Manly Vale Football

Narra Killarney Double Header Thriller

2008-07-01T21:54:00.003+10:00

I will begin this post on a slight tangent and with one word (that's one word Woodsie):
Weather
Since March the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) were predicting that June was going to be a complete wash out. In plain English the BOM were saying: "It's gonna f8ckin chuck it down in June and every b@stard is gonna get p1ssed wet through Scooby Doobie Dooooooo, cats and dogs, all in June, in June we say, can you hear us at the back? - IN faaaaarkin JUNE!!!!!"

This was so well known I can remember back in April when complete strangers would stop me in the street and say "How about June, It's gorrrnna fricken pelt it down!" Even the local Possums were onto it, building rain proof nests (first time possums had done this since Noah was picking them up two by two, with the hippopotamus and the kangafrickenroo..!!!")

So, did the association think of perhaps making up a few games before we received this awaited deluge? (I will not leave you holding your breath...) The answer is quite obviously NO and as a result a few more games were cancelled and now it's goodbye weekend and hello catch up time!

Rant over...

Saturday
Our challenge on Saturday was against the tea cozies or "Beanies", as I think the local Narrabeen tribe refer to themselves. I thought Narrabeen were known as "The Magpies"? The only swooping I saw on Saturday was from Aussie who swiftly leaned down to pump up the match ball for the best part of 1 second. He then proceeded to fill up 3 water bottles, before arguing with Rowan and then reversing his truck out of the stadium and into the car park. Or was I just imagining this? Aussie is a magpie?

Reserves
One word: Up for it!!! We were! We couldn't have started the game better. Apart from having 11 on the pitch and a full bench to boot we got an early goal courtesy of our (back from suspension) Tim Healey. Get in there!! 1- 0! To make matters even better "He's here, he's there, he doesn't like to swear...plus he is literally everywhere!" Davey Greco hammered home a delightful 20 yard strike perfectly into the back of the top left hand side of the goal. KPow! 2 - 0.

This is what we had been waiting for all season! At last we had tuned ourselves into the goal scoring machine that we knew we were and always could be. We were ready for the ammunition to carry on destroying the "Beanies", "Tea Cozies" "Aussie Magpies" whatever they are called? We waited for the deluge...and waited...

We played well and we deserved to win and we did. Will we win a game 6-0 this season? Who cares!!!! Seriously who gives a sh1t!! We did not concede and we were two up within 15 minutes. We were the better side. We held on. We won!

Final score 2- 0...

Get in there boys!! "We are top of the league, say we are top of the league!"

First Grade
Well what can we say? We were certainly up for it (understatement.) On the pitch we played very well. Passing was in part a problem for us and this seemed to aggravate us a little. Narrabeen got one. We responded with a delicate pass from Trev "Hubcaps" Scouser, Robin latched on and the bounce went the wrong way for us. So, so close! We deserved a draw at least and the lads should not be ashamed of the performance.

Special note to one Mr K Swan aka Swanee who is resting up with nine stitches and a broken Konk. Get well soon mate!

We couldn't get a clear cut chance on goal and Mossie and co grabbed a very fortunate 3 points for the "Beanies".

We nursed our wounds, (well Swan didn't. A real nurse / doctor treated his wounds) and minds began focusing on Sunday.

Sunday
Cromer Park or "Local San Siro" as the local Greco Mafia refers to it, was the home of the big game. FK Bogie FC v Manly Vale FC. The rematch, the away game and this time without Muppet brains moaning about the dugout. The scene was set, the sun was shining, it was time to stretch out the niggles from Saturday and write off Forests' season there and then.

Well what can we say. Ben Charles was a late exit, Neil was a late fitness test and after 5 minutes of hobbling, his ankle (the size of softball) would simply not let him get out there. Trev too had ankle woes so we used our depth. We had a fresh team with Davey G, John G and Scottie beaming up to first grade to fill the gaps.

First half: Well lets just say, we were playing football, the better football and looking good. FK Bogie got a fortunate penalty and would you Adam and Eve it!
- we woz one nil darn guvnor... Then to add salt to our already aching wounds along comes a run from the halfway, with the crowd whispering "take him out" they scored another freak goal, out of nowhere and again, against the run of play.

Many teams would have buried themselves there and then. Other teams would have conceded that it was not their weekend and looked forward to an early night after punishing Germany or Italy on Euro 08 on the PlayStation... Not this team. It was into the sheds (trees) for half time.

We had played the better football, Forest had scored two lucky goals against the run of play. We knew that and we were not happy about this. So what were we going to do? That's right, something about it!

