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Sunday 3 May 2009
STANLEY STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN ...by Patrick Watts.

Stanley made it fourteen games unbeaten after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Tri Services on a wet and foggy afternoon at Mt. Pleasant. However the absence of any wind made playing conditions ideal. Kyle Biggs scored his now customary goal with George Elbakidze and 'Spurs' Henry also on the score-sheet.

With Bill Chater joining the long list of injured Stanley players, Team manager Jimmy Curtis moved Ian Betts moved into a central defensive position alongside Andrew Morrison, with Kevin Ross coming in at 'right back'. Islander, Warrant Officer 2 Andy Morrison, son of Cathy and Basil Morrison is serving with the Royal Engineers at MPC, and is accompanied by his wife Kelly and their children. However he elects to play for his home Country in these games as opposed to playing for the Army. He has also been selected for the Falklands team to play at the Island Games in Aland in June.

Kyle Biggs missed a great chance to put Stanley ahead when he headed wide in the 20th minute after a great left wing cross from Andreas Balladeros. Stanley's 'keeper Chris Gilbert had to be alert when Bracegirdle broke clear into the penalty area, but the experienced goalie superbly smothered the ball and prevented a shooting opportunity.

On the 40th minute Stanley went ahead went Kyle Biggs was given time and space to collect the ball, turn inside his marker and coolly shoot low into the net, beating the Tri Services St Helenian goalie Ross Peters.

A minute later Kyle's brother Daniel shot wide of the goal after a neat build-up and Zaza Elbakidze hit the ball high over the bar from a good position. At the other end Danny Bracegirdle hesitated when he looked certain to score and Gilbert was able to deflect the ball outside the post for a corner.

On 48 minutes Stanley went 2-0 ahead. Danny Biggs took a corner on the left and Zaza Elbakidze powerfully headed the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Just two minutes later a mistake by Peters gifted Stanley a 3rd goal. The goalkeeper kicked the ball straight to Spurs Henry and the sprightly 40 year old quickly ran forward a few paces and hit the ball into the net with Peters stranded.

Once again Andreas Balladeros caused much confusion to the opposing team with his trickery, flicks and clever free kicks, and from yet another accurate pass by the Chilean, Henry fired over the cross bar.

Carlos Fajardo came on for Elbkadize and later Michael Betts replaced Daniel Biggs who took a heavy knock early in the game. Jason Langford a scorer in last weeks game between the two sides tried his luck from 30 yards but the ball sailed high and wide and the impressive Hazell shot wide when well placed. The Military team lacked a striker with the ability to put the ball in the net, despite some good approach play.

Kyle Biggs had a great chance to add to his total of 9 goals in 5 games but with the open goal in front of him he steered the ball wide after an excellent interchange of passing between Michael Betts and Spurs Henry.

For Stanley Ian Betts made several excellent last ditch tackles and interceptions and just sneaked the 'Man of the Match' nomination from Balladeros.

The draw for the group stages of the Island Games was made on 3 May and the Falklands have a particularly tough group, having to play hot favourites the Isle of Man, Gotland and the Western Isles who made the semi-finals of the competition two years ago.

Stanley team: C. Gilbert, K. Ross, I. Betts, A. Morrison, L. Clarke, D. Biggs (sub: M. Betts), C. Ross, A. Balladeros, J. Henry, K. Biggs, Z. Elbakidze (sub: C.Fajardo).

Referee: Kevin Cahill RAF.

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Sunday 26 April 2009
BIGGS BROTHERS 'HAT-TRICK' ...by Patrick Watts.

Kyle Biggs hit his 7th & 8th goals in just four games and his elder brother Daniel scored the 3rd goal as Stanley continued their dominance of the Tri-Services with a hard fought 3-1 victory.

The Military side called off last weekends game because of a lack of players. During the week a call to all units went out and a much stronger team turned up to the Community School Field last Sunday.

The local side, preparing for the Aland Island Games which are less than 2 months away, were still without Wayne Clement (broken ankle), Stephen Aldridge (dislocated shoulder) and captain Doug Clark who ruptured his hamstring playing badminton!

