Team Gryphon FC Match Reports 2009-2010

Sunday 15 November'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One, at the Gryphon Park Football Ground (played as Blandford Town's home game, due to a waterlogged pitch)

BLANDFORD TOWN FC (2) 2 - 4 (2) TEAM GRYPHON FC - D.Mason, Perrett, Osment, Plowman

TEAM - HILL, KELL, ROWE, HAMBLIN, COOPER, OSMENT, BREWER, PEIRSON, PETTY, D.MASON, PERRETT - Subs D.MASON, DAISH, PLOWMAN

Tristan Cooper reports: Blandford Town arrived with just 10 players to take on Team Gryphon, with the fixture having been transferred from Blandford. The day was fresh and sunny and the pitch heavy from a weekend of torrential rain. The game started with the home team meaning business, seemingly stung into action by last weekend’s poor performance in the cup. Chances came and went with some neat passing and incisive passing. The home team needed to capitalise on this purple patch and eventually did so, with some neat passing leading to a chance for Dom Mason who lashed a half volley across the keeper from the right hand side. The game then continued as before and the second goal came with Brad Perret’s strong finish, this was soon followed by Perret smashing a chance against the crossbar. The game seemed to be in the home team’s absolute control, however out of nothing a counter attack led to a goal on the right flank with an excellent finish past the otherwise redundant keeper. The visitors then gained some confidence and forced the Team Gryphon team onto the defensive. The equaliser came when left back Tristan Cooper made a rash challenge in the box, to concede a penalty, which was dispatched with ease. Seemingly shocked Team Gryphon took a while to regain control by which time it was half time.

The second half saw TG start much the stronger and this eventually led to Chris Osment slipping off his wing to unload the killing blow. The visitors now seemed spent of ideas and Team Gryphon attacked with wave after wave of efforts being saved by the away team’s impressive keeper. The introduction of subs Matt Plowman and Ethan Daish only intensified the pressure and eventually Plowman broke his long barren spell, albeit fortunately after the keeper made a double save before he forced it home. There was still time for Perret to damage the posts paintwork with a close range header before the game eventually finished. In conclusion the team rose up from last week to show heart along with their undoubted quality. A fixture they deserved to win but with no little respect for a ten man team that showed a never say die spirit themselves.

Sunday 8 November'09 - Dorset Sunday Junior Cup Round Two Replay, at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 2 (1) HARBOURSIDE, POOLE FC

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, BARKER, HAMBLIN, SENIOR, D.MASON, RANDALL, BREWER, DAISH, PERRETT, PLOWMAN - Subs PETTY, R.MASON, TULLY

The replay, these two games against Harbourside in the Dorset Cup have been the most frustrating of the season, yes we have lost games in the past, which we should have done better in, but against this side. We should have won the game last week, and not subjected ourselves to a replay, we have enough quality to see off teams like this, but we always seem to make it difficult for ourselves in games which we should win, perhaps we prefer the underdog tag a bit to much? The first half saw a much-changed Harbourside hustle and bustle us, putting us under pressure not seen in the first game, and after a penalty harshly awarded Harbourside took the lead. In the second half after we conceded a second, the game was lost, although we never gave up and kept at them all game, we failed to take advantage of our chances and blew a fantastic chance to progress in the County Cup.