We exited the "trees" with one goal in mind: Forests goal and the ball in the back of it. It wouldn't be that long! It came after about 10 minutes. The team were playing total football. Passing was 3 touch max and it was solid, no lucky flicks, it was solid passing football. Woodsie almighty stood up, looked up and buried the ball into the back of the net. Lucky goal against the run of play? Most certainly not. It was our just deserved. Then something amazing happened. A miracle? Nope. Forest kicked off, we intercepted, Woodsie got into position again, set his range, lit the gunpowder; Booooooooom! 2 - 0. the crowd went crazy!

This was it, the acceleration we had needed, the desire that we could not find against Narrabeen was here. I will honestly say that the passing was out of this world! Cries of "Exhibition" and "Are you all Johann Cruyff?" could be heard from the swelling crowd...?! (The "exhibition" part might have been people trying to find the wood working expo over in the "Cromer College" over the road), no seriously we played a dynamite game! (There were some cries from up high in the distant trees of "Simon stand still" - I am not sure who that might have been?

This team were playing for each other, for the club and to win. The players were playing for the shirts on their back and they did us proud, but wait! We were drawing, would we finish them off?

Well Wad and Aussie were finishing off the oppositions bench with a few expletives and Cas had to banish Aussie to the other side of the dugout - very funny to watch. That minor distraction aside it was all eyes on the last 20 minutes.

Bang on 65 minutes it came. (Apologies I haven't got any goal providers names, all I can remember are the goals.) The final one came from Mr Woodsie Hatrick man and "kabosh" Forest were buried and Vale reigned supreme!

Seriously, what a performance! It was a joy to watch and add's confidence to the squad and increases our mental strength knowing that we can turn around a 2-0 deficit to win 2-3. Once again GO THE VALE!!!!!

First grade sang the team song again and this will definitely not be the last time. We are head and shoulders above BTH, Dee Why, Forest and Narrabeen. We can beat many other teams too. Bring on the next game!

That's it from me. One pic today and that is the celebratory beers at the wharf bar on Sunday evening. Even I managed to make an appearance, although I do not remember being there?

Manly Vale at the Manly Wharf Bar

Exit Lomas, Hello 6 Points!

2008-06-22T19:53:00.010+10:00

Well it has been a very busy month indeed. Busy for gossip, speculation and action! After the Manly Allambie game the entire squad was left wondering whether first grade would ever snare that elusive win this season?

The committee obviously thought it was time for a change and this resulted in head coach Graeme standing down. Good luck to Graeme, he tried hard, he put in his all for the club, however the committee and players thought a change was for the best and the decision was made. Perhaps a hearty beach session pre season in 2009 could still be on the cards for us with Mr Lomas? We shall see.

OK, we have had a little rain over the last few weeks and as a result missed a few games. We also have some very good news:

First grade got up! TWICE!!!!!

Yes 6 points in two weeks is a fantastic morale booster for the team and squad.

I can't remember the details from last weeks games so I am going to swerve them for first and reserve grade and go straight to yesterday's game against Forest Killarney.

Lets kick off as we have done all season, (in this blog and on the field) with reserve grade first.

Muppets...

Muppet!
Firstly I will comment on the person who before kick off simply stunned us all with a sense of, well how can I explain it? Erm - actually no sense whatsoever!

We were playing at home, the dugout furthest away from the sheds is ours, it always has been and always will be. I noticed, as did others, that Killarney had placed all their bags on our side. I politely mentioned to one of their coaches that their dugout was the other one and kindly offered to help move their bags. He thanked me, said don't worry "we can move them" and all was well.

Then some bloke storms in and says that they are not moving and ordered us to sit in the other dugout. He then harped on about the fact that he was a referee and if I did not stop saying that they were in the other dugout I might not make it onto the pitch at all!

He even had the audacity to say "a simple sorry will be ok from you and then you will not be in the referees bad books". What? Had I missed something?

The bloke was a power crazed lunatic! I am not sure if it was the "luna" full moon that got him going? Whatever it was he was an idiot and I am still bewildered at his manners, rant, actions and stupidity.

Before he fights a war about sitting in the wrong dugout he should think about who he rants at. One day I am sure that his careless, mindless ignorance and arrogance will get him into trouble. Lets ensure that we sit in Forests' dugout when we play there and see how he likes being told to sit in the other dugout? Yeah right - we are not that stupid!

Rant over.

Reserves:
Turning up to the game with the mind set to win... (Oh blimey here he goes - the author is going to harp on about being mentally prepared for the game and being up for it and focused for Saturday mornings.) - Actually I am not - well I have just said it. In my opinion we were very relaxed and I think we thought that we would smash Killarney. As a result we didn't.

Mind you, we were all over them. We had three amazing shots saved and ample more chances on goal. Again the young blood in the team worked really hard and is once more proving to be a serious threat to the places in first grade. This is what we want. A squad hungry for places in the first team!

We couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo yesterday and those jammy Killarney boys had about three goes and their third chance resulted in a goal. B*gger!!!

Hey ho - lets put it down to a bad day at the office, group together in training and get tuned in for next Saturdays game. I am sure we can get back into the winning groove :)

First Grade
Well our brothers in first grade were certainly prepared upstairs. Focused, switched on and hungry for another three points.

The whistle blew for kick off and would you believe it! The crowd is cheering, the ball is in the back of the net!!! Yes we got a goal in the first 5 mins!! Well done Woodsie. Robin was up for it and could smell a goalfest.

Would it be festival time at David Thomas? or rained out Clacton Pier with the defence on the dodgems? Game on. Then there was another cheer. The ball was over the line. The ref was over the hill and far away, as was the 7 year old linesman. Definitely a goal but oh no - the referees got it wrong again...

B8gger! FK got one back... 1-1.

We then worked hard and played good football, although we were a little complacent at the back. We went into the sheds at 2-2.

Some say that we have missed constructive half time talks this season. Well on Saturday the team talk was all constructive! We came out of the sheds re focused and with a job to do. We got right into it!

It started at the back. Robin was tough, composed and quite simply, getting stuck in, as was Waddy and Swanny. Luca - well he was on fire! FK's left half didn't have a sniff and Luca wiped him out every time.

Grimsby Nath was back and fourth like a cheetah in the Savannah, winning balls and causing havoc. Norm was stable, put a foot on the ball and picked out some great passes. The norm for Norm... A big difference in the second half was our strength at the back and this was embraced by Liam (the rock) Douche. I honestly think he won every header that he went for(.) The opposite to squirty poo bum = Solid. Liam was solid as a rock. (Don't talk to me about the latter...)

Up front Trev and Robin were in a league of their own. Trev caused havoc and beat their last man, slotted the ball across goal and Woodsie said "Thank you very much kind sir" and "have some of this Killarney boys and with my right foot too!"

Neil came onto replace Ben Charles and I have forgotten what else happened. Other than Woodsie playing a blinder and snaring a ha trick.

Go the Vale 5-2 win - we deserved it for sure.

That's it from me. It's been a while hence the waffle.

Next week the match report will be be featuring extracts from a Woolworth's direct mail catalogue that I picked out of my letterbox this morning. "A dozen lemons $3"

- Speaking of lemons; I hope that bloke got home alright after the game! He might have gone home to the wrong house and argued with the owner that it was his, or tried to drive away in the wrong car, again abusing the owner who is running along side the car saying "but it's my car..?" (Still p1ssing me off thinking about it.)

What a LEMON!!!

Brookvale Football Club v Manly Vale FC

2008-05-25T17:02:00.005+10:00

Brookvale FC verses Manly Vale FC
Well, it was the big game. The episode of football that everyone tunes into. Local rivals Brookvale FC; Brookie, The Blues.., they arrived at David Thomas Reserve and as always, meant business.

What were we in store for this week? A silencing in both grades? Joy and elation as Vale strip Brookies' unbeaten run and we gain a valuable win. Well reserves were off first and 1pm was kick off time.

Pre match the tension, energy and focus was apparent. I could smell that we were up for it. Everyone had learnt a lesson the week before when we should have finished off Beacon Hill. Buy hey we don't dawn on the past and the present was first placed Brookvale. it was game on.

We kicked off and both teams were playing football. It was fast and furious and truthfully, very enjoyable. We nudged a goal pre half time and it was into the sheds feeling confident and pumped.

We came out of the sheds and continued our efforts on Brookies' goal. Big Keith "Swanny" Swan tapped in a nice knee from a Fresh free kick. 2 - 0! We were looking good and strong. Hats off to Brookie they were in this game and their hunger and quality was always present. Vale had a player sent off and it was down to 10 men and time to hang on and try to keep the points in the bag. Brookvale stepped up the pressure and Krankovich and friends got a goal back. They continued the pressure and it was 2 - 2. In the dying moments Liam Douch calmy popped a lob at the Brookie net and it nearly bounced in. It was not to be and the final tally was 2 a piece. Brookie and Strikers are the two teams to beat this season and we could have beaten them. Role on the re match at Grahams Reserve!

First Grade
In first grade it was Vale's chance to net our first three points against an allegedly "paid" Brookie side of players. Gabriel "Chi Chi" Mendez being one of them. We have our own class and talent and Nath in the middle shone. Ben Charles out on the right did everything right. Sammy Walling had a great game too! We pressured and we nearly netted a few. Brookie scored a wonder goal from their big burly captain as he calmly looked up from 35 yards and slotted the ball into the back of the Vale net. We were in the game and unlucky to be down by 2 goals at half time. In fact all game we played football and kept the pressure on Brookie. "Giggsy", up front for the Blues, was always a worry and his enthusiasm and trickery paid off when he scored Brookvale's fourth and final goal. He had a blinder!

