Match Reports

Match Reports

Wed 25th April 2012

Celtic MK 1 Great Horwood 4 (D.Sirett(2), A.Brunning, S.Archer)

By Darren Sirett

After missing out in securing the Title after Saturdays 1-1 draw Horwood  were desperate to get the job done in their midweek fixture at Celtic MK. On a wet and Windy evening Horwood looked for the win which would mean the League would be theirs, Manager Cronin made some changes to the team with Brown, T.Archer and Sirett starting.

Horwood started the strongest and were looking good in the difficult conditions, passing the ball around nicely on the fast surface. After a couple of close offside decisions rob the visitors a chance at goal it was no surprise when Cronin’s wonderful pass was controlled by Sirett and stroked into the corner of the net to give Horwood a deserved lead. Celtic tried to respond but Horwood kept control with Hilliard, Thompson, T.Archer and Brown standing firm at the back. Horwood continued to create changes with some wonderful wing play from Brunning and Cronin but were unable to add to the slender advantage at half time.

The second half started with Horwood playing into a strengthening wind which would cause problems as Celtic started the half on top. After some sustained pressure on the Horwood goal the home team scored a freak goal direct from a throw-in which McStraw failed to hold, the game was level and in the balance at 1-1. But the Horwood team are made of stern stuff this season and got back into their passing rhythm and started to control the game again. After another crisp passing move the ball found it’s was out to Brunning on the right wing who beat his marker and fired in a rasping drive from 25 yards to put Horwood back in front at 2-1. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Celtic team and Horwood could now smell the Title and were not going to come up short in this match. More strong work in midfield from Eddie Archer saw him put Sirett through on goal who coolly rounded the keeper to make it 3-1 and with the wild celebrations that followed Horwood knew they had the 3 point they so desperately wanted. It was perhaps fitting that the final goal was scored by Horwood’s own caption marvel, Sam Archer who scored with a delicious volleyed lob over a stricken keeper and the League Title was secure. Horwood continued to create more chances against the demoralised home team but couldn’t add to the 4 goals, late in the match a Celtic player was sent off for foolishly hitting out at Damo and Thompson but this didn’t spoil the Champions Celebrations that followed.

Chris McStraw MVP - With a mid-week rest courtesy of the gaffer I was able to get a good look at this week’s MVP performance. With the champion status Horwood were strutting their stuff throughout the game, multiple through balls from that boy wonder Sammy Archer. Matty Brown having a solid game at the back. A good return for Terry Archer with his first start for a while (Due to injury). My top two contenders this week were in a league of their own. Darren 'siddy' Sirett and Andrew Brunning dominated the attack both on the wing and up top. Sirett stepped a notched closer to that illustrious 500career goals and Brunning stepped closer to a season best.

My MVP on Champion's week has to go to Brunning for his second half performance, with great ariel threat, attacking runs, creative passing and a wonder goal.

Sat 21st April 2012

Great Horwood 1 (A.Dixon) Steeple Claydon 1

Thur 19th April 2012

Syresham 1 Great Horwood 5 (A.Brunning, A.Dixon, T.Cronin, I.McStraw, D.Armitage)

Sat 14th April 2012

Great Horwood 3 (E.Archer, A.Brunning, C.McStraw) Stoke Hammond 2

By Chris McStraw

An excited crowd surrounded the Horwood pitch just before KO with many supports hailing the game ‘The Title Match’. Horwood had returned finally to the Top of the league following mid weeks games to catch up with the current opposition in the League, after going top the previous game Horwood were showing the confidence of champions. With only Damo Rumble out, Horwood had a strong starting 11 and plenty of cover on the bench.

Starting line-up was as follows: McStraw (I) Cooper, Hilliard, Thompson, Brown, Richens, Archer (S) Archer (E)Cronin, Dixon and Brunning Subs – Archer (T) McStraw (C) Armitage and Sirett

Early exchanges saw Horwood ease into the game allowing space down the flanks, Horwood had built a season utilizing their wing men and continued that with Cronin and Richens pushing the Stoke full backs. Horwood came close during the first half and almost grabbed a spectacular long ball drive with Brown finding Dixon far post only for the Stoke keeper to deny him.

Horwood continued their pressure and found the first goal from a defensive clearance finding Adam Dixon who was able to flick the ball onto the head of Eddie Archer in the penalty area who cleared the Stoke keeper with a looping header. 1-0 Horwood. Stoke’s central men were enjoying a spell of possession in front of the Horwood back four for parts of the first half, this lead to a thunderous strike from the lone Stoke striker which was brilliantly denied by Mcstraw. The second goal of the game came from a corner, however it was to be Stoke this time finding the net after a goal mouth scramble was not cleared. 1-1.

They remained on level terms up to half time.

Half time consisted of instructions from Cronin to stick to the plan and work the wings this was met by a war cry of Brunning to pick ourselves up and go or it.