Stanley have generally held the upper hand in the long running series of games and when Kyle Biggs seized upon a defensive error in the 10th minute to coolly slot the ball past the RAF'S Neil Smith, a similar story looked possible - 1-0 to the home team. However the visitors battled back and in the 15th minute burly Jason 'Bonnie' Langford of 1435 Flight, who nicked a goal against Stanley a few weeks ago, broke clear of the Stanley defence, ran on gamely and fired the ball past stand-in 'keeper Ben Hoyles to make it 1-1.

Hoyles seemed lucky to escape a caution after he brought down Langford on the edge of the penalty area, but Dale Todd (Army) hit the resulting free kick high over the cross bar. Sliding tackles on the wet surface were common throughout the game, but Steven Pugh (Army) was deservedly shown a yellow card by referee Flight Sgt. Nigel Owen, after he chopped down tricky Andreas 'Pato' Balladeros from behind. The Chilean required lengthy treatment before he was able to continue.

On 27 minutes Stanley regained the lead and it was a clever backheel by Balladeros that allowed Kyle Biggs to race clear of the Tri-Services defenders and roll the ball past Smith into the net. Balladeros barely wasted a ball and his trickery gave the opposing defence problems throughout. Stanley Team Manager Jimmy Curtis made several substitutions and at half-time he replaced Hoyles with regular goalkeeper Chris Gilbert while the recently returned James Peck came on for Carlos Fajardo. Peck, who was arguable the Falklands top player in the mid-80's and 90's, soon showed his silky skills, beating two defenders in quick succession but his final delivery was deflected for a corner.

Hazell, who was the Tri-Services best player on the day, fired in a 30 yards shot which was well taken by Chris Gilbert, and Pugh also tried his luck from distance, but did not bother the Stanley 'keeper either. Ian Betts and Claudio Ross were replaced by Christian Alvarez and Kevin Ross. Alvarez has had little action recently, and is badly in need of practise, as after recovering from a broken elbow he then stepped on the ball and severely damaged his ankle and his recovery has been slow.

The game flowed from end to end as the Tri-Services went in search of an equaliser and Tuczemskyi, whose grandfather hailed from the Ukraine, scorned a good opportunity by shooting wide. In the 84th minute Stanley secured a hard fought victory with a 3rd goal. Balladeros passed the ball to James Peck and he shot across the face of the goal.

As the ball ran loose Kyle Biggs got to it first and played the ball back to his brother Daniel who thumped the ball home from close range. The goal, and a non-stop dynamic performance over 90 minutes, secured Daniel's award of 'Man of the Match'.

Michael Betts replaced central defender Bill Chater who had a touch of cramp. The Tri-Services had a good opportunity to pull a goal back as captain Danny Bracegirdle (RAF) crossed the ball from the right but Langford held his head in his hands after striking the ball well wide of the goal. Someone remarked that there must have been 'butter on Bonnie's boots' after that miss! The excellent series of games looks likely to continue on the 3rd May.

Stanley Team: B. Hoyles (sub: C. Gilbert), I. Betts (sub: C.Alvarez), B. Chater (sub: M.Betts), A. Morrison, C. Fajardo (sub: J. Peck) L. Clarke, D. Biggs, C. Ross (sub: K. Ross), A. Balladeros, K. Biggs, Z. Elbakidze.

Referee: Flight Sgt. Nigel Owen R.A.F.

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Sunday 12 April 2009
STANLEY MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RUN....by Patrick Watts.

Stanley continued their winning run after convincingly beating the Tri-Services by 6 goals to 1 on the Community School field. This season's string of victories is most probably the second most successful since the early 1950's when Stanley went 13 games unbeaten.

On 12th October 1952 the local team beat H.M.S St. Austell Bay 7-1. Her Majesty's Ships - Snipe, Superb, Nereide & St. Austell Bay (several times) plus the Canadian cruiser HMCS Ontario provided the opposition and it was not until 18th April 1954 that the local team heard the final whistle as the losing team, going down 7 - 6 to the St. Austell Bay.