So first grade are still searching for that elusive win. I will say "hats off" to Gabriel "Chi Chi" Mendez. Chi Chi is a true sportsman who offered a helping had to an injured Neil. He was also a class act on the pitch and great for the Northern Beaches League! A great player and a great guy. Such a shame he picked up a bad injury back in the 90's, otherwise he might have been an established Socceroo back then!

This picture is dedicated to ManU fans. (Not many of them have Manc accents and they love a Prawn Sandwich!)

OK - so it's Manly Allambie next week and you know what? I think first grade are going to get their first win. like this week - it is all upstairs! We have the talent and we can play football. Lets get those minds trained on the job ahead. lets plan the week ahead. Two good training sessions and then Saturday it is all on! If we all focus we can snare our first 6 points for the season.

Go on The Vale!

Beacon Hill FC grabbed the six points

2008-05-22T22:18:00.005+10:00

I think the lateness of this post demonstrates that I am not a professional writer. I am quite an awful loser, especially when I am at fault for a goal...

In reserve grade last weekend I thought that we were the better team. Beacon Hill were fortunate to get their goal. The ref was, well, what can we say; a JOKE! Lets hope that he is not unleashed in a future game of ours. Joking aside we truly were the better side. I agree with Swan and Mark, we seemed to be a little relaxed, almost slightly apathetic? In bog standard English "we woz not up 4 it guvnor innit!"

We do not need to repeat the shouting at the ref! Lets get the ref onside and make the game ours this wekend!

In first grade we looked sharp and started brightly. A deserved goal for Young, who's battle and presence up front was a consistent worry for the Beacon hill defence. However Beacon Hill responded, from a corner. They also scored from a free kick and we were unlucky to concede an own goal. (Forgive me I cannot recall how or who got our second.) Or was it that amazing scissor kick from dear old Nath? Nath had a good game and was ere, there, every 5674847where... OK back to the report:

Plain and simply, we lost by 3 goals and none of them were from open play. This seems to be a normality for first grade. I will take "normality" and shorten it down to one positive that I thought came out of the game. "Norm" played a bloody blinder as sweeper. He looked cool, calm and clinical placed great passes whilst giving out good talk. Well played mate!

Brookvale Football Club

It's Brookvale this weekend. The mighty blues. Brookie are sitting top in both grades. They are always a quality side and you have to give them the respect they deserve. The way to beat them is to rise to their level and do what we are good at. Playing football! No long ball madness, no heads down with no where to go. Lets get passing to feet this weekend. Three touch like in training. We beat them in reserve grade the year before last and in first grade 3-1 that year also. They are not invincible and we are due a win.

It's all about mental strength and belief this weekend. I think that Brookie will turn up and smugly assume that they have 6 easy points in the bag. Lets give them a greeting they do not expect and win that ball from the beginning and all the way through our games.

Again, it's in the mind this weekend! Lets get tuned in to the job, relax and work hard. We can beat them!!!!!

Go The Vale!

Manly Vale FC Reserves are Top!

2008-05-13T19:55:00.003+10:00

Well the ride has been fun, fast and by no means easy. The table says it all, we are top of the ladder!:

1st: Manly Vale Football Club
- 18 points
- Played 6
- Won 6
- Lost 0
- Drawn 0
- Goals for 17
- Goals against 4
- Goal diff 13

2nd: Brookvale Football Club
- 16 points
- Played 6
- Won 5
- Lost 0
- Drawn 1
- Goals for 25
- Goals against 6
- Goal diff 19

3rd: Collaroy Cromer Strikers Football Club
- 14 points
- Played 6
- Won 4
- Lost 0
- Drawn 2
- Goals for 29
- Goals against 10
- Goal diff 19

I hope that this is accurate? The good ole "comp man" service that the association uses has STILL not been updated...

We still have a lot to do and Brookie and Strikers is coming up! This is going to be a hard month.

Go The Vale!!!

Manly Vale Football Joy and Frustration

2008-05-11T18:19:00.004+10:00

The crowds cheered on the Reserves, as 1st grade suffered another humiliating loss.

We were visited by the "jolly good show" gentleman from over the water at Mosman. You would be forgiven if you thought that they all played Rugby Union. The chino's and polo tee shirts were out and the "Mosmanites" were in town. I wondered where all the "city" 4 wheel drives had come from, parked very poorly in the David Thomas car park. (Shall I carry on sledging them or get on with this post?). F*ck it I am going to carry on sledging: As the upper class toffs peeled off their driving gloves and ambled over to the sheds, tutting and sighing, because they did not have a changing room...OK enough, they are not that bad are they? Leave a comment and let everyone know what you think.