Tristan Cooper reports: The teams lined up for the cup replay after a hard fought draw after extra time last week. The weather was bitterly cold and the wind only served to chill the bones of the spectators further. The game started frenetically, perhaps in an effort, by the players, to get warm. The quality of play was extremely poor with neither team able to show composure or any control. The first real moment of note was a theatrically won free kick just outside the box. This led to rugged centre back Chris Hamblin being booked. The free kick was wasteful and ugly which was in sympathy with the game in general. Then once again the away team were falling over too easily and Steve Randall conceded a penalty by merely leaning in on the player. This was converted and left TG searching for inspiration. Sadly it wouldn’t come with few chances and a yellow card for Randall for a slightly late challenge, his first bad tackle of the game. The away keeper looked shaky when TG occasionally threatened through the agile efforts of Matt Plowman. His handling was quite awful and this should have encouraged the home team to test him more. Sadly Team Gryphon were listless, outcompeted and a pale version of last years cup finalists. The second half saw Josh Petty on for Ruari Senor, with Ethan Daish dropping to left back. Petty brought more skill and invention to the game but couldn’t provide the telling moment to get the home team back into the game. Then with inspiration lacking, Randall wanting to take a quick throw, was impeded by an away player. Playfully he bounced the ball on the player’s head. Unfortunately, the referee, interpreting the laws correctly but with little understanding for the situation, felt he had to book Randall for a second time and thus send him off. To conclude, the sending off cannot hide the fact, that although Team Gryphon always try to the very end, there was very few players who had the determination to fight to win this fixture. The game isn’t just about passing nicely, getting forward and scoring goals. This team needs to learn to tackle; head and battle there way into positions were they win the right to play attractive football. The alternative is defeat after defeat, which destroys the soul of a team. Each individual now needs to look inside and find a football warier that hates being beaten. Then come next Sunday let a team of individuals come together with a collective spirit that cares about the badge and will use every last sinew to win the day.

Sunday 1 November'09 - Dorset Sunday Junior Cup Round Two, at Turlin Moor Sports Ground Poole

HARBOURSIDE, POOLE FC (1) 2 - 2 (2) TEAM GRYPHON FC - D.Mason x 2, Brewer (p), Peirson (TG draw AET 4-4)

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, KELL, HAMBLIN, DAISH, RANDALL, PEIRSON, BREWER, D.MASON, PERRETT, PLOWMAN - Subs SENIOR, PETTY

Dorset Cup football, a different standards of teams, the way they play the game and refereeing, but TG on paper should have comfortably progressed into the quarterfinal against the team from Poole who play in the Bournemouth league. It turned out to be far from comfortable, and the terrible weather put paid to our normal fast and furious football. Dominic Mason scored early for TG, but from then onwards we conceded from our nemesis, Harbourside scored from a corner, which was saved but dropped to the far post for the forward to score. Brad Perrett was fouled in the box, which captain Mark Brewer dually scored, slotting into the corner to give TG a halftime lead. The second half should have been about how may TG would win by, as Matt Plowman and Brad Perrett had numerous chances to score, along with Mason and sub Josh Petty. After so much domination, the failure to score and put the game to bed was our undoing as we conceded an equaliser with only minutes remaining in normal time. So extra time again, and it was the home side buoyed on my the last grasp goal, scored first and then again to take a 4-2 lead going into the final ten minutes of the match. Dominic Mason scored his second of the game to reduce the score, running on to a Mark Brewer assist, and then after a mistake in the box by the keeper, Gareth Peirson scored from a Brewer free kick to spare our blushes and set up a replay next week, which we again on paper should win?

Sunday 25 October'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 2 - 5 (0) PALACE COURT FC - Clements, Perrett

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, BARKER, SENIOR, OSMENT, PLOWMAN, BREWER, D.MASON, PERRETT, CLEMENTS - Subs TREBBLE, R.MASON

An excellent advert for Blackmore Vale football as two truly committed teams played out a fantastic half of football, with the home side controlling and limiting the champions to pot shots. Brewer and Plowman bossed midfield feeding the wings to set up chances for Clements and Perrett up front. It was the next 45 minutes were it went wrong. TG conceded three goals within the opening twenty minutes to leave us a mountain to climb. Mark Clements scored from distance to reduce the score, but as soon as we got a foot hold in the game Palace Court scored again, to maintain there advantage. Again TG scored this time though Brad Perrett latching on to a far post shot, but yet again Palace Court scored from the restart, to keep there lead and take home the three points. From the display given in the first half Team Gryphon should, and deserved to get something from this game.