The first game against perennial rivals H.M.S. Protector is recorded as 13th November 1955, with Stanley winning 8 - 5. There were many battles against Protector during the following seasons.

Last Sunday on yet another blustery and cold afternoon the Tri-Services promised to provide stern opposition but unfortunately their regular goal-keeper Chris Livingstone has now left the Islands. His replacement Ferguson, not too tall and wearing glasses, looked vulnerable from the first minute when he failed to deal with a high ball which fortunately for him sailed just wide.

The Stanley injury list lengthened last week after Stevie Aldridge sustained a dislocated shoulder and he is likely to be out for several weeks, so Team manager Jimmy Curtis reverted to an relatively untried 4-3-3 formation. In the 15th minute Daniel Biggs hit a speculative shot which seemed to bounce several times before finally bouncing over Ferguson's head and into the net!

However just 3 minutes later the Tri-Services equalised. Lawrence Proir (RAF) out-stripped a slow turning Stanley defence and ran on into the penalty area before firing the ball across the goal and into the corner of the net. Chris Gilbert got a hand to the ball but could do no more.

2 minutes later Fredricksen had a good opportunity to put the visitors ahead but Gilbert saved well. At the other end Andreas Balladeros took a free kick which unluckily for Stanley hit the post. Stanley went ahead again in the 30th minute. A corner kick from Claudio Ross was headed back across goal by Douglas Clark and Kyle Biggs, in turn, headed powerfully into the net.

Two minutes later the Tri-Services had a golden opportunity to make it 2-2 when Proir, who gave the Stanley defence a busy afternoon, broke clear again. This time he elected to pass across goal to the Army's unmarked Dale Todd who inexplicably hit the ball wide from 6 yards. On the 45th minute Stanley increased their lead.

An excellent free kick from all of 25 yards by Andreas Balladeros swirled in high over the goal-keepers head and eluded several defenders standing on the goal-line. Within a few minutes of the resumption Stanley made it 4-1 when Jeremy 'Spurs' Henry bundled the ball over the line after a fine run and cross down the left wing by Zaza 'George' Elbakidze.

The Georgian National got his reward for a hard-working performance when he scored Stanley's 5th goal. Proir continued to worry the Stanley defence and on several occasions he created opportunities for his team members, but Bracegirdle and Todd failed to capitalize on the chances given to them.

Just 2 minutes from the end Stanley scored their 6th goal. It was slightly controversial as Kyle Biggs chasing a ball collided with goal-keeper Ferguson but it seemed that he had actually kicked the ball into the net before the collision occurred (It was Kyle's 6th goal in three games). After treatment to both players Biggs was able to resume but the unfortunate Ferguson, who had a bad afternoon generally, had to be replaced for the final two minutes of the match. Thankfully he was soon on his feet and walking.

Stanley Team: C. Gilbert, I. Betts, A. Morrison, D. Clarke (capt.) L. Clarke, D. Biggs, C. Ross, A. Balladeros, J. Henry, K. Biggs, Z. Elbakidze. Substitutes: K. Ross, M. Betts.

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Saturday and Sunday 4&5 April 2009
STANLEY TEAMS ACHIEVE DOUBLE OVER HMS MANCHESTER.....by Patrick Watts.

Stanley's First and Second teams scored impressive wins over HMS Manchester, on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon in town.

The 'B team were grateful to newcomer Jimmy Greenough who hit a 'hat-trick' in a 5-1 victory. Jimmy, nephew of Geoff and Wanda Greenough, has recently arrived in the Falklands and therefore is ineligible for the Island Games team.

The 'B' team get few opportunities for a run-out these days and team captain Adam Glanville gave all 7 substitutes the chance to play against the visiting opposition. Greenough's first goal came on 9' when he took a pass from Elvis McRae and hit the ball low and hard past goalkeeper Richard. In the 26' he cut in from the left and struck the ball across goal, where it eluded Richards and settled into the corner of the net.

Stanley's 3rd goal came in the 43 minute when Toby Poole was fortunate to get a rebound from central defender Steve Wilson, and the ball in turn rebounded off Poole and past the stranded goalkeeper.

