vs Star Clapham (A)
Well apologies again first of all as David 'Captain' Brooks has been too 'busy' to write the report.... again. His commitment to the club can only be compared to Spurs' start to the season.... poor!
Unlike Spurs the Devy had already grabbed their first win of the season and were looking to make it two out of two with the visit to new side, Star Clapham.
Playing on a middle school-sized pitch meant there was not going to be a lot of room to maneuver but at least one person was happy. Russell 'the belly' Boltryk could at least cover more ground than he usually does with minimal effort.
The Devy had made a few changes, Jeff returning in goal, Andy coming in at left back and Gareth starting upfront after his second half, 4 goal haul, the week before. The game started brightly enough, Star Clapham were putting a lot of tackles in early on, a lot of them directed at the unfortunate James who seemed to get more than his fair share. The Devy were on top however and it looked like there could be a few goals in this game for them.
Indeed it was the Devy who took the lead after a uncleared corner dropped to the feet of Brooks, who in turn squared it to Russell, who had the simple job of side footing it home. 0-1 Devonshire Arms.
A great start to the Devy and the confidence from last weeks game was clearly showing. Star Clapham did not seem to offer much in the way of attacking play and anything they did conjure up, Jeff quickly mopped up with the help of his solid looking defence.
The best moment of the game then came midway through the first half. A fine passing move saw Russell attack the wing and deliver an inch perfect cross for the on-rushing Dan (yes rushing!) to direct his header into the corner of the net. A great move that would not have looked out of place in the Premier League. 0-2 Devonshire Arms.
Things were looking good for the Devy, they really hadn't got out of second gear and were already 2-0 up. It could have been 3 when another corner was not properly cleared and a back post cross saw Brooks head in. The goal was unfortunately disallowed. The correct decision as it usually is when Brooks is the one who scored.
HALF TIME - Star Clapham 0 v 2 Devonshire Arms
One change was made at half time, the experienced Andy was replaced at left back by the retuning Terry Hall, who was now having to battle for a place in the team.
Things immediately got better for the Devy when Gareth breezed past several defenders before coolly half volleying it over the keepers head. The game was put to bed and we'd only played a few minutes of the second half. 0-3 Devonshire Arms.
Star Clapham looked a beaten team, they continued to offer only the odd dirty tackle in their reply as James was getting increasingly frustrated with the treatment he was receiving. His frustration was to get even worse when he dribbled past two or three players, driving into the box only to be crudely taken out, a stone wall penalty. Instead of the ref pointing to the spot though, he unbelievably produced a yellow card for James for 'simulation'. An awful decision!
Russell who had earlier looked dangerous was now beginning to tire (even on the small pitch) and was replaced by Little Little J on the right. Devy then continued to push forward and look dangerous and another fine goal from Gareth extended their lead. Put clear though and on the corner of the edge of the box he calmly lobbed the on-rushing keeper to make it 4. 0-4 Devonshire Arms.
The points were going to one team and one team only today, although still not at their best the Devy were making light work of an ordinary looking Clapham side. The opposition did make a couple of chances towards the end but a last ditch tackle from 'man of the match' Jason saw their striker hit their best chance high over the goal. A final change was made as Liam replaced Dan, for his competitive debut.
It was a debut to remember for the young lad as a mix up in the defence saw the ball ricochet off the keeper onto Liam and into the net. Clapham protested that it had in fact come of his arm, the linesman couldn't see it and a goal was awarded.0-5 Devonshire Arms.
A five star performance against the Stars from Clapham from the Devy. They remain at the top of the pile for another week and a get a much deserved clean sheet to boot.
Final Score - Star Clapham 0 - 5 Devonshire Arms FC
Devonshire Arms Line up:
GK: Jeff Udoh
RB: Jason Williams
CB: Mike Davis
CB: David Brooks
LB: Andy Norbury
CM: Simon Hall
CM: Richie Fenn
RM: Russell Boltryk
LM: James Matthews
CF: Gareth Arzu
CF: Dan Fisk
Subs used: Jason Stonebridge, Terry Hall, Liam Vorley
To report a correction of information or to send any comments or reports please email info@devonshirearmsfc.co.uk