Brunning leading from the front was constantly looking to get into the action whether it be holding up the ball or winning an important header the boy was everywhere. Changes were made with the introduction of McStraw for Brown at LB and Archer (T) for Thompson, with continued pressure from Horwood this enabled them to break the second have deadlock and with a well-placed ball from Gaffer Terry Cronin who found Dixon who was able to find Brunning, Brunning then found himself skipping round the keeper to place the into the net. Horwood now found themselves 20 Minutes from eliminating Stoke from the title race, Stoke of course were on the pursuit of a goal to save their campaign from heartbreak, with a dreadful mix up at the back post McStraw found himself marking two players the result being the spare man picking up the cross to level the game with less than 10 minutes to go. Horwood were now desperately trying to through men forward to gain some distance at the top, this seemed to be in a difficult task however with Stoke happy to wind down the clock. Horwood now heading into stoppage time pushed for one last play with Archer switching the ball to McStraw on the half way line who positioned himself before playing a one-two with Cronin down the middle, McStraw now with the ball 25 yards out looked up to look for options and with non-available worked the ball onto his favoured foot and struck what can only be described as a screamer into the roof of the net over the stretching Hammond keeper. The moments that followed this were of unbelievable celebration this was dubbed as Horwood hardest game of the season thus far. Celebrations included whole team bundles and pitch invasions made the moment that much special as every 1^{st team player had scored in the 2011-2012 campaign.}

The final whistle came with cheers from the Horwood faithful and pats on the back for all included.

3-2 Great Horwood

Chris McStraw’ MVP- This week is a tricky one with many players contributing to a fine game, Yours truly scored the winner and my first goal for GH, the two up top had another unbelievable game, the Archers again were flawless. But my MVP this week goes to a man who hasn’t had much of a look in with Brunning playing brilliantly at RW until injuries forced him to CF, My MVP goes to Colin Richens for a great work effort and some brilliant individual runs.

Horwood once again have 2 games this week when they travel to Syresham on Thursday night for a 6:30pm KO, Horwood then entertain local rivals Steeple Claydon on Saturday 3:00 pm KO- Wins in both games will see Horwood lift the League Title.

I’m Chris McStraw – You Stay Classy Great Horwood

Thur 12th April 2012

Santander 0 Great Horwood 5 (A.Brunning(2), A.Dixon, S.Archer, A.Armitage)

By Andy Brunning

The midweek fixture this week saw the North Bucks ‘Invincibles’ traveling to a potentially difficult away fixture against struggling AFC Santander (suffered a double defeat last season). Horwood were looking to push on and take one step closer to winning the league, the setting sun was beaming down on the inform strike force of Dixon and Brunning who were both looking to add more goals to their already impressive tally.

The game quickly swung into Horwood’s favour as a through ball was misjudged by the Santander defender allowing Brunning to hit a well struck half volley that bounced back off the crossbar after some smart work from the GK, the ball bounced back into play and Dixon was impeded. The ref awarded the penalty that Captain Archer slotted home with aplomb.

It didn’t take long for the second goal to come either, and in similar fashion Brunning latched onto a through ball before the GK saved his attempted lob, only to palm it into the path of Dixon to tap in his 31^{st goal of the season.}

The third goal was straight out of the top draw. Brunning involved again after dropping deep, turning the defender and then delivering a drilled cross-field pass to Adam Armitage. His first touch splendid as he then plays a 1-2 with Richens, beats a man without touching the ball and then unleashing a thunderbolt into the top corner.

Dale Armitage was performing very well in his 1^{st start for the 1st} team linking up with Brunning and Mcstraw well. Young Dale already being dubbed the new Adam Armitage by many of the away supporters.

The second half started in much the same way with Horwood keeping the ball well. The back four never in trouble as they spread the play before making the decisive pass forward. Horwood continued to create chances and a guilt edge chance was put on a plate for the captain Archer but his heading ability let him down as he missed a free header from 8 yards.

Archer recovering from his miss then does what the ginger fox does best! He stood over the dead ball in the inside right position and picked out the run of Brunning who out jumped the defender and guided the ball into the top corner, showing the likes of Sammy and Lee ‘Hamster Face’ Thompson how it’s done.

The more the game went on the more one sided it got! Horwood made their subs and shortly after Brunning got Horwoods 5^{th and his 2nd} of the day after reacting quickest to a bad backpass and coolly netting his 21^{st of the season.}

This puts Horwood one step closer to promotion from the Intermediate division for the 1^{st time in their long history, up next ‘The Title Match’ Vs the dangerous Stoke Hammond. My prediction for the game is Horwood to edge it 3-2 with a dramatic late winner from McStraw…..}

MVP - As voted by Chris McStraw - This week’s Chris McStraw MVP as it has been this season is a tough one, With a fine debut from young Dale Armitage and an equally brilliant return to first team action from Adam Armitage who grabbed goal of the game, As it has been also season we saw Ed Archer showing his ability up and down the middle alongside the 'Midfield Magician' that is Sammy Archer. The back four who all played well had little to do. There was a consistently brilliant Adam Dixon has a shout but my MVP this week goes to Andy Brunning for his determination, creativity and aerial ability.