Sunday 18 October'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at the Milborne Port Playing Fields

KINGS ARMS FC (2) 3 - 4 (2) TEAM GRYPHON FC - D.Mason, Osment, Tully x2

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, DASIH, OSMENT, RANDALL, BREWER, D.MASON, PERRETT, TULLY - Subs R.MASON, PLOWMAN, J.HAYNES (NU)

In a must win game for TG, especially as the teams around us are starting to pick up points, a win and more importantly three points were the order of the day as Team Gryphon travelled to Milborne Port and a league encounter verses Kings Arms. Dominic Mason gave TG a dream start, latching onto a Chris Osment cross, which he controlled and scored at the far post 1-0 TG. Kings Arms equalised from a corner, which wasn’t cleared, as it came back into the danger area, goal 1-1. Chay Tully making his first competitive start for the senior team restored Team Gryphon’s advantage as he raced onto a though ball laid onto him by Ethan Daish’s throw which Tully shot though the keepers legs. Kings Arms weren’t giving up as again they scored with a headed goal this time from the right to make it 2-2 at half time.

It was now the home sides turn to score early as their attacker beat our defence, cut inside and beat the keeper low, to make it 3-2 to Kings Arms. Chris Osment levelled the scorers as he fought hard for the ball, took it in to the area and gave the keeper no chance with his shot 3-3. Team Gryphon should have really wrapped up the game before now, as both Dominic Mason and Tully could have scored more, but with the clock ticking down to 90 minutes, Tully made amends as Darren Rowe played him though to score his second and TG’s fourth to win the game right at the death and give us breathing space in the Division One table!

Sunday 11 October'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 3 (2) SHERBORNE WEST END FC

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, BARKER, D.MASON, RANDALL, PEIRSON, BREWER, OSMENT, FORD - Subs KELL, CLEMENTS, COOPER

Tristan Cooper reports: Sherborne West End has enjoyed plenty of success over the years in the Blackmore Vale Football League and with it they have an assured belief in their ability to win. Over the last few years this has been the difference between the two teams, most notably in the cup final last year when Team Gryphon played the better football but ultimately lost a hard fought final. The home fixture of the Sherborne Derby played at Gryphon Park so advantage TG, or so you would think but after an early chance to Dominic Mason, put through by Jordan Ford, who tried but failed to round the keeper, West End scored from a corner with a firm header. The game then settled into a good, even, cut and thrust game. TG were passing the ball well and troubling the West End defence. Once when Steve Randall supplied Ford with a glancing header, tipped wide by the keeper. Then Mark Brewer had a good shot from the edge of the penalty area and then Randall was breaking into the box on the left hand side using trickery managed a tight shot that clipped the outside of the post. With West End rattled they were prone to dissent and two players received yellow cards. Dom Mason then had a point blank shot saved well by the West End keeper. Then the game breaker arrived with a West End player winning the ball near the corner flag and Brewers despairing challenge leading to a penalty that was dispatched with ease.

The second half saw Team Gryphon dominate, but were frustrated by being limited to long range shooting, all of which were well saved by the increasingly prominent West end keeper. His performance was the difference between the two teams and midway through the second half, West End made a rare foray down the left, with right back, Darren Mason beaten the attacker finished to the near post. At this point the game was up for TG but they fought to the final whistle, making the impressive opposition keeper save several more times. Team Gryphon played well and at times brought some golden colours to the autumnal gloom, with their neat play, but they still lack the belief to win against established teams. This and a man of the match performance from the West End Keeper tilted the balance away from team gryphon. For Team Gryphon to move up the table they need to learn to win ugly, win anyway they can, because that’s just what the best teams have to do sometimes?

Sunday 4 October'09 - Dorset Sunday Junior Cup Round One at Redlands Sports Ground, Weymouth

TEAM GRYPHON FC (1) 2 - 2 (0) SAS FC (TG win AET 3-5) - D.Mason x 2, Perrett, Clements, J.Haynes

TEAM - J.HAYNES, D.MASON, HAMBLIN, KELL, R.MASON, D.MASON, RANDALL. BREWER, COOPER, CLEMENTS, PERRETT Subs - TULLY, J.HAYNES

Tristan Cooper reports: Team Gryphon travelled to Redlands, Weymouth with a bare bones squad complete with three U18 players who were due to play later on in the day for their normal team. However such is the strength of the squad that optimism wasn’t lacking as the away team kicked off on a cool, windless autumn morning. Team Gryphon started much the stronger with Mark Clements holding the ball up well and the back four defending some aerial bombardment. Early in the half, Dominic Mason went on a stupendous run from the right wing, beating several players. He then found himself in the opposing box and just for good measure beat one last defender before slotting home a memorable goal. The half then settled into a pattern with the home team testing the back fours mettle with some high balls and TG continuing to fashion chances by good build up play. Brad Perrett forced a good save from the right side and Clements shot just wide from the left hand side.

