CROYGAS 0-2 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

Ironsides came out on top in a competitive Surrey Cup fixture against an always tough opposition in Croygas. After an appeal to FIFA, Neil Harman saw his lifetime ban from the Croygas sports ground overturned, and was able to oversee the game from the touchline. After an even start, Julian Green put the Ironsides ahead on 25 minutes, after shrugging off the centre half from Croygas and coolly lobbing the goalkeeper. This settled the game down, and allowed the Ironsides to play a little more football. Ironsides tested the keeper several times, with the Croygas bench applauding their keeper for fine saves, but the Ironsides bench critical of missed chances that should really have been converted. In the second half, Ironsides started where they left off, with several more good chances missed. Ernie Kendall arguably missed the easiest of the chances from a few yards out, directing his shot at the keeper rather than the open goal in front of him. However, he immediately made amends by heading in at the far post from the resulting Steve Stacey corner, giving the Ironsides a cushioned lead. The final half hour saw Tony Eden and Julian Green miss good chances to put the game to bed, and were almost made to pay when Croygas had several chances of their own saved in the final ten minutes by the outstanding Ian Peddle in goal, giving Ironsides their second clean sheet in a row, and a ticket to the next round of the cup.

OXTED 0-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

Ironsides won again on a Saturday in a hard fought game. They started well, taking the game to Oxted, and could have been two or three up in the first 20 minutes. In the 21st minute they eventually scored when Theo Parker placed the ball in the corner of the net to give Ironside a deserved lead. Ironsides had to withstand some over the top tackling from theopposition, which went unpunished by the referee. In the second half Ironsides continued to play well, without adding to their lead. Despite losing Ernie Kendall in the final 10 minutes for a second yellow card, the Ironsides saw out the remainder of the game, to confirm their recent improvement in form and give them another 3 points.

RIPLEY VILLAGE 1-3 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

It was not looking like being the Ironsides day when Gary Gateson's car broke down on the A3. Four of the team had to be rescued on the hard shoulder, which delayed kick off for 40 minutes. In addition, three players did not show up to the game all all, and would have surely faced the wrath of their manager, if it were not for the all round dominating display put on by the players who did turn up. Ironsides pressed for the first quarter of the game, and on 22 minutes, a great through ball inside the full back gave Junior Mitchell a run in on goal, who coolly slotted home into the corner of the net to give Ironsides the lead. Ironsides continued to press having several chances. Ten minutes before half time, Matt Shelton put the Ironsides 2-0 up, which capped an excellent first half. The second half started in the same vain, with Ironsides pressing and making several chances. In the 60th minute, a Steve Stacey free kick was headed in by Junior Mitchell for his second of the game. On 65 minutes, Ripley missed a chance to get back into the game, when a rash challenge by Robbie McMahon gifted them a penalty. A fine save by Ian Peddle kept the scoreline at 3-0, but with 15 minutes to go, Ripley pulled a goal back from a corner to make the game 3-1. Two minutes later Ironsides were down to 10 men when Julian Green was sent off. However, the Ironsides continued to dominate and saw out the remainder of the game comfortably. It was the best all round performance of the season so far, in adverse conditions, with several players individually having their best game for the Ironsides.

HORSLEY 1-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

The first round of the league cup saw the Ironsides drawn away to Horsley. The Ironsides looked the better of the two teams for much of the first half, and were unlucky not to take the lead on several occasions, but some quality goalkeeping from the Horsley keeper kept the game level. The deadlock was broken in the first half when a Horsley defender was deemed to have pushed an Ironsides player in the box, leaving the Home team's dugout scratching their heads. Ernie Kendall scored the penalty with conviction, and the Ironsides went into half time 1-0 up. The second half saw very few chances, but a controlled display from the Ironsides. The game was halted by a horrific challenge on Roy Smithen, who was knocked unconscious for several minutes, before returning to his feet, eager to play on, but the Ironsides management thinking better of it. The referee deemed the challenge fair, and not so much as a free kick was awarded. A penalty miss from Horsley mid way through the half gave the Ironsides more confidence that they could see the game out, but in the last 15 minutes, a corner to the far post was headed back, and put in from close range to give Horsley a barely deserved equaliser. The introduction of Tony Eden and Paul Bussetti to the game didn't have a great effect on the overall performance, and in the dying moments of extra time, Theo Parker missed a great chance to give the Ironsides the win, but the game was ultimately destined to be won or lost on a penalty shoot out. Unfortunately, the Ironsides continued a remarkable run of never winning a penalty shoot out on Saturdays, and will have to look to the league and Surrey Cup for success this year.