Impressive captain Glanville, saw one fierce shot tipped over the crossbar by keeper Richards but in the 55' he embarked on a solo run down the left, cut inside and hit the ball along the wet turf and past the haplass Richards, to make the score 4-0 for the home team.

Greenough completed his 'hat-trick' in the 62' before Daniel Eldred scored a consolation goal for HMS Manchester, just 5' from the end.

Stanley's regular first team captain Douglas Clark, who also happens to be the reserve goal-keeper to Chris Gilbert, made several excellent saves and showed that he will be more than a capable deputy if called upon in Aland.


STANLEY 3 HMS MANCHESTER 0.

Stanley maintained their unbeaten record this season, despite having several regular first-teamers missing through injury or absences.

Striker Zaza 'George' Elbakidze was forced to play at left back, and midfielder Stephen Aldridge called up as an emergency striker! It was Aldridge who opened the scoring as early as the 9' when he collected a cross from Carlos Fajardo, and after some moments of hesitation, lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Matt Harden.

Days of non-stop rain made the pitch slippy and skiddy and quite a considerable amount of sand was put down prior to the game by members of Stanley's first-team squad. The ball continued to skip of the wet surface, which made playing conditions quite difficult, but Stanley seemed to cope better, and Chater struck a shot which rolled along the line and past the post.

In the 24' Stanley made it 2-0. Central defender Bill Chater came up for a corner kick, which was taken by Claudio Ross. Chater met the ball powerfully with his head, giving Harden no chance of saving.

On 33' Ian Betts hit a fierce shot just wide, while Manchester struggled to make any impression, against a well organised Stanley team, and against the bitterly cold wind and often driving drizzle.

The game evened out in the 2nd half and Chris Gilbert was required to make several important stops, using his legs to good effect on a number of occasions. Big James Thompson had a couple of chances but wasted them, while John Redmond shot weakly on two occasions when well placed to score.

Stanley went 3-0 ahead when Kyle Biggs scored his 4th goal in 2 games. receiving the ball hip-high from a right wing cross from Doug Clark, he turned and volleyed the ball past Harden.

There was a long injury break after Stevie Aldridge fell awkwardly and dislocated his shoulder. An ambulance from the KEMH rushed to the scene and Stevie soon had his dislocation under control and was released from hospital on Sunday morning. He should soon be back in training for the Island Games.

With conditions deteriorating and the light fading the game petered out into a succession of throw-ins mostly on the north side of the field although Elbakidze had two opportunities to increase Stanley's lead, and Seath wasted yet another chance for the Royal Naval team.

Stanley team: C. Gilbert, D. Clark (capt.) A. Morrison, B. Chater, Z. Elbakidze, I Betts (sub. L. Clarke) C. Ross, D. Biggs, C. Fajardo (sub.J. Sotomayor) S. Aldridge (sub. K. Ross) K. Biggs. Referee: Adam Glanville.

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Sunday 29 March 2009
Stanley 6 1435 Flight 1....by Patrick Watts.

Despite the score-line Stanley had to work hard for this latest victory and suffered the indignity of being a goal behind after just 5 minutes. Burly striker 'Bonnie' Langford skipped past Luke Clarke and from an acute angle fired the ball goalwards, completely deceiving goalkeeper Chris Gilbert, as the ball sailed over his head and into the net. No-one seemed quite sure whether Langford intended to shoot or cross the ball!

The wet pitch suited the visiting Tornado technicians and pilots, and with a strong wind and driving rain at their backs they exerted considerable pressure on the Stanley defence in the lst half. Strong tackles were much in evidence - some were well delivered and others a little wayward!

Langford, who proved to be difficult to pin down, turned Kevin Ross on the left, raced forward and fired in another tremendous shot, only to see the ball this time unluckily hit the cross bar. In the 23rd minute Stanley equalised. Carlos Fajardo received a cut back from Kyle Biggs and the Chilean chef hit the ball powerfully with his right foot from 18 yards, giving goalkeeper Ronald no chance.