The second half saw a slow start from both teams with little in terms of opportunities. However the home team then stung the TG players with two goals in short succession. Both came from corners from the right. Also both goals resulted from the ball falling fortuitously to an attacking player for them to stab home. A little shell shocked it took time for the away team to get going again. However showing great spirit they did regain their superiority. This eventually led to Perrett scoring a deserved equaliser. A good through ball led to Perret running smoothly onto the pass, and he then finished near post past the keeper. The away team played hard for a winner but it wasn’t to be and the game drifted to a draw and extra time.

Not long after the extra time had started, a missed clearance led to a chance for the home team leading to a shock goal. Team Gryphon were still undiminished and were unfortunate not to score when a long shot by Clements hit the bar and Perrett’s close range effort clipped the post and went out. However the breakthrough came soon after when after some good skill Clements finally got the goal his play deserved with a low finish. With renewed vigour the away team went into the second phase of extra time and pressed for the winner. From a corner Team Gryphon scored when Dominic Mason took control of the ball on the left, neatly beat his man and crossed for substitute Jamie Haynes to nibble home. The home team were tired by now and Team Gryphon were able to extend the lead by another goal when veteran Tristan Cooper swung in a ball from the left back position finding Dominic Mason’s angled run, who then adeptly finished. There was still time for Steve Randall to score from a corner with a well-placed header but the whistle had blown and it was subsequently chalked off. This was a result for a team that played hard together and stood up in the face of adversity. To a man everyone contributed and the victory was very well earned. TGFC Man of the Match - Steve RANDALL

Sunday 27 September'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 3 (0) PLUME SAMBA FC

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, DASIH, RANDALL, TRIM, BREWER, D.MASON, PLOWMAN, FORD - Subs KELL, PERRETT, COOPER

Tristan Cooper reports: On a fine sunny morning, with the mist clearing to reveal a perfect late autumn day, the teams lined up to do battle, for the first time since the home side eliminated Plume Samba in Challenge Cup last year. The early exchanges saw the home side in the ascendancy with Matt Plowman unable to convert a trio of chances. Darren Rowe and Steve Randall also had half chances to score. As the half wore on, the game evened out, and chances to score became scarce. Jordan Ford had a good run and shot and Samba were extremely unlucky not to get a penalty resulting from a poor challenge in the box by Plowman. In the second half the home side huffed and puffed but could not score. The impressive figure of Simon Trim succumbed to a reoccurrence of his shoulder injury forcing him off along with Ford bringing on the youthful Alan Kell and crowds favourite Brad Perrett. As the game moved on George Hill was called into action, in with a point blank stop and Steve Randall had an effort cleared off the line. Then Randall, battling hard broke into the box, and with the ball falling to Dominic Mason he smashed it with venom against the underside of the bar, but alas it didn’t go in. This seemed to affect TG as they despaired of ever scoring. Then the crucial moment of the game came when Samba broke the deadlock with a neat turn and finish in the box. With not long to go, the home team poured forward, leaving the backdoor open to the counter and this led to two more goals finishing off the game.

Although an unfair result, Team Gryphon were guilty of spurning chances when in the ascendancy. They also have a tendency to shoot without looking for better options. Again and again players failed to see an easy pass, which would have led to an easier goal chance. Team Gryphon continues to frustrate, seemingly unable to show their class by playing a simple and effective passing game to win fixtures. Individualism needs to be replaced by a team ethic or this season will quickly slide into disappointment and a waste of ability and potential.

