Hamble Harriers 1 - 1 Burridge AFC

Mount Pleasant
Wednesday 30th August

The problems suffered at the hands of Blues last week were addressed in this final pre-season fixture, as Burridge - marshalled in defence by Matt Birks and Kev Willsher - fought to deny Hamble the space they desired to dictate any style of play. The first half was typical Southampton League fare as promising passing movements were too often stifled by a hurried tempo; but Burridge did at times show signs of positive attacking play. Quick passing saw the ball given wide, which as we know is the stem of many a goal. But, the goal that put Burridge into the lead was after a mistake. Bryn Schwodler chased a through ball, but an over eager Hamble defender put too much purchase on his back pass, leaving him with egg on his face. Hamble equalized when their most dangerous player drove in from the left too drill under Hewitt, who despite getting his hands to the ball was unable to divert its power.

4-3-3: Kristian Hewitt, Jay Schwodler, Kev Willsher, Luke Sanderson, Mark Sanderson, Greg Baker (Ben Hutton), Steve Froud, Lee Fielder, Paul Andrews (John Hutton), Bryn Schwodler

NEXT FIXTURE:
SOUTHAMPTON INVITATIONAL CUP
SATURDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER
VERSUS AFC TARGET
VENUE: VERACITY GROUND
KICK OFF 14:30
BE AT GROUND AT 13:45

BLUES 5 - 2 BURRIDGE AFC

Wednesday 23rd August
Coal Park Lane

With the season fast approaching Burridge find themselves with work to do. Although it could be argued that substitutions disrupted the flow of the game, they would not have been happy with the way they capitulated during the second half. Despite this they took the lead when Greg Baker’s cross was headed home by Ben Hutton, but Blues - who seemed considerably more organised – were 2-1 up by half-time.

Inbetween conceding further goals, Ben Hutton hammered home from thirty yards – his fifth goal in three pre-season fixtures; leaving Burridge something to cling to. They undoubtedly have the materials available to have a far better season than last year, but need to consolidate and concentrate on defending as a team if they're to fulfill their potential.

NB NEXT FIXTURE IS WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST VERSUS HAMBLE HARRIERS AT MOUNT PLEASANT, HAMBLE. KICK OFF 6PM

SUBS WILL BE COLLECTED BEFORE GAMES FROM NOW ON.
£3 PER PERSON IN FRIENDLIES.
£5 FOR THOSE STARTING LEAGUE GAMES.

Albion 3 - 7 Burridge AFC

Tuesday 15th August
Mount Pleasant

Burridge survived a brief scare in a game against older legs. Although the first twenty minutes held no suggestions of what was to follow; Alan Newman clipped calmly over the advancing keeper for one-nil, before Bryn Schwodler made it two. Burridge then went onto enjoy perhaps too much of the ball, like a kitten with a wounded shrew, they knew not what to do with their prey. As a result Albion drew level before half-time, the second goal a rasping drive from an indirect free kick in the penalty area.

Things got worse in the second period. Albion counter attacked and no sooner had it looked to have died out than the ball was delicately chipped in. Burridge reverted to playing quick passes. John Hutton levelled after being in the right place at the right time on the far post after a flowing move, leading to a flurry of goals. Kristian Hewitt kept a shot from inside the penalty area down for the lead; Lee Fielder drove into the box and dispatched, and Ben Hutton grabbed a brace - one of them after a forty yard run.

So Burridge can gain heart from this exercise - that not only saw everyone get through the game in one piece - but also as it served as a further 90 minutes for players to take a step closer to match fitness and an understanding of each other. Of course, there is room for improvement - more cohesion and communication - but these pre-season games serve exactly for that purpose.

4-4-2: Sam Schwodler, Luke Sanderson, Kev Willsher, Matt Birks, Jay Schwodler, Steve Froud, Ben Hutton, Kristian Hewitt, Bryn Schwodler, Alan Newman, Lee Fielder

After 3o minutes reverting to....

4-4-2: Sam Schwodler, Luke Sanderson, Kev Willsher, Matt Birks, Jay Schwodler, Greg Baker, Ben Hutton, Kristian Hewitt, Bryn Schwodler, John Hutton, Justin Newman

After 60 minutes reverting to....