For the record, I think it would be unfair to single out individuals in the team who put themselves forward to take penalties, but if you are interested in seeing Ian Peddle, Martin Taylor and Tony Eden embarrass themselves from 12 yards, or if you simply are looking to improve your penalty taking technique, and need advice on what NOT to do, the video of the shootout is available on YouTube on the Battersea Ironsides channel, accessed from the BIFC website.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES 3-2 VIRGINIA WATER

Whilst the bright sunshine of last week was all but a distant memory, the Ironsides hot streak was not to be broken despite the best efforts of a well organised Virginia Water side. In the first Surrey Cup match of the season, a good start was rewarded within 25 minutes, with a Julian Green goal coming from a Tiro Pascale free kick from near the corner flag. Ironsides looked comfortable, until an avoidable Virginia Water corner was given away by the Ironsides defence, and was flicked in at the near post to bring the game level. Soon after, a free kick was punted in to the box by Virginia Water from the half way line, and the Ironsides gave away a needless penalty. Despite the initial foul in the area probably being by the Virginia Water forward, the referee thought otherwise, and Ironsides went 2-1 down. The second half started with the Ironsides losing their way, and Virginia Water almost put the game beyond the Ironsides when their forward was sent clear with Ironsides committing men forward in search for an equaliser, but to Ironsides relief, the effort was fired wide of the mark. In the last 20 minutes, things looked bleak for the Ironsides, with 2 penalty appeals rejected, one of which, with the help of video evidence, looked as clear as day. However, the introduction of Martin Taylor and Ernie Ako gave the Ironsides stability at the back, and width in attack respectively. The Ironsides started to force the Virginia Water team deeper and deeper, and sustained pressure was rewarded with 6 minutes to go in the game. A long throw from captain Robbie McMahon was knocked in with a powerful header by Roy Smithen at the far post. In typical Ironsides spirit, rather than settle from extra time, they pushed for a winner, and were rewarded in the dying moments when good play by Ernie Ako was followed up by a good cross by Ernie Kendall, which in turn was met by Tiro Pascale, who twisted his neck to head a looping header towards the far post, leaving the despairing Virginia Water keeper scrambling back, but the placement was perfect, and the Ironsides took a deserved 3-2 lead to secure a place in the next round of the cup. For 2 weeks running, the Ironsides showed great character to come from behind, and the spirit which will be needed to be potential cup winners this season.

CRESCENT ROVERS RESERVES 4-0 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES A'S

Another heavy defeat for the ‘A’s on Saturday puts them into the wrong half of Junior Division Two.
Missing key players in defence and particularly in goal the ‘A’s young and inexperienced side were undone by sloppy defending to go behind in the tenth minute. Failing to clear from the edge of their penalty area the Crescent left midfielder was allowed to cut in at run at the defence without really being challenged dispatching a low drive past the stand in keeper Alfie Brown. Ten minutes minutes later it was 2-0 when after initially winning the ball back on the edge of his box, James Denison tried to play out from the back, and with the pass on wide to Andy Zaharia out on the right, he took one touch too many and was caught in possession, and once again the ‘A’s found the ball nestling in the back of their net.