In the 40th minute Stanley went ahead through captain and central defender Bill Chater. A throw-in from Fajardo reached Chater in the penalty area and he turned inside and struck the ball past Ronald. A minute later Stanley increased their lead. 1435 Flight goalkeeper Ronald rushed from his goal and got himself into a tangle with a defender as they seemed to leave the ball to each other. Kyle Biggs took advantage of the error and steered the ball into an empty net.

Stanley took control in the 2nd half and very quickly made it 4-1 when central defender Matt Andrews headed the ball past his own goalkeeper for a superb 'own goal'. Ian Betts had fired the ball in from long range. Further chances fell the way of Stanley, but striker George Elbikadzie does not have his shooting boots on at the moment, and despite playing well throughout he was unable to hit the back of the net.

1435 Flight visibly tired and several players had to leave the field with hamstring and calf injuries. Stanley Manager Jimmy Curtis made several changes to protect players with minor injuries, and substitute Andreas Balladeros soon showed his skill with some neat footwork and quick passes. Kyle Biggs scored his second goal of the afternoon when he was allowed too much room to turn, following a corner by Balladeros and then he completed his 'hat-trick' from the penalty spot. Elbikadzie was brought down and referee Gary Tyrrell had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick.

This was further good preparation for the Stanley team as the 13th NatWest Island Games in Aland get ever closer.

Stanley team: C. Gilbert, K. Ross (sub: S. Aldridge), B. Chater (capt.), A. Morrison, L. Clarke, I. Betts (sub: D. Clark), D. Biggs (sub: A. Balladeros), C. Ross, C. Fajardo, K. Biggs, G. Elbikadzie. Referee: G. Tyrrell.

HMS Manchester is due in Stanley on the weekend of 4/5th April and First Team games are scheduled for Saturday - 2:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm with a 2nd team fixture at 1:00pm on Sunday.

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Saturday 10 January 2009
MPA SELECT 0 STANLEY 2....by Patrick Watts.

Following a string of easy victories over moderate Military teams, Stanley travelled to Mount Pleasant last Sunday to take on a Tri-Services team which was well organised and competitive. Playing into a stiff wind in the first half, the local team survived a shaky first ten minutes, when a few defensive slips almost proved costly, but then went on to dominate the match and should have won by a bigger margin.

Under the eye of visiting Dutch coach Rene van Rijswijk, Stanley put together some neat passing movements and Wayne Clement had the first real chance in the 20th minute but fired over following an excellent cross by Luke Clarke.

Ten minutes later Martyn Clarke was put clear and looked certain to score but pushed the ball a little too far ahead of himself and the out-rushing goalkeeper Sgt. Daz Hughes was able to block the ball.

Another good opportunity went begging a minute later when Wayne Clement wriggled past a couple of defenders and crossed for Stevie Aldridge who miscued and the ball bobbled wide of the post. Clement, who gave the Tri Services defence a torrid afternoon with his quicksilver runs, hit a spectacular shot from 18 yards which sailed over the bar.

Stanley suffered a blow just before half-time when central defender Bill Chater damaged an achilles tendon and could well be out of action for 3-4 months, therefore putting his Island Games participation in doubt. He was replaced by Ian Betts who played solidly.

18 year old Islander Tom Wallace who now lives in Liverpool, and who flew to the Falklands for 10 days to train with the Stanley team, had a chance to get on the score-sheet 10 minutes into the 2nd half but flicked the ball wide. Tom is available for selection for the Island Games team.

The only clear cut goal-scoring opportunity for the Military team came in the 65th minute but Alex Hansen's shot eluded goalkeeper Chris Gilbert - and the far post - by inches.

The goal Stanley deserved finally came in the 73rd minute and it was a 'beauty' from Wayne Clement, who struck the ball sweetly from all of 20 yards and it sailed into the top corner giving Hughes no chance of saving. Substitute Andreas Balladaros set up the chance for Clement and 9 minutes later a little back flip from the Chilean put Martyn Clarke, who generally had a quiet game, clean through and he coolly slotted the ball past an advancing Hughes, to make it 2-0 to Stanley. Balladeros could have scored himself by shot wildly over the bar following a free kick from Mark Lennon, and Lennon himself could have scored when well placed but he too shot high and wide.