Sat 7th April 2012

Great Horwood 7 (A.Dixon(3), S.Archer(2), A.Brunning, M.Brown) Wicken 1

By Sam Archer

Horwood were looking for yet another win in a season that will undoubtedly go down in history, they set up with a usual 4-4-2 formation and looked to play their usual free flowing football. In the reverse fixture horwood were 3-0 up going into the break only to see Wicken come back and grab a draw in probably the only 45 minutes of a game where they have been second best. This meant a lot of effort and focus was needed from the Horwood team going into this game.

Horwood started the brighter and created a lot down the left hand side from Cronin, who kept swinging the ball across the box only for it to be cleared time and time again. A lucky break came mid-way through the first half when one cross fell back to Dixon on the edge of box curling it into the right-hand bottom corner, leaving a less-mobile keeper helpless. It wasn’t long before it was two nil, Brunning pushed in the Wall of a Dixon free-kick resulting in a penalty which S.Archer stepped up confidently to double the lead. Once horwood went two up they started to find their footballing form again knocking the ball around quite comfortably and with Dixon eventually winning a free-kick on the edge of the Wicken penalty area. S.Archer wanted this one as two goals in a game would definitely help his cause to stay ahead of Brunning in the all-time horwood scoring rankings. He stepped up and curled it over the wall to see it crash of the bar and over the line. 3-0. To add insult to injury late on in the first half saw a red-card for two bookable offences from the wicken right back. This poor guy had had an awful week, scoring two own goals mid-week and a red card here at horwood, should he just retire? I think so.

For some reason when the second half kicked off Horwood did not look confident and were not playing football the way they can. Anyone would think that controlling the game, 3-0 up and with the opposition down to 10 men would make for a walk in the park for the second half, but Wicken made hard-work of it for Horwood. Wicken got themselves back in with a chance when a cross game in to see Wickens top goal scorer head the ball home. Horwood knew they had to step their game up and with Dixon and Brunnings goal scoring record this season it was certain that they had to be involved. A nice little move, a couple of defenders beaten by Dixon and a great shot into the bottom right hand corner gave horwood their confidence back and a 4-1 lead. The fifth game from a short interchange and a simple pass from Brunning laying on Dixon for his hat-trick. Soon after the sixth game from a deep corner headed in from close range from Brunning. Horwood were starting to find it easy and Wicken were becoming increasingly frustrated with the talent that Horwood had. The last goal for Horwood came with a few minutes left on the clock when a Rumble and Brown interchange down the left wing resulted in the ball cannoning off of Browns foot resulting in the less-mobile goal keeper trying to move out of the way of the ball and it nearly breaking the net. Wouldn’t mind a slice of that cake!

Final Score 7-1

Horwood were dominate for the majority of the game and need to keep up this kind of form if they are going to keep their unbeaten season running. They definitely have the quality to do it; it just comes down to how much the players want it!

MVP – This week’s Chris McStraw MVP has to go to someone who I’m sure wouldn’t admit it to the gaffer but managed to score to goals after only an hours kip after a drinking session on a school night, Sammy Archer is having undoubtedly his best season for Great Horwood with his long ball ability to his quick feet in the middle of the park. Archer is well into double figures with his assist's for the season and has contributed a bag full of goals, I’m sure many will agree we would not be in as comfy a position this season without our own ginger wizard.

Sat 24th March 2012

Great Horwood 1 (D.Sirett) Celtic MK 0

By Chris McStraw

With their unbeaten league campaign put to aside the mighty Horwood put their focus on Cup glory. With a Final in the framework Horwood first had to overcome a strong MK Celtic. With the home advantage Horwood were the favourites (however everyone loves an underdog) setting up nets provided the usual comedy value from Brunning and McStraw giving their views on the current Horwood Gaffer and his unusual weekend hobbies.

Horwood tweaked the line up slightly from the week before with Sirett returning from injury after 3 weeks out and McStraw filling in for Brown due to work commitments. The starting line-up was: Mcstraw (I)Cooper, Hilliard, Archer (T) McStraw (C)Brunning, Archer (S)Archer (E) Cronin, Dixon, Sirett

Opening exchanges saw Celtic trying to utilise their paced wingers to try and deliver into the Horwood box, with little joy due to the efforts of Horwood’s defence they then attempted to build pressure in the middle, however with the experience of both Archers in the middle Horwood found themselves counter-attacking with the emphasis on Cronin and Brunning to drive into the box. Horwood were able to break the deadlock with a move from Eddie Archer seeking Dixon who in turn delivered a percise cross to the un-marked Sirett at the back post who was able to slot home into the empty net. The home side provided a great atmosphere and boosted Horwood to push on further and grab a second. The score stayed the same though with Horwood going in a t the break a goal to the greater.

