Season 04-05 Reports
Sept '04
Sept 12th 2004 v Earley Retreat 2-0 League DC kicked off the new season with a comfortable 2-0 win over an Earley side who had been been beaten 17-0 the week before. DC started brightly although failed to create any decent goal scoring opportunities until Ross weaved through in space and knocked the ball inside to Scaldie. His opportunist effort looked to have been covered by the keeper although he failed to stop the shot and DC were one up. Nick then made it two nil when his 20 yard effort swerved around the out of position keeper into the net. Wayne hobbled off midway through the first half after turning his ankle and was replaced before JJ. The second half was controlled by DC who for a lot of the time were camped in the oppositions half. Rory had replaced Ross at halftime and was causing the Earley defence trouble with his aerial ability. On two or three occasions, DC should have added to their tally. In addition to a couple of goalmouth scrambles, Duncan had his fine shot well saved by the keeper whilst Chris saw his long range strike hit the post. Jason replaced Duncan as DC played ou the final 15 minutes. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Wayne Makepeace, Steve Danby, Richard Jordan, Nick Smith, Richard Scaldwell, Ross Newman, Steve Bell, Duncan Glen Scorers: Scaldie, Nick Subs: JJ for Wayne, Rory for Ross, Jason for Duncan
Sept 19th 2004 v Earley Gunners 0-0 League DC earned a hard fought draw against the side they beat in a pre-season game only weeks earlier. Darren Holder was DC's star man, making several excellent saves to deny the opposition. Both teams played some good football and a point each was deserved The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, JJ, Steve Danby, Richard Jordan, Nick Smith, Richard Scaldwell, Ross Newman, Steve Bell, Duncan Glen Scorers: Subs: Jensen for JJ,
Sept 26th 2004 v Bulmershe OB's 2-3 League Despite walking away with the 3 points, Bulmershe realised they'd been given a game. DC welcomed back Kevin and Simon as Duncan and Jordy dropped to the bench. Both teams started well but it was DC who took the lead early in the first half when Jensen controlled a diagonal cross and drove the ball into the far corner. Bulmershe responded quickly and produced a couple of decent chances but could not convert them. They did eventually get back on level terms as Chris Taylor ended Darren's 270 minute shut-out with a crisp left foot volley. He could not do much about it. Bulmershe came out in the second half and took the lead with a well taken goal from an acute angle before Simon shrugged off two challenges and guided the ball past the Old Boys keeper. Although no sooner had the celebrations quietened, Bulmershe beat the offside trap and scored the winner with twenty minutes to go. Jordy replaced Jensen whilst Duncan came on for Ross as DC took the game to Bulmershe. Howard and Kevin surged forward from the back in search of a late equaliser. In the end despite the disappointing defeat, DC took some encouragement awat from this game. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Kevin Pitkin, Steve Danby, Nick Smith, Steve Bell, Richard Scaldwell, Ross Newman, Jensen Langford, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Jensen, Simon Subs: Jordy for Jensen, Duncan for Ross
Oct '04
Oct 03rd 2004 v Woodley Hammers Res 3-2 League Steamers had that bouncebackability required as Woodley took an early lead although soon lost Howard with a hamstring injury. Scaldie dropped into the back four whilst Mason slotted into midfield. DC then went 2-0 down as the Steamers failed to clear the ball and a looping effort, snook under the bar. The second half was a complete change and DC pushed forward and played some attractive football. Nick pulled a goal back before Simon scored a brace to seal the win Scorers: Simon (2), Nick Subs: Ross for Duncan, Mason for Howard
Oct 10th 2003 v Reading Piranhas 9-1 League DC were looking to continue their good form today against a Piranhas side heavily beaten in their previous game. DC employed a 5 man midfield which control the game from start to finish. The first five minutes were fast a furious with DC having some slick passing exchanges. Piranhas rode the initial pressure and the game evened out. The game was fairly balanced, with DC applying the greater pressure but lacking quality in the final third. Continued pressure eventually paid off with good wing work leading to a cross, with Nick Smith firing home from short range. The second goal came quickly afterwards with good link-up play and a great run from Steve Bell leading to a ball across the box which Jordi made no mistake in sweeping home. So it remained 2-0 going into half time. The second half was completely dominated by DC. An initial run down the left in which Nick Smith retained possession picking a great pass for the next goal set the standard. DC's passing, use of space was excellent. Each player battling for each other and unselfish passing in front of goal was evident. Further goals from Simon(2), Scaldie(1), Jordi(2) and Steve Bell(1) and Mason (2) sealed an emphatic victory, with Mase being the pick of the bunch (who was in a class of his own on the day!!) Scorers: Jody (2), Mason (2), Simon (2), Steve B, Scaldie, Nick Subs: Ross for Andy