The ‘A’s then got their act together and began to pass the ball around with accuracy and confidence and looked like an altogether different team. The ball was moved across the midfield from left to right and right to left but they lacked cutting edge and for all their good build up play failed to create a clear cut chance. The ‘A’s finished the half on top but their sloppy start meant going in at half time with it all to do. Dimitry Tarlet was brought into the game for the injured Chris Denison at half time. Dimitry and midfielder Alex Adams making their debuts for the club. The ‘A’s started the second half brightly, Tarlet very lively up front and Adams settling into the game but the ‘A’s again having no real cutting edge in the final third. As the half went on, gaps started to appear in the ‘A’s defence and they began to get stretched as they tried to get back into the game. Luke Sullivan and the excellent Paul Mildon were doing their utmost to keep the deficit to two but tired legs and heads let Crescent seal the win when a free kick to the right of the penalty area was allowed to be taken short, the ball being squared to the penalty spot and fired into the net. It was soon four as the ‘A’s midfield started to forget their defensive duties and leave the back four exposed, a quick break from the Crescent attack being fired into the roof of the net and sealing the win for Crescent. A heavy scoreline but one that flattered Crescent. The ‘A’s played some excellent football and have a young exciting squad. A little naive maybe, but full of potential and lots to look forward to for the rest of the season.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES SUNDAY TEAM 8-1 CROYGAS

Battersea came into the game looking to close in on the league leaders and build on their first win of the season against Kingsborough. The Irons started brightly dominating the early possession and it looked to be only a matter of time before they took the lead. Sure enough on 20 minutes Battersea opened the scoring through Ben Nyarko’s cross come shot that sailed into the top corner from the left touchline. Soon after the lead was doubled with Nyarko finishing from close range following some good work in the penalty area from Rob McMahon. Battersea were threatening to run riot putting together some good passing moves whilst Tyrone was causing the Croygas left back all sorts of problems.

Battersea started the second half with a blitz of goals as the opposition struggled in the searing heat. Nyarko completed his hat trick with a penalty dispatched into the top right corner. Duncan Kent-Smith soon added to the scoreline capitalising on a mistake by the Croygas keeper. Croygas then scored on a rare foray into the Battersea half with a spectacular 25-yard effort. Battersea were unfazed by this and soon added to the scoreline. Terry Reid was given the chance to score his first goal for the club from the penalty spot following some good work from Theo in drawing the foul. Terry made no mistake smashing the ball into the roof of the net. A sixth came soon after with Theo spinning with the balance and poise of a ballerina to finish in predatory style from Tyrone’s free kick. Nyarko then scored his fourth goal of the day running onto a pass from Theo Parker before finishing expertly with his wrong foot. Dale Kitchen completed the scoring following a double one two with Parker which left those on the sideline wondering if they were watching Battersea or Barcelona. With sterner test to come Battersea will be looking to continue their impressive form going into the next game against unbeaten Sutton Albion.

BLETCHINGLEY 1-2 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

It was a hard fought game, with both sides cancelling each other out in the first half. Ironsides had just a Duncan Kent-Smith chance to show for their endeavours. The second half started in the same fashion, and with the Ironsides taking their game to another level, some good football created a chance for Julian Green that he was unable to convert. The ball went straight down the other end, with the Bletchingley forward skipping past Robbie McMahon and Joe Galea to slot in at the near post. The Ironsides then showed their character, when a long punt from Roy Smithen and a good dummy by Duncan Kent-Smith allowed Julian Green to run free on goal, and to comfortably slot passed the keeper. Five minutes later, a ball flicked on by Tiro Pascale came straight back to him after a miscue from the Bletchingley defender, and with a one touch volley over the defence, Julian Green was set clear on goal, and with his regained confidence slotted past the Bletchingley keeper for a second time to secure Ironsides the points.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES RESERVES 3-1 ABBEY RANGERS