Half time saw Cronin boosting his men with the prize of a trip to final should Horwood maintain their performance, this was greeted with a big surge of attacking football with Horwood looking to kill of the game within the early minuets of the second period. Horwood were denied by a display of brilliant keeping from the Celtic No1. Horwood’s own number one was rarely troubled however with the Horwood defence remaining strong and focused. Tempers began to flare from the Celtic players who decided to Kick the man rather than the ball. Horwood continued their own game however and did not give up on the second goal, but again continuously denied by the Celtic No1 Horwood began to slow down the pace of the game and were in the last plays of the game were playing the ball around the park and even looking to hold the ball in the corner a sight many had said had never been witnessed at Horwood.

With the final whistle began jubilation from the Horwood team and fans alike, Horwood through to their first final since 91 and a promising League position thus-far Horwood of 2012 are looking to book their place in the History books.

MVP – This week’s Chris McStraw MVP is a tough one with many contributing different attributes to the game we saw a brilliant game by yours truly (Chris McStraw) With people hailing it as his best so far. Both attackers for their determination to both attack and defend, Two middle men (Archer and Archer) displaying brilliance with their distribution and ball winning. However for me a rare display of brilliance saw Cronin display some brilliant individual runs and un-selfish football.

Horwood return to league action next week with a trip to local rivals Steeple Claydon, with other title contenders City Colts losing at the weekend Horwood are keen to maintain their highflying status as ‘The Only Unbeaten Team in North Bucks’. Claydon will be looking for a big upset against Horwood and will need to remain focused with April brining 2 games a week.

Sat 17th March 2012

Great Horwood 2 (A.Brunning, T.Cronin) Bow Brickhill 0

By Chris McStraw

With the previous weeks upset draw still fresh in the minds of the Horwood squad they went into this week’s game with a point to prove, after the weekends results from other games Horwood had become ‘The Last Man Standing’ with the self-given title of ‘The only unbeaten team in North Bucks’. A strong squad was selected with only Lee ‘Hot Dogging’ Thompson missing from Cronin’s squad. Starting line included only two changes from the previous weeks starting 11. Mcstraw and Thompson were replaced by the ‘Defensive Duo’ of Brown (Left Back) and returning from suspension Terry Archer (Centre Back).

Starting line-up: McStraw (I) Cooper (J) Hilliard (J) Archer (T) Brown (M) Rumble (D) Archer (Sam) Archer (E) Cronin (T) Brunning (A) Dixon (A) Subs: McStraw (C) Sirett (D) Richens (C)

With the teams taking their positions the game began. Both teams were without top scorers with Sirett struggling with injury and Brickhill choosing to put the target man between the sticks. Horwood took charge with their usual emphasis of playing quick, fast football. Wingers Cronin and Rumble were used frequently in the opening stages and looked to attack the opposing full backs. Sirett had taken charge on the side-lines and was becoming particularly frustrated with the striking pair of Dixon and Brunning who had no less than 9 chances in the first half to no outcome. Positives needed to be taken from this however with Brunning and Dixon creating spaces and easing past their counterparts from Brickhill. The visitors struggled to create any real chances and coming up to half time Horwood went into the hut with the score line at 0-0.

Cronin began his team talk expressing displeasure with the lack of clinical finishing in front of goal, Horwood looked deflated in the changing rooms and an early goal was a must if they were to get any chance of a result. The second half got underway with Horwood looking to grab that much needed goal, changes were to be made with Sirett taking off Right sided Winger Damo ‘@Crumple Rumple Foreskin’ Rumble and bringing on Colin ‘ Ex Winslow Hero’ Richens in a straight switch. This was an effective switch with Richens able to get under the skin of Bow and putting himself about. A second change followed with Matt ‘Gunshow’ Brown being replaced by Chris ‘Fan Faviroute!!!’ McStraw. Mcstraw and Cronin were able to link up well, Horwood finally opened up the scoring when a clearance was headed by McStraw finding its way to Archer (Mcstraw's Second Assist assist of the season) who delivered a typical Sammy cross deep into the box for Andy ‘ I’m A Striker Not A Winger?’ Brunning to slot home the opener. This goal gave Horwood the confidence to finally push on and begin to finish the game off. Brunning who had already played his part in the first goal contributed to the second with a 50/50 challenge against the Bow keeper. With the keeper still down from the Horwood challenge the ball dropped to the feet of Horwood’s gaffer Terry ‘ Little Man Syndrome’ Cronin Who, with a precision shot, was able to curl the ball from outside the 18 yard box around the defending players into the net, 2-0 Horwood. The goal resulted in the sending off of the Bow keeper for offensive language towards the Ref. Brickhill’s Keeper felt he had been fouled by Brunning.

 The game came to a close with Horwood controlling the play as they had for the whole of the game. Horwood now find themselves 3^{rd with 36 points from a possible 42 with a Semi Final coming up this weekend, Horwood are playing what has been said as the best football since the early 90’s. Horwood have never won the divisional cup but this year there is a feeling of excitement in the camp as this could be the first year in Horwood’s history………it is definitely possible.}

This week’s Chris McStraw MVP goes to a man who has stepped up into some big shoes with usual Centre Back Lee Thompson away. Terry Archer for me had a brilliant game cutting off balls that could possibly have threatened the goal of Horwood. Other contenders were - Cronin for his work rate and distribution – Cooper for his second half performance and of course the whole squad for maintaining our unbeaten run.