OK on to the game. It was game six! Mosman are always a tight squad. With Spencer Prior as coach we certainly expected a challenge and that is exactly what we got, in both grades.

Reserves:
Well Mosman started off well with a helping hand from, erm, errr? Ah hum... ME :-(

Not to be put down though we fought hard, began to swamp them and came back with a great goal by Tim. Totally deserved and the Manly Vale juggernaut was back on track. It was into the sheds at one a piece.

After a constructive talk from Mark it was out with visions of winning. Again we battled hard and believe it or not but Rowan did not really have to make a save. It was only a matter of time. However the clock was ticking and we couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo!!! The ball was hitting the post, going over - it was mayhem. Then, up stepped the Scottish master! On he came and the Rangers adorer took the stage. Beating two players he looked up and to the alarm of Graham who was shouting "no pass, pass, no!!!" Martin calmy shot, lobbing the keeper and sweetly tucking the ball into the back of the net. Final score: Manly Vale 2 - Mosman 1.

First grade. I am not even going to go there, hopefully we can get a win against Beacon Hill on Saturday! Lets look forward here and think about how we can get firing in 1st grade. We have the players to be able to win games so where are we getting it wrong..?

Please place some comments. Go to the tab called "comments" below and make some. You can be anomynous.

Pittwater Football Club Game Verdict

2008-05-05T21:26:00.008+10:00

So, we travelled for an away fixture up to Pittwater FC's legendary ground, Kitchener.

Would it be a 6 point extravaganza? Or would we leave with nothing? The next 180 minutes would give us the answer.

I will keep this one "short and sweet" as a picture tells a thousand words.

Reserves won. Final score in reserves:
Pittwater 1 - 2 Manly Vale

The winning train keeps steaming along. CC Strikers next week - a true test. This game will certainly be our day of reckoning.

Kenny, Mark and Doug

"Kenny's ball!"

The Return of Tommo!

Sadly in First Grade we didn't notch any valuable away points. The team were outplayed by a stronger Pittwater side. I will leave it at that.

Final score:
Pittwater FC 5 - 1 Manly Vale FC 1

Wall action

Bench boredom

Robin Woods played a blinder nevertheless

Wakehurst spent an afternoon at David Thomas

2008-04-29T22:06:00.007+10:00

The stage was set, the rain had ended and the sun was shining. It was a glorious Saturday afternoon and our visitors were the orange coloured round ball kickers Wakehurst, also known as the Tigers from Forestville. Some people say that to seek safety from a wild tiger you should climb up onto an Elephant. There are always a few Elephants wandering around David Thomas on Saturday's. Would the 'Tigers' be in an aggressive mood or would they be answering to the cry "Tiddles"?

Reserve Grade
Well what can we say. Certainly not the best performance so far, however again we looked strong and we were not really pressured at the back. A lovely headed effort from the Krazy Korean, saw us up a goal. Wakehurst equalised with a counter. The forward could have been offside. Phil was unlucky not to stop the shot. 1 - 1. We had chances with Pauly Hayden blasting over the bar from close range. Could we out fox the Wakehurst 'Tigers'? Meeeeow, we certainly could. With no elephants to climb, a Tiger lashed out and the ref promptly gave us a penalty. Josh calmly slotted home the winner. Final score: Manly Vale Reserves 2 - 1 Wakehurst Big cats...

So that's four from four and sees us joint top in reserve grade. Points are shared and we only dip lower on goal difference with Strikers and Brookie having scored more. I believe we do have the best defensive record in reserves. Lets keep that up! If they can't score we can't lose(.)

1st Grade
I missed the game as I was sleeping in a tent up on the Central Coast and had to get back to the old bag. (Sleeping bag.) Another frustrating game for us. We were 2 - 0 up. Again deserved and firing. The orange felines got two back and then in the second half notched a third. Perhaps we should have sprinkled some catnip on our shinpads? Where do we find an answer to our woes in first grade? Perhaps run the ressies up there? Perhaps recruit an elephant and see if it will strengthen the team up a little? Well word on the street is an ex Northern Spirit goalie might be joining us... that's word on the street of course, I do not want to start any rumours.

We will miss Wady for the next three games. He is back to Engeeerrrland for his sisters wedding. So some changes there will be and who knows a new player perhaps as well. What do you know? Make some comments and let everyone know what you think.

OK that's it from me. I am off to build a cat flap big enough to allow an elephant through..? (Picture - The crazy Canadian, courtesy of Helen).

Vale's 1st Grade Didn't Deserve What They Got!