The hottest day of the year was the setting for the 2nd home game for the reserves. After the first victory of the season last week building on the result was key especially after dropping points at home in the first week.
Richard Allen unavailable and Steve Scott-Lee called up to the first team were replaced by the returning Sam Okine, Richard Thompson and Miles Morgan. Stefan Hollingsworth and Lewis Hills were promoted from the bench with Lewis slotting in at right back and Stefan moving up front with Chafik Dahmani switching to left midfield with the team setting up as 442. The game started brightly for both teams but the game could have taken a different turn of events when in the first couple of minutes when the Abbey Rangers forward was put through and Lewis mistimed he tackle and appeared to catch the forward with everybody but the referee thinking the challenge was late and not giving a penalty After the initial couple of minute the Ironsides started to show their strength and dominated possession and created a number of chances without really testing the keeper.
A solid start from the Ironsides against a very well organised team, with a slow back four to play against the youthful attack options started to tell the difference, Stefan and Chafik provided some good work down the left with Stefan holding the ball well and feeding Chafik who ran onto the ball in the box and with a slight deflect powered the ball home for the first goal. The second goal came for the opposition. After a period of possession for Rangers came shortly a quick succession of corners and their well organised set pieces told. The Rangers player got a better jump than his marker Ernie Ako and a powerful header was initially blocked on the line by Chafik but the ball bounced back up and of Luke’s hand into the goal. TA quick response was required and that was exactly what the team did. Again good work down the left saw Chafik get into a good wide position was a an early cross was expected but after a bit of dithering and holding off the tackle Chafik finally putting the ball onto his right foot put a delightful cross into the box which was met by Neil Scott who calmly headed the ball into the bottom right corner. The final goal came just before half time another long throw from Martin Taylor was headed back towards goal off the back of Julian’s head where it nicely slotted in the goal. The second half was composed but unspectacular and neither team could add to the score sheet. Another 3 points were the reserves for the season with a big game against Horsley coming up next week.

VIRGINIA WATER RESERVES 0-4 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES RESERVES

With the disappointment of last week’s dropped points at home, the reserve’s had their first away game against with a tricky tie against Virginia Water. Last season the sides met four times each winning two a piece, so a difficult game was expected. Injury and player return to fitness meant a number of changes to the side, out injured went Jamie Reid (back), Eddie Mensah (hamstring) and Miles Morgan (hip) also Sam Okine was not available. In came Julian Wolpe (CM) and Martin Taylor (RB) who had been with the 1st team the previous week and in came Mark Hibbard(CM) for his debut for the Ironsides and returning legend Richard Allen (CB) also made his 1 start for the reserves. The game started well for the Ironsides who controlled the game from the off set but failed to really make the possession into chances. It took a glaring opportunity missed by Virginia that got Ironsides going. A nice bit of one touch football between Lee Peddle and Steve Scott Lee on the left provide a goal scoring opportunity for Neil Scott who was able to round the keep and keep his composure to slot away for a deserved lead. The Ironsides kept the pressure up and just before half time the 2nd goal was taken. A corner was not cleared properly and Daniel Clarke controlled the ball and turned on a six pence and slotted the ball top corner, it was no more than the Ironsides deserved.
The 2nd half Virginia came out with nothing to lose and had a solid 15 minutes without really testing Luke in goal. The decisive 3rd came shortly after this, some good work again down the left by Neil Scott allowed the forward to push into the box and was ready to ’pass’ into the middle of the box when he was brought down for a penalty. This allowed Daniel Clarke to add to his goal tally for the season by coolly putting the penalty away. The final part of the game saw the Ironsides dominate and miss a number of chances to extend the lead. It took until right before the end, a long throw from Martin saw Julian Wolpe soar above the Virginia defence and power in a deserved fourth.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES 1-1 VIRGINIA WATER