Horwood are to host Celtic MK this weekend in the League Cup Semi-Final with the winning team set to play Bow Brickhill at Buckingham Athletic.

 I’m Chris McStraw – You Stay Classy Great Horwood

Sat 25th Feb 2012

Great Horwood 5 (D.Sirett (3), E.Archer, A.Brunning) Denbigh Hall 1

By Sam Archer

Horwood set up with their normal 4-4-2 formation with a very strong back-line of Joe Cooper with his first game since Christmas, Lee Thompson, Jake Hilliard and soon to be suspended Terry Archer. The midfield had a slight change to it as Damien Rumble played right sided midfield and the usual Cronin, Eddie and Sam archer making up the rest. The strike force also saw a slight change; because top goal scorer Adam Dixon had missed the previous week there was no reason to change the pairing upfront. Darren Sirett scored a hat-trick last week and Brunning was upfront playing his Kevin Davies like role. The bench was filled with Kieran McCabe, Adam Dixon and usual suspect Chris Mcstraw.

Going in to this match Horwood saw themselves unbeaten all season in the league however when they met Denbigh away earlier in the season it was a highly competitive match. The home side started the strongest with interchanges between the strike force and midfield as well as long periods of possession. It seemed to be the first time since the New Year that Horwood had started to play the quality football we were used to seeing this season. It seemed as though we were back to our best as the fluidity of passing increased as the half continued. The first half didn’t see too many chances that fell to the most natural finishers….which I’m sorry to say means they fell to the ‘can’t score with his feet’ centre midfielder Eddie Archer. A simple volley from a corner, a scuffed one on one and a good save by the keeper were the reasons why he had not opened the scoring for Horwood.

But finally the deadlock was broken, having had a corner a few minutes before and had Lee ‘the toe-punt’ Thompson’s effort cleared off the line, another corner was fed in only to be cleared by the Denbigh defence. In a more attacking role this weekend Brunning found himself about 30 yards out on his right foot but as the defender closed him down he slid a ball down line back to Sam Archer. Sam whipped the ball into the area, to see it flicked on by the Denbigh Centre Half, with a poacher stood at the back post. Darren Sirett met the ball beautifully as it dropped to him on the half volley rifling in to the far corner. There were not too many chances to double the lead before half time but we still looked solid at the back. Denbigh weren’t allowed any time to play their own football as Horwood did a great job of closing them down all over the pitch. As the half-time whistle Horwood found themselves 1-0 up but may have been feeling disappointed that the opposition weren’t out of sight and we had not gone in with a few more goals.

The second half kicked off and Horwood were now shooting away from the pavilion and it really was a half to be admired. It was liquid football, clever little exchanges, players being able to drift in and out and find space in all areas of the pitch. There were even times when Horwood would have been compared to Barcelona with one-twos and short simple passing between the likes of Cronin, Dixon, Brunning, Rumble, Sirett and full backs Archer and Coop. On the second half performance many of the Horwood players may have been right, we could’ve won the World Cup!

When the one goal came the chances started to flood. Hard work across the park and a ball slipped in to Veteran Darren Sirett saw a good save by the keeper and a dubious corner. A deep corner this time saw E. Archer leap like a salmon to head the ball in from 8 yards. This was an important goal for the home side as they now seemed a little more comfortable and the heads of the opposition now dropped. A great run by Cronin saw him grab another assist as Sirett tapped in from close range for his second. Beautiful football all over the park from Horwood and the inclusion of Adam Dixon, Kieran McCabe and Chris Mcstraw seemed to cause more problems for Denbigh. Another quick move down the left eventually found Dixon who was fouled in the area, a decision which the referee gave an advantage which was then tucked away by Brunning for a deserved 4-0. The final goal for Horwood game when Sam Archer latched onto a lose pass out of defence to slip Sirett in for his hat-trick and a 5-0 lead.

In the final stages of the game Denbigh strikers were getting more and more frustrated after a solid performance from Lee Thompson and Jake Hilliard and saw a sending off for one of the angry Strikers. Ian Mcstraw had very little to do in goal, and there was very little he could do in the final minutes as an incredible strike from 30 yards from the Denbigh forward flew into the top corner. Resulting in a final score line of 5-1.

This match was dominated by great pressure and confidence from Horwood, they stopped Denbigh from playing at every opportunity and didn’t let the players with any quality get on the ball. Horwood on the other hand found plenty of space and knocked the ball around wonderfully. Man of the Match goes to Darren Sirett for his second hat-trick in as many games which puts him just 9 goals away from 500 career goals for horwood. It’s great to see us back to our best and I’m sure that we will see as good of a performance next week at home to Olney. With performances like this the unbeaten run could go on all season.