2008-04-15T22:13:00.006+10:00

Well it was certainly a big game. Vale, unbeaten after two games and Narrabeen, with Mossy and co – certainly a side that are expected to fare well. It was all on.

We started well and got up. A great piece of football produced a terrific goal from Robin Woods. Narrabeen unfortunately answered with a very well taken goal. Luke went to clear and couldn’t quite get under it hard enough. Phil was off his line and the right midfielder took a very good shot, which curled in beautifully. We cannot hold any blame, Luke did clear it and Phil was in the right position. It was a freak goal.

Our second goal came courtesy of Ben with the surname which matches the Prince of Wales' first name and a King 'something' spaniel. 2 – 1 to the Vale.

Again Narrabeen answered and again we couldn’t really do much about it. An absolute peach of a free kick from Phil ‘Mossy’ Moss. Manly vale 2 – 2 Narrabeen.

So on it went into the second half and we had chances. I personally think the teams were evenly matched, although Narrabeen did seem to have the upper edge when it came to set pieces and that is exactly where their next 3 goals came from! Final score Manly Vale 2 – 5 Narrabeen.

It sounds like a flogging but in reality it wasn’t. Narrabeen took their chances, 4 of which were set pieces and one, which was a freak goal.

Do we need to work on our set pieces, in attack and in defence? What do you think? Click on ‘comments’ below and throw in your 50 cents!

Go on The Vale!

Manly Vale's Reserves Football Juggernaut Steams Ahead!

2008-04-12T17:45:00.009+10:00

Two blogs this week boys. I will start with the happy post...

Manly Vale's Reserves recorded their third straight win of the football season! Once again the team were pumped and the spirit was flowing. David Thomas Reserve was the station and the coal was fully fuelled in the engine. Full steam ahead!!

It was a bitsy first half, with a strong Narrabeen side not giving us much space at all. Having said that we were the better side and we deserved a few goals! After the first 45 mins, we were on track and should have been up. It was in to the sidings for half time.

A good talk from Marky and the word "perseverance" from Graham got our heads up and eying the prize. We made a couple of changes with Marco coming on up front. On he came and what a goal he scored too! Manly Vale were up 1 - 0, back on track, (why do I keep referring to railway related words?) Perhaps our focus at 'train'ing is helping us. Perhaps the fact that we are getting so many 'points' in Reserves it is getting me excited? The way we are shunting other teams aside...?

OK, the second half again was a little 'two and fro" with both sides playing well. not much to comment on here as I cannot remember for the life of me what happened. Final score 1 - 0 to the Manly Vale Reserves and a fully deserved 3 points.

It was then the turn of our first grade, which I will write about in a separate post. Well done Manly Vale's Reserves! There were certainly no sleepers on the pitch today!

Get in there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Narrabeen Football Club at David Thomas Reserve

2008-04-10T21:51:00.007+10:00

I got the club correct in my previous post, however not the venue. We are at home this Saturday at the fortified defence structure they call DT...

OK, It's the third game of the season. Focus truly lies on first grade this week. If we can get 3 points we will be looking ok on 5 points! Whilst we should have won our first two games, we did not lose! We are unbeaten and we are very hungry for a win! There are a few changes with the side. Yound Davey Greco is dropping down to reserves as is Keith Da SWAN. Red Trev steps up after his 4 goal bonanza against Dee Why Football Club last week. Scotty also steps up to the first team and the crowd will be eager to see how the new blood goes. We also have a new recruit in Diogo our new Brazilian blow in. Trev was a blow in and look how he went! Lets hope Diogo can be just as valuable, however without robbing our hub caps from the DT car park..!

Looking at Reserve grade, wow we have a strong side this Saturday. (Even stronger than Neils Bourbon and Cokes and Waddy's farts on the training ground...) Seriously we are looking good. Swanny takes the field in a defensive midfield position on the left. Davey Grecs will be in the middle with Vale trooper La Douch holding the fort in the middle - it is all looking good.

Narrabeen's first grade are a strong side and they will be passing the ball around very well. They have youth and experience. They will be up for it. We know that our first grade can nip this in the bud and we are due a win. We will be cheering you boys on no end! In reserve grade Narrabeen lost by one goal last week, so we should be on our game in both grades and up for this one!

As they say in France: "Bonjour John Claude onze Euro's Manly Vale vieux metis. s'il vous plaît?"

Loosely translated meaning: "GDay Bazza can I put $20 bucks on the Vale please ya old mongrel?

Lets keep it Vale's and get a 6 pointer this weekend!

ps remember: "L'arbitre n'est pas un wanker!"

