June 2011 News
NANA FREMPONG
Sincere condolences go out to Nana Frempong’s family and loved ones from all at St. Matthew’s on the tragic loss of Nana. Nana was one of the original ‘Friday Footballers’ at Jubilee Primary School way back in 2003. To be gunned down just yards from that very playground – an innocent bystander – brings the sadness and pointlessness of it into even sharper focus. Where does this all end? It ends with you as individuals – something a gang can never be.
Add St. Matthew’s as a friend on facebook and add your comments.
Edited: June 18th, 2011
GIRLS GO GREAT AT BRENT STREET GAMES FESTIVAL
Sunday 12 June 2011
Our elder girl Saturday Club members put in an outstanding performance at the Street Games 6-a- side Football Festival in Stonebridge Park, Brent. An early Sunday morning start in north-west London and pouring rain did nothing to dampen their spirits and some fantastic, quick-passing football saw them into the final unbeaten in their three group games. A 0-0 draw after extra time against the tournament hosts, Brent Ladies, meant the agony of penalties and a three-penalty, sudden-death format, which saw the girls miss out by the odd goal. The girls did themselves and St. Matthew’s proud, though, and headed back south with the praise of Kadra Ege, FA ambassador and Brent Ladies founder, ringing in their ears. Great day – great girls. (See Girls’ gallery for pictures.)
Edited: June 18th, 2011
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! U13S DRAMATIC CUP VICTORY
21 May 2011 London Saturday League Challenge Cup Final
St. Matthews 4 Fit 4 Kidz 3 (AET. 3-3 full time) Venue: Hackney Marshes
After a thrilling season that saw us exceed all expectations and finish runners up in our first season in the top flight, St. Matthew’s U13s crowned a special year by taking home the London Saturday League Challenge Cup with a brilliant team performance. Our opponents, Fit for Kidz, were the same opposition in our very first game of the season way back in September and now, with them as league champions, we went into the game as slight underdogs. After the first fifteen minutes, though, you would never have thought it, with two goals from Justin, including a brilliant 20-yard lob, and one from Larenze seeing us 3-up and cruising to victory. However, this was Fit 4 Kidz, our old adversaries who shared 18 goals with us in three league draws this season and never seem to know when they’re beaten, and by half time, courtesy of two long-range free-kicks, they had pulled back to 3-3 – proving ‘Chairman Lee’s’ pessimistic prediction that they would come back correct.
It looked like we had blown our chances but after a stirring half-time team talk we came out strong and were soon on the front foot again. A number of great chances went begging and the opposition were reduced to more long range efforts, which never really troubled Big Justice Owosu, a calming and dominant presence in goal as ever. With the scores still level at full time we went into extra time really believing we could win. With the Portuguese Man-of-War Joao Branco moving from defence to midfield we began to take control. However, tiredness was starting to play a part and Fit 4 Kidz hit us on the break, going clean through only for the player tapping the ball into the net to be ruled offside. Then, with about 5 minutes to go the decisive breakthrough came when Matthew Thomas latched onto a through ball and slipped the ball deftly past the keeper to seal the win. A late goal from a player who missed the minibus to Hackney Marshes by turning up late in the morning! Cue pitch invasion by delirious subs, family and friends and a polite request from the ref to return to the side-lines. A fantastic end to the season and a day to remember for all who were present. And great to see our captain and rock at the back, Fabio, lift the cup at the end of an excellent season. Well done boys!
J. Alexander
Please see gallery for pictures!
Edited: June 5th, 2011