Sierra Stripping 1 - 1 Streets of London

As winter began to move into the Sacramento region this week and temperatures started to fall, the Folsom league really began to heat up as top of the table Sierra Stripping took on bottom of the table visitors Streets of London.

The game was critical for the Streets of London who's season had started poorly. With one loss and two ties from the first three games, the Streets of London found themselves in the unusual position of being bottom of the table.

The home team came into the evening with three back-to-back wins and clearly looked the favorite to walk out of the stadium with all three points.

Felling the confidence the home team only just showed up in time for the game - the home fans not worried, but the visitors wondering if they might benefit from a forfeit.

It wasn't to be, however, and the Streets would need to play for the points that after 90 minutes of play they thoroughly deserved.

Prior to the game there was some doubt as to whether striker Mike Daley would make the kick-off due to a recurring injury. He was cleared as match fit an hour before the game and was joined by hair-care gurus Vadim Winkler and Ed Gatjen after their absences over the past few weeks.

In a surprise move defender Burk Knifeton made a return from his unexpected early retirement last season and the fans couldn't have been happier to have more options at the manager's disposal.

The tempo of the game was fast from the kick-off with the Streets pushing forward into the Sierra Stripping half and conceding little in the back third of the field. And the chances started to flow early on for the Streets of London.

Sierra Stripping made a few counter attacks to the Streets assault, but each was easily dealt with by the back line. Tom Hillesland was, as usual, a rock at the back as he cleared up in front of sweeper Jon Taylor.

There was some dissent at one point early on as Taylor started to sit deep in his own half. Jeff Goldsmith playing left back was frustrated playing so deeply and the inevitable argument between Taylor and his co-defender ensued.

The outcome was, however, beneficial as Taylor started to push up closer to the half-way line.

The Streets began to make good use of the wingers as Winkler utilized the right side and Gatjen the left. With relatively early crosses each time they were close to the home sides penalty box, the Streets began to frustrate Sierra Stripping.

The desire to prove the critics wrong was definitely driving the Streets of London on and the pressure would pay off mid-way through the first half.

Winkler made a run down the right side after picking up a midfield pass. As he approached the 18-yard box he crossed to the far post where an inbound Jeffrey Martinez made a perfectly placed diving header to push the ball past the Sierra Stripping keeper.

The Streets of London fans went crazy much to the displeasure of the home side.

Moments before the half-time whistle Sierra Stripping were unlucky to not have a penalty awarded after Taylor handled inside the box. Don Bradshaw was as convinced as the crowd that the penalty would be awarded and was lucky to see the end result of the attack bounce off the post before being put behind for a corner.

With the Streets going into the break one goal up, things looked positive for the team.

The second period was played much as the first with a lot of possession inside the Sierra Stripping half. But the Streets were become restless in their game.

An injured Steve Sims was called the substitutions and he relied heavily on one of his 5-a-side strategies of changing players every few minutes. This strategy disrupted the team flow and soon it was evident that Sierra Stripping would capitalize on the uneasiness of the team.

Finding himself in the back line, the first half goal-scorer for the Streets laid a short hospital pass off to Andy Nelson which was intercepted by a Sierra forward.

The striker, with only 25 or so yards between him and the goal made a clean break and slotted the ball past Bradshaw from 10-yards out.

Although against the run of play, it was the unsettling of the Streets that most likely contributed to the goal.

Two more missed opportunities could have sealed the game for the Streets before the closing whistle.

Nelson played a clean one-two with Winkler on the right side and found himself in space at the edge of the Sierra box. What looked to be an attempted cross turned out to be on of the closest shots of the second half. The ball curved into the area and dipped over the keeper but ended up bouncing off the top of the bar.

Shortly thereafter Fred "The Fish" Farler missed his opportunity - and the ball, in what could have been the winning goal.

Like a dying salmon making it's way up a river "The Fish" Farler dived for a cross. Unfortunately his timing was less than perfect (a lot less some would say) and "The Fish" found himself in the back of the net as the game continued playing around him.

Slow motion replays revealed that the ball had not entered the area from the cross when "The Fish" himself crossed the goal line.

With the game tied up at 1-1 the Streets had accomplished something no other team had done this season and that was stopping the march of Sierra Stripping. But they needed a win and although the tie would technically lift them off the bottom of the table on goal difference, they remain very much in the danger area.