4-4-2: Sam Schwodler, Jay Schwodler, Kev Willsher, Alan Newman, Steve Froud, Justin Newman, Ben Hutton, Greg Baker, John Hutton, Lee Fielder


NB OUR NEXT FRIENDLY IS AGAINST DYKEY'S MOB: BLUES ON WEDNESDAY 23RD AUGUST AT SARISBURY SPARKS, WHICH YOU'LL FIND AT COAL PARK LANE, WHICH IS OFF SWANICK LANE. KICK OFF TIME HASN'T BEEN CONFIRMED, BUT I IMAGINE IT'LL BE AROUND 18:30.

Regards

Solent WTL 3-2 Burridge AFC

Saturday 12th August
Hamble School

Burridge AFC found themselves a goal down at half-time on a barren pitch more in keeping with the golden lawns of the Wimbledon tennis championships. With a collection of new players thrown together, there was little time for exchanging pleasantries - versatile stalwart Kristian Hewitt reverted to goalkeeper before the break after keeper Alex Clegg aggravated a previous wrist injury. We all wish him well.

During the second half - and playing without the back up of substitutes - Burridge improved substantially. But, not before going two goals down. Left back Luke Sanderson was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line after a corner kick. This seemed to galvanise Burridge, and before long they were back in the contest; debutante Ben Hutton stepped up to dispatch a right footed free kick from twenty-five yards. This was quickly followed by the equalizer, Kristian Hewitt's raking clearance evaded the Solent defence, and Bryn Schwodler gathered the ball in his stride before lashing home.

It appeared Burridge could go onto win the game, but in spite of their improvement they gave away a late penalty, which gave Solent victory. But Burridge can be encouraged with a fairly resilient performance that can only be improved upon.


4-4-2: Alex Clegg (Kristian Hewitt), Luke Sanderson, Alan Newman, Matt Birks, Jay Schwodler, Greg Baker, Ben Hutton, Kristian Hewitt (Justin Newman), Steve Froud, John Hutton, Bryn Schwodler


NB NEXT GAME VERSUS ALBION, MEET AT 6PM AT MOUNT PLEASANT HAMBLE.

PPS YOU HAVE ALL BEEN CORDIALLY INVITED TO MANAGER PETE LYON'S BARBEQUE ON SUNDAY AUGUST 26TH AT 2PM AT HIS HOUSE IN OSBOURNE ROAD IN WARSASH.
GIRLFRIENDS WELCOME - IF YOU HAVE ANY.

**I regret to inform you all that our new goalkepper Alex Clegg has broken his arm. I spoke with him at 11:30am on Sunday, and he told me that he was at A & E 'til 8pm, and now has his right arm in a splint. It was painful this morning, and he will be going back to have the arm set in plaster. Alex remains in good spirits and hopes the break will heal in eight weeks. I'm also glad that insurance is in place to sort him out at work.**

Beaney Park FC 0 -2 Burridge AFC

Pre-Season: Saturday 5th August
Southampton Sport Centre

Burridge recorded a comfortable victory in their first fixture without the recently departed trio of Allan, Bryant & Wilson. The fixture was originally scheduled at The Clump, but rearranged for the sand based astroturf more suited to hockey games it was designed for. In spite of this Burridge adapted to the conditions quickly, Greg Baker made his way through on goal from the left and neatly side footed home across the path of the goalie; Kristian Hewitt then intercepted a pass and was given too much time from outside the penalty area - his right footed strike found the keeper's bottom right-hand corner. Burridge continued to control the second half but were unable to add to their tally, ending the game comfortable winners.

4-3-3 (then 4-4-2 in 2nd half): Alex Clegg (Sam Schwodler), Luke Sanderson, Paul Dyke, Kev Willsher, Mark Sanderson, Jay Schwodler, Greg Baker, Kristian Hewitt (c), Bryn Schwodler, Lee Fielder, Paul Andrews (Matt Burkes)

**NB EXTRA FIXTURE: FRIENDLY VERSUS TEAM SOLENT BEING ARRANGED FOR SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST - TIME & VENUE TO BE CONFIRMED**