Academy Report

On Monday, 10 December, Stratford Athletic's Head of Youth Development Charles Lambert organised a training session which involved some members of the senior squad.

His grand idea was for the senior members of the team to take on the juniors and scout some of the five-star players that his academy system had provided.

The First Team representatives were Chris Deacon, Reece Smith, Matt Wall, Fred Stanley, Connor Venus and Elliot Greening.

In a game held at their East London training centre, Stratford Athletic's senior squad destroyed the youth side. Five festive goals from Matt Wall provided the spark that killed off his young opponents like a Christmas Turkey.

The Review

Deacon demonstrated his goalkeeping prowess, making some fine saves in the first half, and a second half of fitness work was the angel on top of his tree. Smith was lively on the wing, producing some fine through balls that cut open the Youth side's defence like a knife through warm Christmas pudding.

Wall was in top form in front of goal, getting on the end of some gift-wrapped passes to slam home five goals. Stanley showed moments of brilliance too, leaping like a reindeer to head the ball away from danger whenever he could.

Venus was great with his feet, moving them so quickly it was as if he was trying to avoid them roasting on an open fire. Greening was reliable as always and could have towed a sleigh with the effort he was putting in down the middle.

Snow-Man of the Match Matt Wall said: "You never win anything with kids."

Match Report: Shoreditch FP AWAY

Shoreditch Fire Penguins 1-2 Stratford Athletic

Sunday, 9 December 2012 - KO 10:30 - Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets

Squad: Deacon; Gallie (Jones), Wachowski, Wall, P. Stanley; Kelly (Pruce), Reynolds, Venus, F. Stanley; Greening (C), Bocking

Stratford Athletic picked up their first away win of the season against fierce local rivals Shoreditch Fire Penguins. The Reds came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Victoria Park on Sunday morning, thanks to strikes from Elliot Greening and Alex Bocking.

A slow start to the match left the away side chasing the game, with Shoreditch controlling possession in every department. Their goal came relatively early in the first half. A direct ball across the Stratford back four allowed the Penguins' No.9 to burst past Tom Wachowski. The Polish defender, wearing his trademark sweatband, couldn't reach the ball with a last-ditch challenge and his opponent raced through to knock the ball past Chris Deacon into the bottom corner.

Deacon was in action minutes later as a similar through ball set up a one-on-one with the same striker. This time the goalkeeper was quickly out to block the No.9's shot and stop any further damage.

In-form Welshman Elliot Greening was the first Stratford player to get a real chance. A mistake at the back for Shoreditch sent the No.14 clear with only the opposition keeper to beat. But the confident forward went with his right foot on an occasion that warranted his left and it fell straight into the goalkeeper's arms. Greening was evidently annoyed with himself. It was a rare miss from someone who consistently plays to a high standard.

At half time Stratford manager Mike Earll gave a detailed team talk that lifted his squad before the second half. The Reds found time to analyse their shortcomings and, for once, didn't overly criticise each other.

Despite the positive break, Stratford started slowly. Again. Deacon had to react quickly to turn a fierce shot past the post with his left hand and to keep his side in the game.

Then Mr Reliable struck again.

With the midfield pairing of Tim Reynolds and Connor Venus gelling in the centre of the park, Olly Kelly and Fred Stanley supporting the attack and Greening and Bocking making intelligent runs at the front, it was easier for the lads to create chances. For his eighth goal of the season, Greening picked the ball up on the wing, worked his way through a crowd of defenders and scored from a narrow angle. 1-1.

The second was even sweeter. Deacon caught a high cross from the right and immediately rolled the ball to Matt Wall. Wall found Pete Stanley on the left flank, Stanley found Will Pruce, Pruce sliced it inside for Greening, Greening knocked the ball into Bocking's path and he did the rest. A neat finish out of the keeper's reach completed the comeback. 2-1.

With a lead to protect Stratford dropped deeper and deeper, inviting unnecessary pressure onto themselves. Deacon had to save a few one-on-ones, the Fire Penguins missed a couple of sitters and were denied a penalty in the final few seconds.

A grey shirt ran into the box, barged into Pete Stanley and fell to the floor like a rag doll. After giving the forward a good ear-bashing, Stanley calmly punted the ball clear and the referee waved away any protests.

Shoreditch missed their best chance after Deacon tipped a corner up in the air under pressure. Instead of getting to the ball cleanly he was barged into, flicking it behind him and the Fire Penguins will be kicking themselves for missing what was an easy headed chance.