After the game Kevin "The Guvnor" O'Brien summed up the nights performance. "I'm pleased we didn't drop 3 points, but we could have won the game. We played better than they did and on that performance we deserved a win. Our substitution policy was flawed and that definitely had an impact on the game. We won't be seeing that happen again."

When asked about the missed opportunity O'Brien added "the Fish was right to start diving early. It takes some momentum to get that kind of frame in the air, but his timing was... well there really wasn't any timing."

The Streets now face a double header week when they play rivals Turn Verein at home on Tuesday November 10th and then away to oint bottom team BASOM on the 12th.

Streets of London 2 - 2 Folsom United

Tuesday night's match between the Streets of London and visitors Folsom United was going to be anything but a normal game given the events leading up to kick-off.

Initially Kevin "the Guvnor" O'Brien had implied that he would be fielding a strong team for the evening. Despite his intentions, he hadn't accounted for the dire weather conditions - and neither had the visiting side.

Two hours before kick-off the groundskeeper checked the field for playability after the torrential wind and rain that had been beating on Folsom all day let up slightly. Although wet, the game was on and by kick-off the rain had let up to nothing more than a light drizzle every now and then, although the strong wind remained.

As the Streets warmed up for kick-off it was evident they would be short of players. The teams token German, Vadim Winkler, who was the highest scorer of the season so far was scheduled to arrive. Evidently his Bosch spark plugs weren't able to overcome the damp conditions and he ended up being a no-show for the evening.

The late news that defender Tom Hillesland wouldn't be able to make the game after unsubstantiated reports that he was dealing with a leaking roof was also a blow to the team.

By the time the team was ready for the starting whistle, the Streets only had 9 players on the field. O'Brien elected to go with 3-3-2 formation.

The only comforting news about the day to this point was that Folsom United were also short on players, starting the game with 7.

As the game got underway with the Streets playing into the oncoming wind, it was Folsom United who appeared to be the stronger side. They quickly moved the ball around and left the Streets pretty much in a chasing mode for much of the first half.

The Streets would gain the upper hand however, after some very short efficient passing set up a golden opportunity.

Mike Lefebvre, making his comeback after his hamstring injury took him out of the running a few weeks back, cut a fine ball out to Ed Gatjen on the right wing. Gatjen carried the ball 15 yards before setting up O'Brien with a perfect pass. O'Brien's diagonal run onto the ball was enough to round the keep and drive the ball home.

The play was something out of a text book and definitely set the fans on fire after the open minutes appeared to be going in favor of the visitors.

It wouldn't be long, however, before Folsom United pulled one back. The defensive line of the Streets was sitting very deep in their own half. As Streets left back Fred Farler closed on the left towards the Folsom midfielders, the visitors pushed a ball between Jon Taylor and Andy Nelson. Nelson, who was pushing for the offside was wrong footed as the Folsom United striker split the gap between Taylor and Nelson.

With just Don Bradshaw to beat, the United striker had an easy task and finished with a shot to the bottom right hand corner of the goal.

The Streets again looked shaky under pressure, but would reap the benefit of some controlled football once they had settled back down.

Farler started the next attack with a ball to Mike Daly in midfield. Daley looked up, saw Lefebvre making a run and put the ball directly into his path. O'Brien was again on scene to provide the final touch. Lefebvre dropped the ball into the path of O'Brien who rounded two defenders and the keep to gently touch the ball home.

With less than 5 minutes to go before the break the Streets were again caught sitting deep. A through ball meant that there was only Taylor to chase down the United striker. Some pushing and shoving right at the edge of the area found Taylor in violation and he picked up a yellow card for his troubles.

With only 2 minutes left on the clock, the Streets set up the wall to defend form the free kick. With Farler, Jeffrey Martinez and Nelson in the wall, Lefebvre, who had been instrumental in both the Streets goals, did a favor for the opposition.

Just as the ball was about to be struck Lefebvre walked away from the wall to the right thinking that Bradshaw would be able to have a better look of the ball. Bradhsaw had actually followed Lefebvre walk and the resulting kick found the bottom left corner of the net - and there was nothing Bradshaw could do to correct the mistake.

All tied up 2-2 at the half and both teams had everything to play for - unfortunately the second half wasn't any more inspired than the first.