COYH!!!!!

Sat 26th Nov 11

Great Horwood 3 (A.Dixon, D.Sirett, D.Rumble) Ludgershall Utd 1

To follow

Wed 23rd Nov 11

Great Horwood 2 (A.Dixon(2)) Grendon 3 aet

To follow

Sat 19th Nov 11

Olney Town 0 Great Horwood 9 (A.Dixon (2), D.Sirett(2) T.Cronin, T.Archer, A.Brunning, OG(2))

To follow

Sat 12th Nov 11

Great Horwood 4 (E.Archer, A.Dixon, A.Brunning, D.Sirett) Denbigh Hall 2

To follow

Sat 5th Nov 11

Great Horwood 3 (A.Dixon (2), T.Cronin) Brackley Sp Res 0

To follow

Sat 29th Oct 11

Bow Brickhill 0 Great Horwood 1 (D.Sirett)

To follow

Sat 22nd Oct 11

Tring Bell Titans 0 Great Horwood 2 (D.Sirett, A.Dixon)

To follow

Sat 19th Oct 11

Great Horwood 1 (A.Brunning) Thornborough Ath 0

To follow

Sat 15th Oct 11

MK Titans Res 2 Great Horwood 2 (T.Archer, A.Dixon)

To follow

Sat 8th Oct 11

Great Horwood 1 (D.Sirett) City Colts 1

Sat 1st Oct 11

Great Horwood 9 (A.Dixon (2), A.Brunning (2), E.Archer, J.Reynolds, D.Sirett, J.Hilliard, OG) Quainton 1

Sat 24th Sept 11

Great Horwood 9 (J.Reynolds (3), D.Sirett (2), T.Archer, T.Cronin, S.Archer, A.Brunning) Westbury 1

To follow

Sat 17th Sept 11

MK Churches 0 Great Horwood 2 (C.Richens, A.Brunning)

To follow

Sat 3rd Sept 11

Denbigh Hall 3 Great Horwood 4 (S.Archer, A.Brunning, A.Dixon, E.Archer)

By Terry Archer

Great Horwood were visiting Denbigh with a strong looking line-up even without the suspended Terry Archer and injured Darren Sirett. The leagues’ top goal scorer, Sirett had been suffering all week with a thigh injury and was replaced in the line-up by a returning Colin Richens. This allowed Andy Brunning to prove his credentials in an advanced role next to Adam Dixon. It only took a couple of minutes for the home side to take the lead as a long distance effort from the Denbigh striker nearly broke the net from 30 yards out.

Denbigh played old fashioned football and pumped the ball from defence to the strikers and lacked any other form of attack. It hadn’t threatened the Horwood goal much but stopped them from getting the ball on the floor to play their passing game. It was to get worse for the away side as a deep free kick was looped into the Horwood area. An unfortunate mix up between Ian McStraw and his defence left the Denbigh striker to attack the ball with his head as he nodded over the out rushing Horwood keeper.

Great Horwood were 2-0 down and not looking dangerous to the home side either as they broke up Horwood play before it could establish any rhythm. After an early Adam Armitage free kick had struck the woodwork, it was a surprise that Sam Archer was taking the next one from around 25 yards. It would be the last kick of the first half and the skipper sent a curling shot into the right top corner of the goal leaving the goalkeeper no chance. A comeback was on the cards as Horwood had lacked any real quality in a difficult first half and now had a lifeline thanks to the captain.

Early in the second half Andy Brunning burst through and was brought down in the area, it seemed the player had touched the ball, the referee didn’t agree and awarded the away side the penalty kick. Brunning himself confidently stepped up to convert the spot kick and got Horwood back on terms in a wide open league affair.

Denbigh continued with their route one philosophy whilst Horwood tried to re-establish their continental style of football that had carried them to the top of the league. Adam Dixon soon gave the visitors the lead with a neat turn and shot from just inside the box nestling into the bottom corner out of reach of the fully stretched goalkeeper.

Late on Eddie Archer received the ball inside his own half around the right back position and knocked the ball past one player before a ricochet off another sent him off on a run. As his momentum built he beat a third Denbigh defender before stepping past a fourth on the edge of the area to leave him 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, a cool finish past the Denbigh no1 confirmed Great Horwood three important away points that looked in doubt for much of the game. At 2-4 Great Horwood conceded sloppily to set up a tense last couple of minutes but held out for another three points away from home.

Sat 27th Aug 11

Great Horwood 2 Celtic MK 2 (J.Reynolds, A.Brunning)

By Darren Sirett

After 3 wins in 11 days at the start of the new season Horwood lost their 100% start to the campaign but still remained unbeaten after a draw with newly promoted Celtic MK. The visitors were a strong team who had breezed through both lower division winning them in the process so Horwood know this would be a test of there early season form. It proved to be a real battle and Horwood had to dig in at times during the first half as the visitors started on top and it was no surprize when they did take the leadjust before half time.