Sunday 20 September'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at Horsington, South Cheriton

SOUTH CHERITON UTD FC (3) 6 - 3 (1) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Rowe, Brewer, Ford

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, BARKER, RANDALL, TRIM, BREWER, D.MASON, PLOWMAN, OSMENT - Subs KELL, FORD, DAISH

Team Gryphon’s first away match of the new season was on the St Margaret’s, Horsington pitch which TG so famously beat South Cheriton last season to reach the final of the challenge cup, and where the final was also played so TG have fond memories of this ground. Unfortunately by the end of 90 minutes this result will go down as the one that got away and of the only real difference between the two teams was Cheriton’s forward Darren White. Achieving a positive result was the most difficult thing of the game, as TG enjoy serious amounts of pressure, procession play and domination, we just lacked the killer edge that seems to be the difference this season for all the teams in the BVFL. South Cheriton took a 3-1 half-time lead, with Darren Rowe scoring our goal, Utd made it even more difficult to get back in the game when they made it 4-1 not long into the second half, Mark Brewer made it 4-2, giving us a chance. Unfortunately this was were the Cheriton forward came into his own as soon as Jordan Ford scored our third with a well worked move resulting in a cracking shoot from distance, he scored within minutes to give the home side the two goal advantage the had enjoyed for most of the game.

Sunday 13 September'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (5) 11 - 0 (0) STURMINSTER ROVERS FC

Randall x 3, Perrett x 2, Osment x 2, Peirson, Ford, D.Mason, Brewer

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, BARKER, RANDALL, PEIRSON, BREWER, FORD, PERRETT, D.MASON - Subs COOPER, OSMENT, PLOWMAN

Tristan Cooper reports: A fine sunny autumn morning dawned on Team Gryphon, who were looking for their first win of the season. Amid rumours of Sturminster having a weakened team there was a enthusiastic optimism about the home teams early play and this led to the teams first goal with weak defending leading to Brad Perret finishing forcefully to the keepers left. The Rovers seemingly had little fight and very little application and it soon became clear that the game would be largely attack verses defence for long periods. Within a few more minutes, flowing play led to an astute cross from Perret to the lurking Randell, who shot against the keeper but with good fortune and excellent skill finished at the second time of asking. This seemed to crumble the shaky resistance of the away team and more goals flowed into the net. The first was a Ford assist with a ball through the middle for Mason to finish with his usual deadly accuracy and ice cool assassinator technique. Then came Randall’s second from a Peirson through ball. The Rovers left back was missing in action and a good strong finish was lashed into the overworked net. To finish the half Perret bagged his second from an awful back pass leading to a nice finish.

The start of the second half saw some controversy with Gryphon captain Brewer having a bit of handbags with a large Rovers player, but this was quickly settled by the excellent referee. The games play was not altered and Ford scored the home teams sixth early on with a confident finish after a left wing through ball. The Randell bagged his hat trick when the Rovers keeper embarrassed his art by mishandling the ball straight to the crazy right winger. With such a big lead the game saw the introduction of the home teams stellar bench with Osment and Plowman coming on along with veteran, Cooper. Team Gryphon were merciless and pushed for more goals. Osment, making his second appearance for the team grabbed the ball for a free kicked and scored past the distraught keeper. Then Peirson notched a goal, which was good reward for his masterful display. As the shadows of the game grew across the sweat drenched players, Captain Brewer finished after a save from the keeper and Osment was overjoyed to slot a second free kick. A great performance from the team, who although against inferior opposition, had to show a ruthless streak to win the game convincingly. The desire and teamwork demoralised the opposition and got the Team Gryphon its first points on the board. Now the team must move on to harder games and show that they can perform at this level consistently.