Another Four Points For The Manly Vale Squad

2008-04-06T23:26:00.002+10:00

Saturday welcomed rivals Dee Why to the fortress that is David Thomas Reserve. Dee Why had experienced a drumming in reserve grade the week before, however their first grade had held up well to a quality Brookvale side, losing by only 1 goal to nil. Manly Vale's reserves had celebrated a 4-1 thrashing of Beacon Hill and first grade nothced a draw. What would we see this week?

It was all to play for as Manly Vale kicked off our first home game of the season in the warm autumn sun. Reserves took to the field at 1pm and didn't they look good! Reserves notched a couple of goals before half time. A casual and perfect volley from Liam was one to certainly comment about.

The vibe in the dressing room at half time was all positives. Rowan was playing well in goal. The defence were strong with the 'old guard' at the back - back to business as usual. The introduction last season of the ex under 18's has had an excellent effect and all of the lads from the Manly Vale academy are trying hard and proving themselves, in both grades.

The second half started off well and then on came the secret weapon: Enter the boy from The Wirral. (Usually if somebody 'enters' who is from Merseyside, it's through a back window to rummage through your prized possessions before stealing them...) Not this lad! Our new Pommie recruit from Pomgolia nicked not one, not two but three goals! The reserves finished up winning 6 - 0! The side is gelling and it's looking good for reserves with 10 goals in 2 games.

First grade were again off to a good start and netted a nice goal to make it 1 - 0. The lads played well, however Dee Why did have a couple of useful players and the game itself was very to and fro with not a great deal of 'exhibition' that the crowd at David Thomas has known to love. Tim Healey made some nice runs holding the ball up well. Simon Woodsie Woods flew over some awesome crosses, however we were unable to get behind them all and finish them off. Neil challenged hard, but fair and there were no repeats of his infamous somersault on a 7ft goalie, like pre season. The game ended up 2 - 2 with Vale again seeming to be the unlucky team, who should have won. Congrats to Trev for not only netting a hatrick for reserves but also coming on and scoring for first grade! Congrats to Woodsie for at least trying to shake Dee Why's talented Mr Brasil's hand. A bigger congrats has to go to good old Mr Swanson. He asked Mr Brasil very calmly and with his 'honest' face: "Did God give you your boots?" To which Mr Brasil replied: "Fight you after game..." Neil laughed and replied "Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww you old Kackle..."

So another 4 points for the squad. First grade were very hard done by having a goal disallowed, which everyone thought was legitimate. That's football.

Our next venture is up the coast a little further than Dee Why to Narrabeen. We play at the 'academy' on Saturday the 12th April. This game is make or break for first grade who will again be searching for their first 3 points. Everyone will be behind them and lets hope that we can train well and get those 3 points, which we deserve so much.

Go The Vale!

Bring on Dee Why Football Club

2008-04-03T21:48:00.004+11:00

The last training session of the week is over and thoughts turn to Saturdays first home game of the season. We welcome Dee Why Football Club as Vale's first visitors to the fortress that is David Thomas Reserve.

Dee Why lost 1-0 last week to Brookvale Football Club. We all know that Brookie are a great side, so to go down by only one goal shouldn't be laughed at. Dee Why's reserves went down 8-0. I couldn't stop laughing. Hilarious stuff.

Joking aside! We all know how strong Brookies reserves are and Dee Why's reserves will be pumped and up for it this Saturday! All up Dee Why will be wanting a win after their squad conceded 6 points last week. We are looking better with 4 points positive for our squad.

First grade are going to be itching for their first win and will certainly have a job on their hands to get one. We have been training hard and if we keep our minds on the job we should be confident that we can grab 3 points this Saturday. Dee Why are a battling side and we need to be on our toes. It's all on!

Welcome Dee Why Football Club and "Go On The Vale!" this Saturday.

As a coach says to his ball boy: - "lets keep it pumped!"

(Lets also keep it maroon and white.)

1st game of Manly Vale's Footballing Season

2008-03-30T14:27:00.000+11:00

Well it was kick off this morning for the first game of the season. Beacon Hill were our competition on a sunny day down at Cromer Park.First up were the Reserves and didn't they come out of the traps firing! Credit to all of the team who kept their voices heard, encouraged each other and scored a nice goal early on from Marco. Next up was Yeoung who's constant battling and high efforts rewarded him and the team with a second. Later on in the same half Liam stepped up and placed a perfect free kick sweetly in the back of the net. Not to be phased the whole team really kept the pressure on and Josh netted a fourth. This was an awesome effort. Coming out for the second half, Beacon Hill stepped up the attack and pushed more bodies forward. They did manage to get one goal back, which was disappointing for us. But hey, that was the only one and that is how it ended 1 - 4 to the Vale. (This was a Beacon Hill home fixture.)

