Unlucky for some

Top vs Bottom clash today.

Bedford Park Rangers had scored only one goal in their previous three matches, and had nul points to show for their efforts. However, warming up for the match, they looked up for it. The attitude of the coaching staff and the boys was top-rate, also.

In the match, though, it was one-way traffic. It was hard for the non-expert to tell exactly what was wrong: certainly the energy and commitment seemed to be there, and they didn't seem to get downhearted. Also their goalkeeper seemed very sound (it didn't appear as though he could have conceded 13 in one game, and 22 in three games).

However, Brickhill created more chances, and converted more of those. It wasn't pretty, but they led 1-0, then 2-0, then 3-0. One for Elijah and two for Fred at this early stage. BPR got one back, but were 5-1 down by half-time.

In the second half it was hard to keep count, and in the end it was a crushing 13-1 victory for top-of-the-table Brickhill. Hat-tricks for Elijah and Niall. Two each for Fred and Luke. Ewan and Greg also on the scoresheet. BPR were gracious in defeat.

As you might imagine, there wasn't much for Harry to do although BPR might have had one or two more goals if their luck had been better.

100% record from the first 4 games certainly ensures Brickhill carry a clear lead into the next game - their first home match. Westoning, who will be much tougher, are the opposition.

Top That !

To our surprise, Leighton did not win at the weekend. As a result, Brickhill are top of the division. Really, they should stay top on Sunday when surely they can beat BPR who have conceded 22 goals to 1 scored.

A close won thing

A third consecutive trip to Luton today - this time to face Sundon Park Rangers. When Harry & I arrived 45minutes before kick-off, Sundon already had a full squad of 16 (the maximum allowed) in highly organized pre-match training. Obviously they meant business, and wanted the opposition to know it.

When our 2 Sams arrived with just minutes to go to kick-off (having been talked in by mobile phone), Brickhill had its full 15 available. The match, in fact, was underway a minute or so before the official 10:30 time-slot.

The first half was not a thing of beauty. Brickhill quickly made a defensive error and fell 1-0 behind, only to find an equalizer within 60seconds - either Angus or Fred may claim the goal. Greg added a second after 12 minutes, to see Brickhill edge in front.

Unfortunately, Brickhill conceded either side of half-time to be 2-2 at the break then very quickly 3-2 behind.

Now, it seemed, Brickhill woke up and Ewan made it 3-3 with a powerful strike which Sundon's excellent keeper couldn't stop. And almost immediately, Elijah sprung onto Sam's long ball to make it 4-3.

Brickhill's trademark 6-3 victory looked possible when Greg scored his second header of the game (5-3) and then with a few minutes to go, Elijah made a break from the half-way line and was one-on-one with the keeper. It seemed he must score, but the goalie kept his cool.

Instead, Sundon now found a 4th and it was a nail-biting conclusion to the match as they pressed and pressed for a way to level the match. 3 corners in the last minute of the match were somehow all defended and the whistle finally signalled a 5-4 away win for the Hawks who will have a great chance to make it 4 wins from 4 next weekend against struggling Bedford Park Rangers.

Seconds Out

The Bedfordshire FA have now published the results and league online. Admittedly the format leaves something to be desired, but it's all there.

Here is the salient part:



Leighton beat Bedford Park Rangers 13-0 last week! Brickhill play Sundon Park Rangers tomorrow (the 4th placed team). A third win awaits, hopefully.

Open All Ours

Some of the people who wanted to read this blog (albeit that's a small number to begin with) have had trouble with the Google sign-up process. So for the moment, I have unrestricted the blog.

A matter of perspective

This morning I came into work from my hotel near City Airport. Now that the Jubilee Line and DLR extensions are both in place, the transport links out there are really quite impressive and the difference in the skyline since we lived in Beckton never ceases to amaze.

DLR to Canning Town, then Jubilee. I arrived at Canary Wharf travelling West on the Jubilee, which I have never done before. As a result, I exited to ground level on a different elevator bank, and I surfaced on Upper Bank Street.

I knew this was extremely close to my target, but such is the pace of building at the Wharf and the sameness of all the new buildings, that I couldn't tell exactly where I was. I looked up and recognised some of the logos, but couldn't see the famous "Canary Wharf" tower.

I strode off in what I thought would be the right direction and eventually, after traversing at least 3 sides of a square arrived pretty much where I started but facing a different way and now I could see it - I was so close to it that the telltale pyramid top was invisible.

10 minutes = 50 metres - not a new land-speed record ... will try to improve on that tomorrow morning !

Same Again

Match 2 of the Chiltern League campaign today, and the 2nd of many Sunday morning trips down the A6. A majority of the teams are based in and around Luton. Bushmead were the opposition today, playing at the Sixth Form College.

The official website is not yet carrying results, so we are somewhat in the dark about Brickhill's exact standing in the league. There were rumours of some big scores last week, so in all likelihood someone is further ahead than our +3 goal difference.

All 15 squad players were available today (both physically and administratively), although both Romeo and Sam were wearing #5 on their shirts due to late delivery of the new kit. The referee was consulted, and agreed to allow both to be on the pitch simultaneously if need be.

It turned out to be an excellent match, played in good spirit by all. Brickhill were generally better placed throughout, but the result was never a foregone conclusion.

New signing Josh opened up the scoring with his first competitive goal for the club. In truth, it was a cross not a shot, and the keeper should have held onto it. However, they all count. It looked like 1-0 might be the half-time score, but a flurry of action started with a Bushmead counterattack, and Harry was beaten by a very composed finish.

Now, Brickhill countered with a well-worked goal from Greg and then a beautiful volleyed effort from the edge of the area which gave Bushmead's goalie no chance at all. A second goal for Josh, and 3-1 at the break.

In the second half, play was a little scrappy. Brickhill failed to take their chances and Bushmead pulled a goal back from a corner which wasn't defended at the back-post. One for the coaches to work on.

The opposition were now creating a number of chances and 3-3 looked likely, but goals from another debutant (Dominic), and from captain Ewan made the score 5-2. It still was not over, though, and sustained pressure from the home side resulted in a 3rd goal for them.

Finally, Brickhill closed out the game with a side-footed finish by Greg from Elijah's corner. 6-3 the final score - for the 2nd match in a row. Certainly if they win every match 6-3, the title is secure !

Starting Out

Welcome to the new blog.

It took less than 3 months for from vegas to Vegas and back again to receive 1,000 hits from all over the world. Tales from number 54 is going to be more of an internet backwater - I am not sure it will ever reach 1,000 hits.

If you are reading the blog, it means you have received an invitation - this blog is exclusive !

What to expect from the blog ? "Less of the same" is probably the answer.

However, since you are all VIP members of a small club, you can influence the content. In fact, if you'd like to contribute to the blog, let me know and I will add you as an author. It is extremely easy to post and I expect it is even easier when someone else (me) has set up the blog itself for you.

I hope you enjoy the blog !