Sunday 6 September'09 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One at Gryphon Park

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 2 - 3 (2) CARY SWANS FC - Peirson, Rowe

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, BARKER, RANDALL, PEIRSON, KELL, COOPER, PERRETT, D.MASON - Subs FORD, OSMENT, BREWER

Cary Swans were the first visitors to Gryphon Park and came away with the three points in a five-goal thriller. It was a hard fought encounter, one that both teams would have been disappointed if it had ended in a draw? TG conceded early and it remained that way for the rest of the half, even though TG had some excellent chances to level the score. The second half saw Cary score again, but this seemed to be the kick start we needed as during some goal mouth play Darren Rowe scored, firing into the net from only a matter of yards 2-1 game on. The game was soon 2-2 as this time Gaz Peirson scored with another blaster from short range. We started to live dangerously as Swans went close a few times. The last man that should have resulted in a penalty fouled Dominic Mason in the box but it was given as a free kick our opponent’s way, and further injustice was done as Cary Swans scored another late winner against us to sneak the match 3-2.

Thursday 3 September'09 - Pre-Season Friendly at Stalbridge Recreational Ground

STALBRIDGE FC (2) 4 - 1 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC - D.Mason

TEAM - HILL, BEATON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, BARKER, RANDALL, PERRETT, BREWER, LANNING, D.MASON, FORD - Subs COOPER, D.MASON, DASIH

Tristan Cooper reports: Team Gryphon played the last fixture of their pre-season on a windy, cool evening that stretched into the fading light of an autumn evening. The game’s early exchanges saw the TG players imitating statues as Stalbridge scythed through the opposition with such ease that it was alarming. The first goal was quick in coming with Stalbridge’s impressive main striker looking a class apart from the best of the rest. He finished a passing move with a low finish to the left of the Gryphon keeper. Just as the TG players began to find their feet with the odd counter attack, the poor tracking of Stalbridge raiders left space for a diagonal ball to their dangerous striker who’s chipped finished gained his brace with aplomb. The first half then settled into a pattern of Stalbridge pressure with Team Gryphon offering the odd swift counter attack. At the end of the half, Team Gryphon could be pleased with their attacking work but would have felt embarrassed by the lack of desire to defend. The second half saw three changes with Ethan Daish on at left-back, Tristan Cooper on at left-wing and Darren Mason on at right-back. These changes looked to have had little effect when a good left wing cross and head back led to a goalmouth tap in, from Stalbridge’s smallest player, with his head! However as the game progressed the team improved its shape and was much more solid. During this period the team became the aggressor and Stalbridge rarely threatened. With the game lurching towards its conclusion a good through ball to the ever dangerous Dominic Mason saw a delightful chipped finish across the keeper. With hopes of a comeback, Team Gryphon pushed forward and Stalbridge were rushed in defence and giving the ball away in dangerous positions. However the second goal just wouldn’t come and right at the death Stalbridge added a fourth goal, on a counter attack. Team Gryphon have much to offer in an attacking sense and always look dangerous, however for success in the highly competitive BVFL Division One, it is clear that they must work much, much harder in defence or they will find themselves conceding soft goals and allowing teams to gain confidence all too easily.

Thursday 27 August'09 - The St Aldhelms Cup at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 2 - 4 (4) AFC EAGLES - D.Mason x 2

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, ROWE, WISDOM, DAISH, D.MASON, PEIRSON, KELL, PETTY, PERRETT, BREWER - Subs COOPER, RANDALL, CLEMENTS

Tristan Cooper, reports: The senior team’s third outing of the pre-season saw the return of midfield enforcer, Gareth Peirson. However the team was rocked by the news that he is moving to London at the end of the month. The shocking news seemed to affect the team and combined with a stiff headwind the Eagles took the initiative. Poor defending and midfielders getting caught in possession led to lots of pressure being brought to bear on the home team. The first goal duly arrived by a hopeful high through ball turning into a goal scoring chance through poor defending. This quickly became two to nil when a poor throw out fell to an Eagles player. He promptly belted a half volley past the despairing keeper, Hill.

AFC, now having the advantage and confidence added a third with a right wing cross falling to an unmarked attacker from a two yards. Team Gryphon did manage a disallowed goal from the chest of Brewer before the Eagles completed the first half scoring, when given a dubious free kick on the right flank. The cross was missed by a number of home team defenders leaving an easy tap in at the far post. The second half saw a spirited fight back leading to two goals with a touch of class. The first saw a slick passing move between Brewer and Dominic Mason ending in a good finish from the teams most accomplished finisher. The second saw Perret put Mason through for his second. With Randell and Clements also making their first appearances this season the team applied more pressure and the confidence of Eagles evaporated and they retreated, only threatening with the odd counter attack.