A tight encounter between two well matched sides ended with honours even. After 45 minutes there was hardly a worthwhile shot on goal, and the teams went in level. The second half started with the Ironsides playing far better, and after 60 minutes took a well deserved lead when a free kick was headed at goal by Kent Smith and was well saved, but was followed up by Tyrone Baptise after a smart header back by Paul Bussetti. However, with 15 minutes to go, a hand ball in the box by the Ironsides skipper Robbie McMahon was punished with a penalty, and the Ironsides keeper Ian Peddle was sent the wrong way by the Virginia Water striker. The final 15 minutes saw continued Ironsides pressure, but a stubborn Virginia Water defence withstood the pressure to claim a 1-1 draw.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES SUNDAY TEAM 3-1 KINGSBOROUGH

Battersea’s second game of the season saw us taking on Kingsborough. With last weeks defeat fresh on the mind it was important for the team to give a good performance to both kick-start our season and put some vital points on the board. Preparations for the game could not have started worse with key members of our squad running late, adding to our already depleted squad. However, despite the poor preparations Battersea started on the front foot with Ironsides taking the initiative. It wasn’t long until Damion showed good trickery and speed to beat his man down the left, bursting into the box before cutting the ball back for Tony, who attempted an audacious backheel. Although Tony was unable to get a good connection on his attempt he did succeed in forcing the Kingsbrough defender to clear the ball into one of his own players, resulting in the ball rebounding into the back of the net! Although the goal may have been slightly fortunate it was no more than the ironsides deserved. Going into halftime the message was to get the ball down and continue to play as we had dominated the game with the ironsides keeper having very little to do.

The second half begun where the first had ended, with the ironsides looking strong. With 20 minutes gone in the second half Damion was taken down on the right side midway in the opposition half. With the box loaded Miles Morgan delivered a wonderful set piece to the back post which was met by the head of Ben who headed the ball back towards the goal from a tight angle and into the bottom right hand corner. It truly was a great header from a player who is ‘living the dream’ and one that Alan Shearer himself would have been proud of! However, with the game at 2-0 a touch of complacency set in resulting in the opposition having 3 chances on goal. This included two one on one efforts which were expertly saved by our keeper, brilliantly tipping both efforts around the right hand post. The third effort was a speculative effort from Kingsborough which ‘forced’ our keeper into a ‘for the camera save’ in his electric cherry kit! At 2-0 the next goal was crucial and with 10 minutes to go the goal went the ironsides way. Leading by example Theo Parker used his tenacity and work rate to close down and disposes the last defender, before slotting home the ball past the advancing keeper into the bottom right hand corner. With the game drawing to a close and the points in the bag miscommunication in the ironsides defence caused confusion resulting in the opposition getting a late consolation goal. Although it was disappointing to concede it could not take away what had been an impressive and comfortable home display and a welcomed 3 points to kick start our season. With an honest bunch of lads and quite a bit of talent in there too, the ironsides can look forward to an exciting season ahead.

TRINITY RESERVES 1-0 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES A'S

It was a gutsy display from the ‘A’s, played on a superb surface. Adam Kent-Smith had an excellent first half at centre back but had to be withdrawn at half time through injury. Alfie Brown had a real battle up front throughout the game and coped superbly with some rough treatment from the Trinity defenders. The ‘A’s defended superbly but were undone 2 minutes from time when they failed to clear their lines but it took an excellent strike to beat stand in keeper Darran O’Grady. Trinity celebrated the goal like they had won the cup, a tribute to the way the ‘A’s had played.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES RESERVES 1-1 BLETCHINGLEY RESERVES