The team worked hard and held on for a deserved win. With the Jack Morgan Cup to come next weekend, they end the year on a league win.

After the game Assistant Manager Will Winthrop said: "It was a game of two halves. There were two poor sides out there who know they can do better. The gaffer's brilliance obviously guided us to the victory."

"Veno played well, as did Matt. Pete Stanley offered his usual brilliance and Bocko deserved his goal."

"Boyo was good in the second half, when he wasn't embarrassing us with his overhead kick attempts."

Interview: Q&A with the VC

When Stratford need a goal there is only one man they can turn to. One man who has scored seven times and shows no signs of stopping there. He's a Welsh Wizard of the Hackney Marshes. He's 20 years old. He's the kind of man that scores goals from 40 yards for fun. That's right, it's the Vice-Captain, Elliot Greening.

You scored two more goals on Sunday, but the team lost. Did you feel that you performed as well as you could?

If we didn't win, I could have done something more. Simple as that. I thought I put in a good shift and gave it my all but we came up short so there's always areas to look at, for myself and for the team.

Stratford are down to seventh in the League, is that a fair reflection of the season so far?

If you look back at our results, we've really been tough and fought hard in games to get results so I believe it's fair. I'm a bit of a stats man myself so I've had a look at the league and found out that we haven't played the four teams above us, so we've yet to find out exactly what Stratford Athletic are going to be all about.

You're concerned with stats so you'll be fully aware of your goalscoring record but also with your assists week-by-week. Is it fair to say you've hit the ground running at Stratford Athletic?

I'd say so, I like to play with a chip on my shoulder and I was really amped up in our last fixture. It helps me play better. Any striker that says they dont check the goalscoring charts is a liar, my competitive nature takes over with the statistic side of football. Im just planning to keep my form going.

You'll have noticed the banner that the fans hold in the North Stand that reads 'ABSOLUTE BALLSOCKS'. There's also the new tradition of a round of applause on the 14th minute of games. How have you managed the fame that has come your way from the podcast?

I'm glad the podcast is taking off, its something we did as a bit of fun on the side and the fans have really taken to it. Its a chance for the supporters to get to know the gaffer and the players.

Does your healthy relationship with the fans and the players help you to be a good VC, and are you enjoying the role?

Vice captaincy feels like a nice reward for hard work so its fun. I get on well with the lads, we may shout at each other and get a bit heated sometimes on the pitch but its all hugs in the showers after. Me and the Gaff have a special relationship, he needs me to play as much for the club as I do for his seal of approval. He deals with me when I go off the rails, which to be honest is far too often.

There were rumours of a Wales call-up, what with their awful form, would you accept the call?

I am a very, very proud welshman. I would very much welcome the call from my nation. Not in the greatest run of form at the moment are they? I'd be the second Greening to get the call up after my dad (David) did after his 36 goals in 32 game season back in the day. A target he's set me to beat this season.

Do you think you can reach that target?

It's a tough ask but I'm confident I can beat the old man.

What does playing for Stratford Athletic mean to you?

I wake up on a Monday morning, sore and hurting from the game on Sunday but desperately looking forward to the next fixture. I love my football and it's even better playing with your mates. I'm proud of how the club has come along.

And finally, if you could thank the gaffer for anything this season, what would it be?

Believing in me. I've got it gaffer, I haven't lost it, I've just misplaced it, don't drop us boss.

Thanks Boyo.

Match Report: Newham Pirates HOME

Stratford Athletic 2-4 Newham Pirates

Sunday, 2 December 2012 - KO 10:30 - South Marsh, Hackney

Squad: Deacon; Wall, Jones (C), Wachowski (Gallie), P. Stanley; Kelly (Bocking), Venus, Reynolds, Bishop; F. Stanley, Greening

A strong performance from Newham Pirates saw the underdogs pick up an unlikely victory against Stratford Athletic on Sunday. A first half comeback from the Reds was quashed by the depth of their opposition on a freezing Sunday morning.

Athletic started the match in a classic 4-4-2, with temporary co-manager Will Winthrop having a heavy involvement in the selection process. With ground underfoot almost frozen solid, referee Jermaine Wright warned each team that a slow start was probably the best advice. Newham obviously didn't get the message.

They were ahead inside five minutes. A chip down the middle found the No.9 in space, he chested it past Josh Jones and struck it over Chris Deacon into the top corner. Deacon got a hand to it but couldn't keep out the powerful effort.