Oct 17th 2004 v Shinfield British Legion 2-9 Berks and Bucks DC failed to turn up in the first half and found themselves 5-0 at the break. Lack of communication and players not looking for the ball did not help DC's cause and clinical finishing from the Shinfield side told the Wargrave side to pull their socks up. DC got back into the game eventually in the second half although were 7-0 down at the time. Simon Langthorne struck again before Richard Mason scored a fantastic freekick from 25 yards out. Ross, Duncan and Jens replaced Danbers, Chris and Nick respectively but were were unable to stop the rot setting in as SBL scored twice more to seal the win Scorers: Simon, Mason Subs: Ross for Steve D, Duncan for Chris, Jensen for Nick
Nov '04
Nov 14th 2004 v West End 2-2 League DC welcomed Simon back from sickness and he continued his scoring form scoring both goals in this hard fought 2-2 draw. DC went a goal behind before Simon equalised early on in the second half. West End regained the lead before withstanding constant DC pressure for the final 20 minutes. The bombardment on the West End goal eventually paid off in the 88th minute when Simon slotted home from 12 yards out. Simon nearly snatched it at the death only for the ball to bobble away before being kicked. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Kevin Pitkin, Steve Danby, Richard Jordan, Richard Scaldwell, Richard Mason, Ross Newman, Steve Bell, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Simon (2) Subs: Nick for Ross
Nov 28th 2004 v Mapledurham Cavaliers 1-3 TC Cup Despite only 9 players turning out for this this League Cup encounter with the leaders of the Central division, it was a great example of teamwork. Every player took responsibility, tracked back, encouraged and gave the opposition a run for their money. Playing a 3-4-1 formation DC held the 10 men of Mapledurham to 0-0 and only managed to get out of their half a handful of times. Mapledurham eventually took the lead from a corner although the Steamers continued to battle on and made a couple of rare chances of their own. One of which produced the goal that brough DC back into the game. Ross took control of a cleared corner and nutmegged an opposing player before playing the ball into space for Simon to run onto. He beat the last defender to the ball, drew the keeper from goal before slotting home from an angle. DC's luck took a turn for the worse when Ross was forced off the pitch with a knee injury. Down to 8 men and DC continued to defend as if their lives depended on it. Darren was playing out of his skin in the Steamers goal, making several decent saves to keep DC in with a shout. The inevitable happened on 75 minutes when the home side took a 2-1 lead from close range. DC then, against the odds, could have found themselves 4-2 ahead as they created 3 very good chances within a 10 minute period. Pushing nearly everyone forward, Simon put one over from close range, Kevin put a header wide and Steve Bells long range shot curled the wrong side of the post. But the nail was firmly thumped into DC's league cup coffin as Mapledurham hit DC on the break and wrapped the game on 90 minutes. A tribute has to be made to those who played as they certainly did not embarrass themselves. The starting lineup was: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Kevin Pitkin, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Ross Newman, Nick Smith, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Simon Subs: None
Dec '04