Stanley impressively came through their first real test of the season as the build-up towards the Island Games in Aland in June continues. Wayne Clement and Daniel Biggs, who put in a sterling performance in midfield, could not be split with respect to the 'Man of the Match' for Stanley, while the local players gave a bottle of 'pop' to goalkeeper Sgt. Daz Hughes of the Resident Rapier Battery, who was voted the Tri-Services best player on the day.

Stanley team: C Gilbert, L Clarke, B Chater, D Clark (capt.) A Glanville, S Aldridge, T Wallace, M Lennon, D Biggs, W Clement, M Clarke. Substitutes: I Betts & A Balladeros.

Saturday, 6 December 2008
STANLEY OUTPLAY JSSU....by Patrick Watts.

Stanley eased to another comfortable victory last Saturday, beating the visiting Military team by 14-0. Although records are not available, this must be one of the highest ever scores recorded by the local team against Military opposition.

Surprisingly, given the final score, JSSU played well in the first half when the strong wind was at their backs, but facing the wind in the second half was another matter and the goals were chalked up at regular intervals.

Team manager Jimmy Curtis once again had to make changes with both wingers Stephen Aldridge and Andreas Balladeros out injured. Wayne Clement was passed fit just before the game and responded with a 4-goal salvo in the 4th, 63rd, 73rd and 78th minutes.

Jeremy 'Spurs' Henry cracked in two goals in the 30th and 34th minute before being replaced by George Elbikadzie who responded with 2 goals. Martyn Clark added his name to the scoring feast with goals in the 49th and 88th minutes, and the returning former Carlisle and Coventry player Mark Lennon scored in the 13th and 81st minutes.

Luke Clarke scored with a spectacular long-range effort in the 87th minute and the 14th goal was contributed by a visiting defender for an own goal.

The next first team fixture against the RIC on Saturday the 20th December should provide the local team with much stiffer opposition.

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Saturday 29 November 2008
STANLEY STROLL TO VICTORY....by Patrick Watts.

The Stanley first team squad gained their third successive victory of the season with a convincing 8-1 win over the Fire Section from MPA. With six first teamers missing either through injury or unavailability, Team Manager Jimmy Curtis was forced into several changes following the win over H.M.S. Iron Duke.

The visitors arrived with a depleted team and but for an outstanding display from their goalkeeper Cpl. Chris Freeborne, the score could well have been into double figures. Freeborne was soon in action when he parried a powerful header by Stanley captain Doug Clark and he followed this with a brilliant one-hand diving save to thwart Stevie Aldridge when he looked certain to score. He then somehow managed to tip a lob from Bill Chater over the bar.

Little was seen of the visiting strikers Dineen and McMannus and when Warrant Officer Charlie Boyes limped off with a groin strain, their plight worsened.

On the 20th minute Stanley finally went ahead when Wayne Clement fired into the net following some smart work on the right by Chilean Andreas Balladares. Two minutes later Doug Clark powerfully headed into the net following a corner from Stevie Aldridge. Bill Chater, who touched down at Mt. Pleasant on the Lan Chile flight just an hour earlier, then broke clear to slot the ball past a helpless Freeeborne. Chater, who is hoping to gain selection for the Island Games team, then strained a hamstring and was replaced by Kyle Biggs.

On the 44th minute Wayne Clement scored his second goal of the afternoon and Stanley's 4th when he steered the ball into the net following yet another cross from Aldridge.

Team Manager Jimmy Curtis gave his substitutes a run-out in the 2nd half with Saul Zuvic and Michael Betts playing the full 45'. Betts scored Stanley's 5th after Freeborne had pushed out a shot by Clement, and Clarke got his second when he swept the ball high into the net.

The Fire Section did pull a goal back through a penalty from Deely, but two late goals by Kyle Biggs sealed a competent performance from the local side.

Stanley team: C Gilbert, I Betts, A Morrison, D Clark (capt.), C Fajardo, S Aldridge, C Ross, C Alvarez, A Balladares, B Chater, W Clement. Substitutes: S Zuvic, M Betts, D Biggs, K Biggs. Referee: Mark Lennon.

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