The first game for the reserves finally arrived against a Bletchingley team who did the double over the reserves last year. The game provided a number of debuts for the reserves, Ed Mensah came in at right back, Stefan Hollingsworth at right midfield and Richard Thompson up front. Another welcomed addition to the reserves was Ernie Ako making his first appearance for the reserves up front. The reserves started with a 4-4-2 in very wet conditions after the heavens opened right before kick-off. A frantic start saw the Ironsides on the back foot initially with players rushing and giving away possession too easily allowing Bletchingley to have the first effort on goal. The first 15 also saw the first substitution of the season with Jamie 'Dave' Reid coming off with a recurring back injury picked up during pre-season and Lewis Hills slotting in at left back. After the initial period the Ironsides started to control the game with a lot of good work coming down the left side of the team with Miles Morgan and Richard Thompson using the space to open up the Bletchingley back four and get them on the back foot a number of times. The only controversy of the first half came towards the end of the half - Richard Thompson made a good run down the left side and was breaking into the box by the by line when it appeared he had been caught from behind by the slow and wrong footed defender, but the ref thought otherwise and gave a goal kick. The second half started how the first half had ended with Battersea having the better of the play but lacking the control and conviction to make their possession count and it was to cost the reserves. A debatable 'foul' by Daniel Clarke just on the outside of the box on the right hand side gave Bletchingley an opportunity at goal. In the wet conditions a fizzed shot at goal slipped from the normally reliable Luke Woodmansey's grasp and fell in front of him as he tried to reclaim he unfortunately pushed it further away from himself nicely into the oncoming Bletchingley players who thought Christmas had come early and gave them an undeserved 1-0 lead. This kicked the Ironsides into action who started to control and dominate the game, it also prompted the debut of Chafik Dahmani up front with Stefan Hollingsworth making way with Ernie Ako moving into right midfield. A bout of sustained pressure from the Ironsides finally brought reward when a free kick on the Ironsides left hand side brought up the goal scoring centre back Daniel Clarke to continue to add to his goals from last year with a precise header from the delightfully delivered ball from Miles Morgan. The game was for the Reserves to win but a number of wasted chances in the last 15 minutes of the game saw Bletchingley hang on for a point and the reserves start the season in frustrating fashion.

TOOTING BEC 0-2 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

On a small pitch, with incessant rain, Ironsides surprisingly played good football, and dominated the game from start to finish, with wing backs Theo Parker and Junior Mitchell repeatedly putting in good crosses. A minute before half time, a flick on from Duncan Kent Smith put Julian Green clear, and after rounding the keeper, found the empty net, putting Fernando Torres to shame. In the second half Ironsides started off in the same dominant mode. After 60 minutes a through ball to Duncan Kent Smith, who beat the offside trap, again coolly rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net. In the last 15 minutes, Tooting Bec played with four forwards, but Ironsides withstood the pressure without keeper Ian Peddle making a noteworthy save. The Ironsides came away with another 3 points, and their first clean sheet of the season.

MERTON GALAXY 2-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES SUNDAY TEAM

In what was the most eagerly anticipated return to English football since Jurgen Klinsmann returned for his second spell at Spurs , the BIFC Sunday team came out of retirement and returned to Sunday football. However, this time under the expert tutelage of BIFC legends Theo Parker and Tim Dellaloglu, in what could possibly be a stepping stone to dislodging the ageing Neil and Gary as managers of the Saturday First Team. After a busy summer of recruiting some of the finest talent BIFC were well equipped to hit the lofty heights once again.

Up first for the Ironsides was Merton Galaxy who had recently just been promoted from division 6, were they had won the league only dropping 2 points the entire season, averaging 6 goals per game. So we were under no illusions of what was in store for us and the importance of starting the game strongly. That being said Merton started the game the stronger and dominated the opening period, playing good football in the process and looking like a team that had played together for quite some time. Merton took a deserved lead mid way through the first half and could have added to their tally had it not been for summer recruit Daniel Walker in goal keeping them at bay with a string of fine saves. However, Battersea continued to show that never say die spirit, epitomised by Tony Harman, I mean Tony Eden and equalised just before half time. Battersea were awarded a freekick on the left side of the edge of the area which was curled low and hard around the Merton wall by Damion ‘Tyrone’ Pascall. This was then turned into the goal expertly from close by Ben Nyarko, who assured everyone he had performed the ‘Van Nistelrooy’ by standing in an offside position prior to the freekick being taken before getting onside as the kick was taken.