Horwood responded in the second half and started to knock the ball around with there normal style but could find the killer ball or finish to get back on level terms. The defense were playing well to keep Cletic out and when there were breached the excellent Iam McStraw was on hand to keep them out with a couple of outstanding saves. Midway through the half Horwood drew level when Sirett’s left footed cross was bravely headed in by Jack Reynolds for his first goal at the top level of Horwood football.

Both team now looked for a winner and it was the visitors who thought they had it when into the closing stages the Celtic Sub rifled in an unstoppable strike from 20 yards to put the back into the lead. In previous seasons this may well have finished a Horwood team off but the team is showing some steel this season and were determined not to lose there unbeaten start. But with the ref checking his watch Horwood pounced for an equaliser, the ball was won in midfield and Sam Archer managed to find the run of Andy Brunning. Brunning left defenders trailing in his wake a he bore down on goal and with condifence smashed the ball into the net to take a share of the points.

It was a real test of Horwood great start to the season which they stood up to well. Also this was Horwood 4th match in 11 days compared to the fresher visitors who for them was there 2nd match of the season. Manager Cronin was delighted with the point watching from the sidelines once more with a really really bad blister.

Tue 23rd Aug 11

Great Horwood 5 (D.Sirett 2, T.Cronin, J.Cooper, OG) Hanslope 1

By Terry Cronin

Great Horwood 1^st team were in high spirits after winning their two previous matches in the league and looking forward to playing a strong Hanslope side, who had been newly promoted. For the first time in over a year, sick note Captain/Gaffa Terry Cronin managed to grace the pitch with his presences and start the game, which was pleasing to see by the sell out crowd.

The team lined up as a solid 4-4-2 which had worked so well in the previous matches. Ian McStraw in goal, Matt Brown and Joe Cooper playing left and right back and Jake Hilliard and Terry Archer completing a strong back four. Midfield consisted of Matt Walker Roberts, Terry Cronin on the wings and the Archer brothers Sam and Eddie in the central role. Up front saw the Veteran striker Darren Sirett again partnered this time with Oscar award winning Andy Brunning. Due to illness Adam Dixon last year’s top scorer was unavailable for this important match.

Once again Horwood started the game strong and got stuck in to Hanslope early on with both teams having a few half chances at both ends. The breakthrough for the first goal came from a nice interchange of passes between Eddie and Sam, who then feed a ball for (sick note) Terry Cronin to chase on to. A quick step over to fool the approaching defender and nip inside with the ball encourage the Hanslope goal keeper to come off his line. Cronin then showed a touch of class and curled the ball with his right foot straight in to the corner stanchion of the goal. A pleasing sight for all to see and no one was more pleased than the gaffa himself.

The first goal encouraged Horwood to apply more pressure and the second goal came soon after, due to Horwood winning a corner. A nice cross from the Sam Archer saw Joe Cooper rise like a salmon and head home for a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately falling on his knee and having to be subbed off with Rufus Denne taking his place. Horwood continued to dominate and it was no surprise when the 3^rd goal came along from another flowing move. Left back Matty Brown picked up a loose ball in defence and strode forward with purpose and produced a defence splitting pass for Darren Sirett to latch onto and he calmly flicked the ball past the advancing keeper into the far corner. So the half finished with Horwood dominate and deservingly leading 3-0.

The second half started with Horwood again on top and dictating the match, keeping possession and playing there familiar passing game. But with the home team pushing forward they were caught at the back and Hanslope pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 midway through the half. This sparked Horwood back into life and the fourth goal came to kill the game off when a left wing cross from Sam Archer found Sirett ghosting in at the near post to stroke the ball home with his left boot. The home team completed the demolition of Hanslope when a strong run from Brunning down the right finished with a brutal cross flashed into the near post which an unfortunate visiting defender turned into his own to put Horwood 5-1 up.

It was a great performance by all of the players to win 5-1 against a team which scored over 110 goals last season and with three wins out of three the Gaffa couldn’t ask for more from his players.

Man of the match: Terry Cronin for returning back to the first team after over a year and scoring a great goal.

Sat 20th Aug 11

Great Horwood 4 (A.Dixon 2, D.Sirett, A.Brunning) JM United 2

By Terry Archer

Dixon had to wait for just the second game of the season to get off the mark, a natural goal scorer that would have ran away with the golden boot last campaign if he had converted his spot-kicks. After missing a penalty in the week, he felt he needed to put it right. The rowdy home crowd watched anxiously on the touchline as Horwood were awarded an early penalty. After some great wing play by Richens, he was brought down and Dixon side footed the ball home to make it 1-0 to the home side. 

Matty Brown was a permanent fixture at left back last campaign and showed the home fans his ability yet again. He delicately meandered past a player before he exposed the defence with an exquisite searching ball to the ravenous Darren Sirett. The poacher kept a cool head with a scrumptious dink over the out-rushing goalkeeper, teasing the back tracking defender as it rolled over the line.

At half time Horwood were aware that this newly formed side had high expectations and were not to be taken lightly. This was evident when the home side conceded immediately after the break leaving only one goal to separate the teams again.