Dec 5th 2004 v Earley Retreat 7-0 League DC bounced back from defeat to hammer Earley Retreat 7-0 in a one sided game. It did not take the home side too long to get into their stride, playing some nice football and creating chances as early as the second minute. Mason putting the ball over from distance. It was DC's leading goalscorer Simon Langthorne who broke the deadlock though when Jensen found him unmarked at the back post to guide the ball home. Chris Taylor then found himself unmarked at a corner and turned and fired a low shot past the keeper from close range after a goalmouth scramble. Jens added a third shooting from an acute angle before Simon scored his second shortly before the break. His hattrick was complete soon after the restart as the keeper made a terrible error in clearing the ball. Simon fired into an empty net with the keeper left stranded. With the game already won, DC handed Owen Temple his debut replacing Kevin, whilst Chris and Simon made way for Danbers and John Harbage respectively. Jensen added a sixth goal to the tally after battling through the defense and scoring from another acute angle beforeNick delicately lobbed the onrushing keeper from just inside the area to make the final score 7-0 The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Howard Cooke, Kevin Pitkin, Richard Scaldwell, Chris Taylor, Richard Jordan, Richard Mason, Steve Bell, Nick Smith, Jensen Langford, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Simon (3), Jens (2), Chris, Nick Subs: Owen for Kevin, Steve D for Chris, John for Simon
Dec 12th 2004 v Bracknell Manics 4-2 Berks & Bucks Round 3 The long awaited Berks and Bucks match in Brackell ended in success as DC beat a strong Manics side 4-2. The home side started stong creating early chances although DC managed to absorb the pressure. Masey was replaced by Danbers midway through the first half due to a back injury and this change evened the team up with Chris moving from the left to the right. The Steamers eventually took the lead against the run of play when Chris intercepted a through ball, knocking it to Howard in the process. H found Jens who knocked the ball into space for Simon to chase. The manics defender and goalkeeper misunderstood each other and both left the ball for Simon to walk into the net. This misunderstanding seemed to knock the Manics as DC started to take control of the game. The Steamers received their kick in the jacobs early on in the second half as Kevin failed to clear a ball and instead turned into the striker. The striker took advantage of this and equalised. The Manics were back in it although DC held tight. Steve Bell restored DCs lead after another lovely move. The ball was played out to Simon who raced down the left wing before delivering a pinpoint cross to Nick at the backpost. He controlled the ball like a seasoned veteran and feinted to shoot at goal but unselfishly played it Steve who controlled it and calmly placed it to the left of the goalkeeper. Jordy helped increase the scoreline when he raced into the area only to be chopped down for a penalty. Nick converted the penalty to make the score 3-1. The Manics battled on and goal-line clearances from Chris and Danbers kept the home side at bay. John replaced Jordy due to the effect of the hefty challenge leading to the penalty and he got straight into the game with a couple of dubious challenges. Manics threw a few more people forward and the openings were appearing in their defence. Scaldie missed a chance from close range before Simon continued his great goalscoring form holding off a defender before slotting home to give DC an uncatchable lead going into the final 10 minute. That lead wobbled fractionally just after Owen replaced Chris as a low cross was allowed to travel right across the DC area and turned into the net with 5 minutes to go. A good win against a good team. Next up...TT Elms in Windsor The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Howard Cooke, Kevin Pitkin, Richard Scaldwell, Chris Taylor, Richard Jordan, Richard Mason, Steve Bell, Nick Smith, Jensen Langford, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Simon (2), Steve B, Nick Subs: Steve D for Mason, John for Jordy, Owen for Chris
Jan '05
Jan 15th 2006 v Abbe Rangers Res 2-1 League DC played their first game in a month and beat the league leaders on their patch with two well taken goals by Simon. The home team took the lead with a lucky effort before Simon weighed in with two well taken goals. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Chris Taylor; Steve Danby, Julian Sandys, Howard Cooke, Richard Scaldwell, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Simon Langthorne, Jensen Langford, Owen Temple Scorers: Simon (2) Subs: Kevin for Howard, Naji for Steve, Gordon for Owen
Jan 22nd 2006 v AFC Twyford 2-2 League Steamers put in a poor performance against a team which looked beatable. DC were missing a few players and only managed to field a bare eleven players. Twyford took the lead before Howard scored a screamer from the right side. Despite claims of it being meant, it looked more like a cross. Twyford took the lead again in the second half before DC were awarded a fortunate penalty which Simon converted. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Howard Cooke; Steve Danby, Julian Sandys, Kevin Pitkin, Jensen Langford, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Simon Langthorne, Rory O'Neill, Gordon Clark Scorers: Howard, Simon Subs: None