Going into half time Battersea were lucky to be level and knew we needed to show a lot of heart and determination in order to come away with something from the game against a good Merton side. The team talk seemed to work as the ironsides came out and frustrated Merton, limiting their chances on the ironsides goal with Daniel coming to the rescue on the couple of occasions they managed to create a chance. With the game almost over and Ironsides looking good for a point Merton broke away and after a scramble, which included a couple of saves, managed to grab a winner right at the death. In what was a cruel way to lose a football match, nobody could deny that Merton deserved the victory in the end. All in all it was a narrow defeat by a team that is expected to challenge for the league, one that had obviously benefitted from playing together on a regular basis. In summery the ironsides showed a lot of heart and glimpses of potential and with a few more games under our belt will be a force to reckon with.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES 4-2 REIGATE PRIORY

A good all round performance against Reigate Priory, where the Ironsides strikers suddenly discovered their shooting boots, with Julian Green and Duncan Kent Smith both scoring to put Ironsides 2-0 up. Two goals by Reigate Priory in the last five minutes of the first half put a dampener on the Ironsides performance, with the sides going in at half time level. In the second half, the Ironsides dominated throughout, and goals from Julian Green and Duncan Kent Smith again secured a well deserved 4-2 victory.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES A'S 1-0 SHIRLEY TOWN

The dying minutes of the first half saw an Ironsides corner forced into the back of the Shirley net after a bundle of players attacked the ball, Richard Thompson eventually shinning the ball in moments before the half time whistle. The change of ends found Shirley with the wind at their backs and the pressure began to build on the Ironsides defence as the ball was pumped forwards. Long balls and corners were continually dealt with by stand in keeper and man of the match Jamie 'Dave' Reid as time after time he came to punch clear and keep the 'A's in front. As Town pushed for the equaliser they became vulnerable to the counter attack, Ernie Ako and Bussetti again dangerous. There was a late scare in the Ironsides box as the ball pinged about and bounced off the bar eventually being smothered by the outstanding Reid and for the second week running the 'A's survived a late onslaught and claimed their second victory in a row. They play away to Trinity Reserves in the league next weekend.

VICE-CHAIRMAN HAS IRONSIDES AT HEART

Most people at the Ironsides would be familiar with the sight of Kevin Harman breathless, complaining of cramp in his legs after 45 minutes on a football pitch. However on the 4th September 2011, Kevin substituted the football field for the salty sea of the south coast, as he took part in the Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier-to-Pier swim to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. As Battersea Ironsides longest serving player, Kevin was still playing football at the age of 50, until he was forced to retire as a result of a heart attack. However, a grueling 1.5 mile swim in the south coast sea was not a challenge Kevin backed down from, as he completed the swim in an impressive time of 45 minutes.

If you wish to donate money in support of Kevin and the British Heart Foundation, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/kevharman.

HORSLEY 3-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

Another disappointing result continued the Ironsides indifferent start to the season, although the performance was most probably an improvement in general play. The game started evenly, then the Ironsides started to take control, missing a couple of chances. However, after half an hour, a free kick 10 yards inside Ironsides half went over everyone and into the roof of the net. The second half started with the Ironsides on top again, and they duly scored in the 47th minute when an Ernie Kendall free kick was nodded in at the near post by Julian Green. The Ironsides continued to press, but in the 60th minute, a Horsley free kick was cleared to the half way line, but a Horsley player advanced and from 25 yards hit the ball into the top corner. The Ironsides continued to press for the last half hour, but in the 93rd minute, Horsley got their 3rd goal on a break away with the Ironsides overcommiting in search of an equaliser.