On the opposite side of the pitch two players replicated the move from the first half when Sam Archer found the electric Andy Brunning. The winger seemed to have shown the goalkeeper too much of the ball before an elegant chip over the United no1 appeared to have sent the tie beyond the reach of the away side. The score stayed at 3-1 for a long period of the second half before a scrappy goal from JM United. Confusion in the Horwood penalty area meant that the defence would have to withstand the pressure of only having the single goal lead again. In the 80^th minute of the game Sam Archer floated a quick free kick over a napping United defence for Dixon to execute a sublime first time volley over the goalkeeper into the top corner to relieve the tension once again.

JM United had made some changes and brought on a couple of quick forward players to push and try to get something out of the game. Great Horwood believed the game was won at this point as three opposing players drifted through the centre of the Horwood midfield from the restart. Horwood could not risk a single goal lead for the last ten minutes against a strong JM United going gung ho. Knowing this, with ten minutes left on the clock, Terry Archer received a yellow card for bringing down the goal bound striker as last resort to prevent a possible comeback. United squandered the free kick and the attack had been quelled due to some late last ditch tackles by the committed Horwood back four.

A hard earned three points meant that Great Horwood are high flying at the top of the league at this early stage.

Tue 16 Aug 11

Stoke Hammond 1 Great Horwood 3 (D.Sirett 3)

By Andy Brunning

Great Horwood 1^st teams opening fixture of the 2011/12 season found themselves travelling away to a strong Stoke Hammond team. Horwood were missing there new player manager captain Terry Cronin for the opening game of the season due to the holiday season. CO-Caretaker managers Andy Brunning and Sam Archer took control of the team with the help of injured Press officer Terry Archer on the side line. The team lined up 4-3-3 with Ian McStraw in goal, Adam Armitage and new signing Joe Cooper playing right and left back respectively with Lee Thompson and Jake Hilliard completing the defence. Midfield saw Vice Captain Sam Archer playing along side Eddie Archer and Matt Walker Roberts, with Andy Brunning, Adam Dixon and veteran striker Darren Sirett completing the strike force.

Horwood started strong with a vigour that had not been seen all of last season. After some dominant defending the ball was spun out to the right hand side which saw a nice interchange between Sam Archer and Brunning before Brunning forced the defender into giving away a corner. Set piece specialist Sam Archer stepped up to whip the ball in, Thompson leapt won the header which resulted in the ball bouncing down and the shin pad of Sirett connecting flush and sending the ball into the back of the net for a well deserved lead.

Following the goal it was evident that Stoke Hammond were having joy in the centre of the park where they outnumbered Horwood 5 against 3. After a short deliberation on the touch line Brunning and Terry Archer decided that the option most beneficial to the team would be to drop Brunning back to Right Wing and shape up 4-4-2. It took Horwood a bit of time to get used to the new system but they managed to hold on until the end of the 1^st half.

The second half saw Horwood fly out of the traps obviously recharged from the break and happy with the system. Armitage gets the ball at right back as Brunning peels of his man, Armitage places a lovely ball over the top for the lightning Brunning to chase and he catches it and plays a first time volley lob across the goal. It looks like the keeper was going to gather it…. BUT NO!!! Dixon challenges, the keeper spills it and guess who….. Yeah that’s right Darren Sirett slams into a open net for his and Horwood’s second defining the term ‘Fox in the Box’.

Shortly after the goal Brunning gets hold of the ball again on the right hand side and has a chance to run at the Stoke Hammond full back who was aptly nicknamed ‘Shrek’ (maybe Donkey would have been more appropriate) Brunning runs him inside and then out before putting the ball past him to the by-line and then back across the goal for Sirett to complete the easiest of hat-tricks. The linesman puts his flag up ruling out the goal for a very dubious offside.

Eddie ‘Bieber’ Archer the player’s player of the season last year continued his never ending running and hassling in the centre of the pack before releasing Sirett to calmly slot past the oncoming goal keeper to complete his hat-trick. Substitutions were made and young players Haydon Morrison and Jack Reynolds come on for the senior debuts to replace Adam Armitage and Matt Walker Roberts. It also saw the inclusion of utility player and tough tackler Chris McStraw.   

Horwood continued to flood forward with both Reynolds and Sirett striking the woodwork and the Stoke Hammond goalkeeper making a tremendous penalty save against Dixon after Brunning was upended by the Stoke Hammond full back.

Howood took there foot off the gas which allowed Stoke Hammond to cause some trouble going forward. It lead to Ian McStraw making one or two conference class saves, and Thompson making a exceptional block that even superman would have struggled to make. That being said Stoke Hammond won a corner which they have managed to scramble into the near post to make it 3-1.

Stoke Hammond continued to press in vain not being able to break the Horwood defence for a second time as the referee blew the final whistle.

A great start to the season for Howood winning 3-1 with the man of the match being awarded to the vastly experienced Darren Sirett.