Mason was denied a hat trick on two occasions, and the home team were in the end just short of being able to complete the come back. If TG hadn’t been so profligate in the first half they could have won this fixture, however the second half did at least restore pride and garner optimism for the new season.

Thursday 20 August'09 - The St Aldhelms Cup at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 2 (1) BARWICK & STOFORD UTD FC

TEAM - HILL, D.MASON, KELL, HAMBLIN, DAISH, PETTY, ROWE, BREWER, PERRETT, FORD, PLOWMAN - Subs WALLBRIDGE, D.BEATON

Tristan Cooper, reports: With the low sun hanging just above the trees to the western end of Gryphon Park and a keen wind stripping body heat, the game saw Team Gryphon continue their preparation for the new season.The two teams couldn’t have been more different, with the diminutive gryphoneers, pirouetting, and probing with the swashbuckling swish of a musketeer. Barwick on the other hand resembled a montage of steam engines and tractors, all industrial brawn and aggression from a forgotten Victorian era.

With Barwick strangling Gryphons creativity they placed lots of pressure on the home team with corners and goalmouth scrambles aplenty. This was occasionally punctuated by the slick passing moves of the home team and the odd good chance spurned by the lone striker, Plowman. Ford also had some success foraging down the left flank with an early chance hitting the left post. Rowe also showed his potential with some good passing from central midfield. Just before half time, the Barwick centre forward bullocked his way through several challenges before beating the committed gryphon keeper low to his left. The second half saw Beaton and Wells on for Daish and Ford. The game continued as before with pressure from the away team. Goalkeeper Hill making several excellent saves from the muscular Barwickians. With the home teams midfield unable to press the determined Barwick a chance eventually fell to the away team, which was expertly hit left footed, in off the left post. The loss of Plowman to an ankle injury also saw the home teams’ threat disappear and fade as did the teams overall performance. Despite this, the home team were improved from last week and some good performances were seen on the pitch, notably player of the season, Hamblin finding his timing as well as a Rowe and Brewer who worked hard and showed flashes of a good partnership in midfield.

Thursday 13 August'09 - The St Aldhelms Cup at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC (1) 2 - 4 (2) GILLINGHAM TOWN FC - D.Mason, Brewer

TEAM - HILL, R.MASON, ROWE, HAMBLIN, DAISH, D.MASON, KELL, BREWER, PLOWMAN, D.MASON, PERRETT - Subs WISDOM, WELLS, MOTTERAM

Tristan Cooper, reports: As the sun-bleached day began its gradual decline Team Gryphon took the field for the first time to test their pre season mettle against a mix of 2nd & 3rd teamers from Gillingham Town. The men in blue showed their lack of practise and were so rusty that they almost matched the orange shirts of the opposition, however as the half wore on the odd flash of burnished steel began to show through with passing moves to please the eye. The first one of real note proved too good for the Gills as Brewer received the ball on the eighteen yard area, he cleverly held the ball up and laid it off to Darren Mason, playing right-wing for the first time. His cross was inch perfect for the late arriving Mason to side foot home. However Gillingham had the better touch and seemed more aggressive in closing down and without too much guile added two goals before the half time whistle. The first was a lobbed cross which hit the cross bar and fortuitously fell to an orange shirted player to slot home. The second came from weak tackling on the left side of defence, leading to an easy finish past the unprotected keeper.

The second half saw the Gillingham go for the throat by putting a lot of pressure on the TG defence and with lots of changes disrupting the flow of the play; Gillingham added two more goals despite some excellent work in the sticks by George Hill. Team Gryphon is noted for it’s never say die attitude and they added a late consolation goal through the efforts of Mark Brewers excellent twist and shot. Overall a good workout for the team where they showed flashes of last seasons form that took them all the way to a cup final. However lots of hard work remains to be ready for the season’s opener on the 6 September against Cary Swans.