CROYDON GREENSIDE RESERVES 1-2 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES A'S

Ironsides 'A's first game of the new season saw them put in a solid display and turn around a 1-0 half time deficit to win 2-1 away from home and take all three points. The first half was an even affair with few chances at either end although the Ironsides did look threatening down the left flank with Jamie Reid and Charlie Bussetti combining well. It was Greenside who struck first though when a long kick down field wasn't dealt with by the Ironsides central defence allowing the striker to get in behind them and fire past a helpless keeper. The second half again started evenly but the Ironsides started to press as they looked for the equaliser. The experienced Richard Allen began to dominate in midfield and it was two glorious 20 yard strikes from him that turned the game in the Ironsides favour. Greenside huffed and puffed in the closing stages and had a couple of opportunities from long range free kicks but the Ironsides defense stood firm.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES 2-1 CRESCENT ROVERS

It was a busy bank holiday weekend for the Ironsides, who were playing their second game in three days. A close encounter, the Ironsides took the lead early on through a solo Ian Peddle goal. They continued to press for a second, but 10 minutes before half time, a controversial penalty was awarded to Crescent Rovers, which they dispatched to bring the scores level. In the second half, the Ironsides continued to press, missing several chances. But with ten minutes to go, a ball played into the box was held up by Ian Peddle, and after several attempts, Theo Parker's effort took a deflection and ended up in the Crescent goal, giving the Ironsides a 2-1 victory, and their first 3 points of the season.

ABBEY RANGERS 2-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

The Ironsides dominated the game from the start, but were unable to turn possession into goals, with several chances not being taken. They were then made to pay for this in the last minute of the first half, when the left winger of Abbey Rangers converted a one-on-one chance to put them a goal up. The Ironsides were level in the second minute of the second half, when Roy Smithen rose at the far post from an Ernie Kendal free kick to nod home from close range. The last 20 minutes saw the team run out of steam, and after failing to take advantage of their possession, 10 minutes from time, a mistake at the back presented Abbey Rangers with a gift of a goal to put them 2-1 up. This was the Ironsides first defeat of the season, and after a shaky start to the campaign, improvement is expected over the coming weeks.

OLD FARNBORONIANS 1-1 BATTERSEA IRONSIDES

In the end, it was a point gained for the Ironsides. After being outplayed and going behind in the first half, the introduction of Tony Eden after 60 minutes instantly resulted in him winning the ball and putting through Julian Green, who took his chance to score. Ironsides then consolidated, and were pleased to come away with a draw against a decent side.

FOOTBALLERS V CRICKETERS CRICKET MATCH

The annual Ironsides Footballers v Ironsides Cricketers cricket match took place on Sunday 17th July 2011 and was a great success, despite the early threat of a washout. Always a light-hearted affair, the game provided excitement, entertainment, and very noticeable differences in quality! With golden ducks as likely as sixes, 80mph beamers as likely as pea rollers, and great catches as likely as dropped dollys, the match was unexpectedly close, but was ultimately decided by the amount of extras given away by the footballers, whose batting had about as much depth as the Arsenal squad. A last man stand of Ian Peddle and Richard Allen gave the footballers a slight hope of victory, but a superb catch on the boundary was a fitting end to the game, and a win for the cricketers that the footballers will be hoping to avenge next year!

FORMER IRONSIDES YOUNGSTER SIGNS FOR MAN CITY

Former Battersea Ironsides Academy player Abdul Razak has joined Manchester City Football Club, and has already made his Premiership debut. Abdul was part of the club's 2008 Soccer Academy Initiative run by former Director of Football and long time club member Ewemade Orobator. This is undoubtedly the biggest individual success of any player to pass through our ranks, and everyone at Battersea Ironsides wishes him well in the future. For the full story on Abdul's Manchester City first team debut, click here.

TOUR OF SPAIN 2011

AN EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL START

The Ironsides had their earliest ever pre-season friendly on Saturday 2nd July 2011, and they couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2011-2012 campaign. A 3-1 victory at Combined Counties Division 1 side Bedfont Sports was indeed a surprise, but with the right attitude and good energy levels, the boys in green managed to pull it off. It was a fine all round performance, and showed why the Ironsides should never be underestimated. Goals from Duncan Kent Smith, Ernie Kendall and Julian Green gave the ironsides a well earned win.