This week we faced high flying Newton 66,after last weeks emphatic victory the pressure was on again.It would'nt be a normal saturday without having to make changes,Andy Hawkins recalled after a subs appearance with the first team last week,it shows what an embarrasment of riches we have,when your skipper Dan Greaves is on the bench after a rare week missing,Dan Harmer another impressive member of the squad( dropped to bench after a drinking violation of my rules,and Rich Baker on the sidelines after missing a week,and the forward partnership of Rob and Tom doing so well.

I would like to point out the pitch was awful,and it was a real test of our footbal skills to play on Osborne Park. We started well creating at leadt three chances that should of been converted,but in Jason Klinsman they have a fine keeper even at 36 years of age. We were the much better team for the opening twenty mins,after my pre match talk of having to get stuck in,we certainly did that,and some. A fine low shot by Tom Birch which was saved by Klins,but he could only allow the ball to bouce back out to Andy ( I really can play anywahere Hawkins)! nil Stoke. The biys at the back were in top form against a good frontline especailly the very quick and skillful Jamie Meeden,66 had a couple of half chances,but half time 1-0 to the Stoke Boys.

Half time With Phil away due to having swine flu,it was left to me and senoir statesman Dan Greaves to correct a few things we had noticed in the first half,the boys obviously took heed of our hints.

The second half as perr normal we raised our game,even on a very muddy pitch we always tryed to play,Tom D had a few chances that on a normally he would convert,Rob Helmore maybe could have done better once or twice,with the introduction of Dan Greaves to tighten up the midfield a bit,allowing Matty White to push on in his favoured role,well straight away Matts wizardry started to play divedends,they just could'nt get close to him,Dan Harmer then joined the fray in place of the mute James Horrocks( sorry James) a number of chances came our way,but we left our shooting boots at home for once,Rich Baker then replaced Tom D,well within minutes the little striker repaid his dues with a cracking 20 yard volley giving the keeper little chance,cue the celebrations,66 did pull one back in the final minute through Meeden,but a little bit too late.

Mom Joe Thompson I must say a special mention to Kevin Gidley who i thought was superb.

My quote for the week,i would like to say a big thankyou for everyones effort to date,i feel really lucky to manage such a fine group of players and people,in all my years of football,not that many lol... I have to say this is a fine bunch of young men,and some great footballers too.

This week was also our Christmas do,and team bonding exercise part 2,much needed,all comes in useful in our quest for promotion and other silver ware.

Next week we face Beesands at home in the league,we are currently 9 points clear with one game to play in 2009,i would think we have only lost in 2009 something like 4 games in the sdl,that is some record chaps,this season to date we have not lost in 90 minutes,our only defeat coming in the devon senior cup.

A big well done to the lads,not easy when you have me moaning all the time,all in a good cause i am sure you will agree.


Note to Jelly ,be consistant or expect to hear the wrath of a certain player. Point noted my old china. A valid point no less. Love you all chaps,in a non gay way.

ONEWTON 66's promotion hopes have taken a turn for the worse after they went down 2-1 to Division Two table-toppers Stoke Gabriel Reserves.

An Andy Hawkins tap-in and a cracking 20-yard volley from Richard Baker ensured Stoke remain seven points clear of second-placed Kingskerswell & Chelston Reserves.

Jamie Meaden pulled one back in the last minute, but it was too little too late.