton player Adrian Owers due to injury.

The Vets kicked-off the tournament with a 1-0 win over defending champions and hosts Thailand thanks to an Ian Simpson goal.They followed this with an identical scoreline against New Zealand in their second game, former Hartlepool and Darlington player Andy Toman scoring the goal in the 90th minute.

In their final group game, they beat the USA 2-1, Lee Henry netting both goals.This set-up Friday’s semi-final against a strong Iran outfit and despite the condition of the pitch which was starting to struggle with the province’s rainy season.Godwin Douglas was a thorn in the Iranians’ side during the first half, and the Vets took the lead in the 31st minute when Simpson scored after a Toman free kick.

In the second half, Iran netted an equaliser to set up a tense finale, and at the end of the final whistle and to the surprise of Harrogate the game went straight to penalties.Despite England’s poor record of pens in big tournaments The Vets stood tall with Mark Smitheringale, Toman and Pete Collier scoring their kicks.Iran levelled to make it 3-3.

Deacey then fired home before Alistair Hogg pulled off a finger tipped save to allow Simpson to side foot home and put his side into the final with the score 5-3.Twenty-two hours later England lined-up for the final of the competition to take on favourites Australia who had beaten Thailand in the other semi.

Saturday morning brought a torrential thunderstorm that further flooded the Udon Thani Stadium pitch and whether the game could be played was doubtful.However, with live television cameras and a closing ceremony planned a variety of maintenance work was done to ensure the game went ahead.

The Vets took the lead when Simpson scored a powerful header after good work from Douglas.They held on to the lead at the break however as the teams walked out to begin the second half, the skies once again opened and it wasn’t long before the already sodden pitch had developed huge pools of water on it forcing the referee to call a halt.

As the teams sat in their dressing rooms – officials and organisers frantically ran about in the hope of getting the game restarted.Discussions continued as both teams did a lap of honour – in front of an electronic scoreboard which brightly reminded everybody that it was England 1 Australia 0 .

Finall, it was agreed that as it was impossible to replay the game - both teams were scheduled to fly out the following day – England, given they were winning, should get the winners medals and more importantly take the cup.Skipper John Deacey said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play football at Wembley, Old Trafford and other great grounds in my career – but this experience is right up there and we deserved to come home with this World Cup.”

First team player and current Ripon City manager Charlie Brown added: “It was just an incredible tournament, the reception we received was fantastic.“I can’t explain it. We were like heroes over there.“It really felt like we were in a boyband or something!”

Other players involved from the West Yorkshire league are goalkeeper Alistair Hogg from Boroughbridge, Godwin Douglas and Earl Grey who have appeared for Aberford.