Over to first grade and the boys looked sharp and deserved the goal when it came. A wonderful piece of total football starting with a pass to Simon, a perfect cross finding Robin on the bonce. Perfect header and one nil to the Vale. Vale kept the pressure on and were unlucky hitting the cross bar and placing one just wide of the goal. Credit to Neil for some excellent solo displays and Luke who kept solid at the back. Beacon Hill kept hassling and managed to draw level. You could have popped some body armour on Nathan in preparation for what was about to happen. Lets just say he got 'smashed' and the sound echoed around Cromer Park. This was unfortunate for us and luckily Nath seems ok and should be back for the next game. Final score was 1-1. The supporters unanimously thought that Vale deserved the win and we did.

So 4 points all up for the squad and it's all to play for when we host Dee Why at David Thomas Reserve next week.

Go The Vale!

2008's Manly Vale Team Song?????

2008-03-16T18:38:00.000+11:00

OK boys. I penned a few verses together after our chat about constructing a new team song for the dear old Manly Vale.

Please get on the comments area. Leave an anomynous comment (unless you have a blogger account?) Just put your intitials or name at the end of your comment if you wish?

Let me know what you think please.

To the tune of either Jingle bells or supercalafragalisticexpialidojous

"Whhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa:
C’Mon Manly Vale!
Whhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa:
C’Mon Manly Vale!

(Fast)
Vale Vale Manly Vale,
It’s Manly Vale all day.

Vale Vale Manly Vale,
It’s Manly Vale to stay.

You won’t defeat us,
(Slowly) Broooooooooky couldn’t beeeeeeeeeeeeeaaat us.

(I have used Brooky here – it will be whoever we are playing...)

(Fast)
Vale Vale Manly Vale,
It’s Manly Vale all day.

Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa:

C’Mon Manly Vale

Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa:

C’Mon Manly Vale"

(When we win at home we add on):

All the lads and lasses,
And all the smiling faces.

Came down to David Thomas Reseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrve.
To see the Vale aces."

Let me know what you think.

North Narrabeen Beach Run for the Vale

2008-03-16T18:22:00.000+11:00

The lads arrived at North Narrabeen reserve prepared for some hard work this Saturday. Well when I say prepared for hard work, we were prepared for a run on the beach, followed by perhaps a few shuttles and then a game of keep it up and after that a swim...

How wrong were we!!

Firstly we had to leave our valuables with a Scouser... ;)

7km's later and standing above Warriewood Headland, you would have been forgiven to think that it was now down to the beach for a kick around and then a swim. Beach run! This was a beach run with a difference. A half freaking marathon with twists and turns and hills and sand and sand and (don't let me see any sand for a week please.) Beach session..!

5km's after Warriewood Headland and a few steps and hills and THE ENTIRE MONA VALE BEACH..! It was "shoes on!" and off we went again. We eventually finished 17 km's!!! later back at North Narrabeen.

Credit is due where credit's due. All the boys finished the circuit and really put it in. Hats off to Graeme for the precision and planning of this run it was faultless. Having drinks ready for us after each gruelling section was one of many very well orchestrated elements of the training session.

The team are certainly gelling and everyone is up for it this season. Next week is the first cup game and then the season starts proper.

Go The Vale!!!

PS Now I know why Robin Keussin was so far ahead (apparently the girls in the photo were sent as pacemaker's by Graeme.) - I know that I nearly needed a pacemaker after the first 5 km's!!!

Counting down to the Manly Vale Football / Soccer Season

2008-03-09T18:50:00.000+11:00

Well 3 trial games down and we are nearly ready to begin the season. There is a hefty beach session this coming Saturday and then our first cup game is on the Easter Monday. Squad wise we are looking ok, however a few of the lads have picked up some knocks. Fingers crossed they will be back soon and we can start the season fit and confident of some points.

The lead up to the season has been great. Training has been hard work, which I hope will see us lead out of the traps fit and winning games. Lets hope so.

No pics to post as yet, although I am working on that and to get videos up of our games as well.

I intend to use the resource of a sports journalist by the name of 'Grecmiester' - to pen some quality tales about the Vale.

I think it's a few beers after the beach session, either at Narrabeen Sands, or at the Builders Club in Dee Why. All in all we have a great bunch of lads and a good coach. This alone should see us doing well this season. Manly Vale Football has a great chance this season to up set a lot of teams who have already written us off. It's time to take the gloves off and get focussed.

Go The Vale!!

The Manly Vale Song

2008-02-28T19:12:00.000+11:00

We play 'soccer' on Saturday,
Talk ONE and make a lot of noise.

We TWO old age pensioners,
and steel all the kiddies toys.

We are the loud mouths of the nation,
and this will never cease.

We're a bunch of loud mouth THREEers,
We're the Manly Vale football team.