With an early lead the away side rallied and had a number of early chances. Stratford didn't let them have it all their own way though, and several big openings went begging in the early stages. The most notable opportunity, a one-on-one for Fred Stanley who slid the ball wide of the post. A rare rush of blood in front of goal for someone who usually has such a cool head.

With their opponents misfiring Newham seized the chance to snatch a second goal. With the defence sitting back the Newham No.8 saw his chance to fire in a superb goal, from all of 20 yards placing it away from Deacon into the left corner. 2-0.

The Pirates almost had an immediate third but Deacon managed to palm it over the bar. The resulting corner was dealt with by captain Jones, who was starting to gain ground on the tricky Newham front line.

With a two goal deficit to recover the Reds turned to their reliable striker to find them an answer. The same man who had galvanised his side with a 40-yarder against Florists Arms, was at it again as he scored his sixth of the season. Tim Reynolds played a trademark through ball to Elliot Greening and the Welshman did the rest, curling the ball around the keeper for 2-1.

Newham had further chances to steal a third but the back four remained solid, Polish dynamo Tom Wachowski made some daring last-ditch challenges to keep his side in the game. This added to the great work from fullbacks Matt Wall and Pete Stanley (MBE PhD OBE LAD) who were stepping back well to cover anything that got over Jones and Wachowski.

At the other end Stratford finally found a way back into the game, from the penalty spot. Greening burst into the left side of the box, the tall central defender came across to meet him strongly and the forward was left in a heap. Referee Wright had no choice but to either accept the theatrical dive or award a pen. Greening tucked it away nicely, 2-2.

Just before half time the Pirates should have taken the lead. With No.11 breaking down the left wing, no one spotted the run of No.9 at the far post. The ball was expertly pulled across the box but the big centre forward sent it agonisingly wide.

The whistle for half time followed and the Reds were in high spirits. It hadn't been a good performance, by any means, but they were in the game and that's what mattered. The stand-in co-manager Winthrop was joined in the dressing room by Head Coach Mike Earll at the break and the boss delivered a quick speech that did little to encourage. After last week's criticism it seems his antics in Brighton might have been playing on his mind as he gave a disjointed talk which only seemed appropriate to half of the squad.

When the second half began, the team were in a state of mixed motivation.

Another chance fell Fred Stanley's way early in the half, but once again his composure deserted him and the ball whistled wide of the post.

Once again Newham came forward, brilliantly using a fluid system that allowed their more technical players as much time on the ball as possible. The two wingers stayed wide to create space in the middle and take both Wall and Pete Stanley out of the equation. While they were occupied by the wide players, the forwards were joined by their attacking No.8 and often got a three-on-two at the front.

This system was good but the defence was strong and Wachowski and Jones were awake to the danger. That was until Wachowski picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Mark Gallie. Gallie sat at right-back allowing Wall into the centre. Immediately the Pirates spotted their opportunity. With Matt Wall forced to help out Gallie on the right, Jones was left exposed against two attackers in the middle.

They started switching the ball to the left wing whenever they could. This strategy brought about several big chances, the best of which was a free-kick that Deacon tipped onto the post.

The third goal was inevitable. Axel Witzel (No.11) got through no fewer than four challenges with some neat footwork before cutting inside and releasing a brilliant strike into the top corner. 3-2.

Athletic were down, they looked defeated and were struggling to create anything meaningful. When suddenly the chance presented itself. Fred Stanley cut inside after some good build-up play in the centre from Greening. Stanley whipped the ball into the box and Connor Venus got there before the goalkeeper. His neat chip was inspired, true brilliance at short notice. It looped up, over the keeper, over the dive of the last defender and looked golden. Some players were celebrating when the ball clipped the post and rolled away from the goal line.

With such a brilliant chance missed the heads dropped. The fourth goal was shambolic.

Newham won a late corner and Stratford only sent a few men back to defend. Jones and Deacon were distraught that there were men left unmarked as the ball was floated to the far post but it was too late. The ball found the head of an opponent and he nodded it home with the greatest of ease. 4-2.

The full-time whistle was welcomed by the Stratford players who were tired and looked lost as they trudged back to the dressing room.

The loss will hurt their pride and the points would have been greatly appreciated. But they dropped to seventh as Newham climbed to within a point of them in eighth.

Captain Jones said afterwards: "After a poor opening 30 minutes, I felt that we grew into the game, and on another day would've gone onto win; however the all important fifth goal of the match was pivotal and we didn't get it."