Jan 29th 2005 v Woodley Saints Res 4-3 League DC hung on to win this encounter 4-3 after conceding to goals in the last 15 minutes. The opposition won and converted a penalty in the first ten minutes before Chris popped up to score his 3rd of the season to bring DC back on terms. Steve Danby put the Wargrave side into the lead direct from a corner kick whilst Simon added to his tally before half time. Owen replaced Howard in the second half and scored his first of the season by lobbing the onrushing keeper. DC looked home and dry at this stage although conceded a well taken goal and fortunate long range lob in the latter stages of the game. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Howard Cooke, Julian Sandys, Kevin Pitkin, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Richard Scaldwell, Steve Bell, Chris Taylor, Simon Langthorne, Jensen Langford Scorers: Chris, Steve D, Simon, Owen Subs: Owen for Howard
Feb '05
Feb 06th 2005 v Earley Gunners 1-1 League Simon Langthorne scored DC's goal in this 1-1 draw. The starting line-up was as follows: Darren Holder; Owen Temple, Howard Cooke, Julian Sandys, Steve Danby, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Richard Mason, Richard Scaldwell, Nick Smith, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Simnon Subs: Jensen for Jordy
Mar '05
Mar 06th 2005 v Purple Turtle 3-4 League DC's poor run of form continued as they lost 3-4 despite leading 2-1 at halftime. Tom Ataii was making his Steamers debut and should have had two goals to his name before Jason, back from injury opened the scoring. Some good work from Steve Bell led to Jason side footing his effort past the keeper from just inside the area. This lead was then cancelled out before Simon earnt a penalty and duly converted it to take DC in a half time leading 2-1. Turtle got themselves back into the game early on the second half with a nicely placed goal and then took the lead with a delightful lob. Kevin replaced Jason up front although the Turtle doubled their lead ten minutes from time with a thunderous effort before DC pushed more forward. Tom Ataii finally got his name on the scoresheet in the closing minutes with a nice low shot in the 6 yard box. The Starting lineup: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Julian Sandys, Jensen Langford, Steve Danby; Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Tom Ataii, Nick Smith; Jason Knight, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Jason, Simon, Tom Subs: Kevn
Apr '05
Apr 03rd 2005 v Chalfont Park 5-2 League DC got back to winning ways with a crucial and deserved win over fellow strugglers Chalfont Park. Richard Mason opened the scoring early in the first half before Owen Temple opened his Steamers account with a delightful header at the far post. Tom Ataii added a third midway through the first half before Simon Langthorne added a fourth taking advantage of a defensive mix up. At the other end DC contained the Chalfont attack extremely well although the limited chances they did have were all saved very well by Darren. DC's second half performance was mediocre as Chalfont slowly grabbed a lifeline back into the game. Not before DC went 5-0 up though as an OG flew into the roof of the net at the start of the second half. Chalfont then pulled 2 goals back with the help of some slack defending. DC had the rare benefit of having 3 substitutes available today and Jensen made full use of them replacing Steve Danby with Nick before Chris was injured and replaced by Jason. Andy Holt then replaced Tom with 20 mins to go. The starting lineup was as follows: Darren Holder, Chris Taylor, Howard Cooke, Richard Scaldwell, Steve Danby, Richard Jordan, Owen Temple, Steve Bell, Tom Ataii, Richard Mason, Simon Langthorne Scorers: Mason, Owen, Tom, Simon, OG Subs: Nick for Danbers, Jason for Chris, Andy for Tom
May '05
May 5th 2005 v Reading Piranhas 9-2 League DC ended their season with a resounding win over already relegated Piranhas. Tom Ataii did the most damage scoring 7 (seven) of the goals with Richard Mason also weighing in with one. The big surprise was seeing Darren Holder score his first goal for DC - He's the keeper. Darren swapped with Tom and scored the final goal with a delightful nutmeg. Tom also pulled of a very good save in the latter stages. The starting lineup was as follows: Darren Holder, Howard Cooke, Richard Scaldwell, Jensen Langford, Owen Temple, Richard Jordan, Steve Bell, Richard Mason, Nick Smith, Andy Holt, Tom Ataii Scorers: Tom (7) Darren, Mason Subs: Kevin for Andy