Bradshaw made amends in the second half for his mistake in the first with some fine saves. And with the wind to the Streets backs there was every opportunity to take advantage of the extra assistance that nature was providing.

The Streets failed to capitalize and became increasingly frustrated with each other as the game progressed.

The field started to open up between midfield and defense creating a big void and also making the midfielders work harder to cover more ground. Folsom United took advantage of the gap and used it to constantly run at the defensive line.

Fortunately for the Streets they were able to hold off the attacks until the final whistle.

O'Brien was clearly frustrated after them game. "We didn't take advantage of the wind, we sat too deep in defense, we didn't keep the ball passing easily and cleanly. In fact we didn't do a lot of things that we should have done tonight. We had every chance to take these guys to the cleaners and we wasted it," he said.

On the subject of their being a two week hiatus before the next game O'Brien added "Maybe the break will do the lads good. We need to get in some practice and some much needed rest for a couple of our players that are currently doing double duty".

The Streets now miss two weeks before their next game against league leaders Sierra Stripping on Tuesday, November 3rd. If Tuesday night's game was anything to go by , they will be happy the next fixture isn't any sooner.

Despite Weather Games Are On

Despite the fierce wind and rain in Folsom tonight, the game between rivals Streets of London and Folsom United is still on. Groundskeepers checked the filed at 4:15 pm and the turf was in good condition and not waterlogged.

Many fans that are traveling to the game will be pleased by the news and both clubs have advised fans to wrap up warm and make sure you have waterproof clothing.

Daley Doesn't Want to Get Wet

According to a source in Sacramento, Mike Daley, the Streets of London's top goalscorer, was overheard this afternoon commenting on his cell phone about how he doesn't want to play in the wind and rain in tonight's game.

The passer by who reported the news could not verify who was on the other end of the phone at the time.

Daley was unavailable for comment this afternon.

Hillesland to Miss Streets Game

Streets of London defender Tom Hillesland has pulled out of tonight's game against Folsom United at the last minute due to an unknown emergency.

In a statement put out from Hillesland's agent, Hillesland has had to attend to an emergency at home.

"We can confirm that Tom will be unable to play in tonight's game. Unfortunately he had an emergency at the house and will not be able to make the game" said Geeorge Canstopallthis, Hillesland's agent.

Currently the Streets look to be missing a number of key players ahead of the Tuesday night clash which is scheduled for kick-off at 6:30 despite the severe rain and high winds.

Scribduction Hits Streets Ahead of Game

Reports coming from Folsom this afternoon indicate there may have been a Scriduction ahead of tonight's game between Streets of London and Folsom United.

We called Kevin "the Guvnor" O'Brien's office about the rumor and he had this to say: "I can confirm that Scrib will not be playing tonight if the game goes ahead. There have been some unusual circumstances behind his absence and we are looking into it."

The US Air Force, who routinely looks into Scribductions, was unavailable for comment due to the "rather random weather patterns being experienced in the area.

Streets of London 0 - 3 BASOM

The Streets of London suffered a heavy loss last night in their home game against local rivals BASOM and a seething team manager had words for one player after an emotional outburst set tempers flaring.

This match was always set up to be a grudge game after the Streets victory in the same fixture last season was sealed in the last minute of the game. That 4-3 thriller was exciting for the fans, but the visitors on that occasion vowed revenge. And tonight they succeeded in their efforts.

The Streets were missing a few key players for the match among them defender Jon Taylor, who was out of commission with a suspected case of H1N1, and midfielder Vadim Winkler was mysteriously absent. Scribduction followers are looking into his disappearance.

The home team were eager to get the game underway when Kevin "the Guvnor" O'Brien was heard shouting instructions from the sidelines. In what appears to have been an incredible case of premonition, he was shouting at his players instructions for what was to come.

The Streets kicked off the game and within seconds they found themselves a goal down. Midfielder Neil Oldham picked up the pass as it game from the center of the field and laid it out right to right back Andy Nelson. The pass was unbelievably short allowing a BASOM forward to intercept and split the defense between Nelson and Tom Hillesland.

Despite the attempt to close the gap, neither Hillesland nor Nelson were able to get between the shot and the goal.

This certainly was a wake up call, but one that the Streets failed to adhere to and within 5 minutes of the restart they found themselves 2 goals behind.

Another sloppy pass in midfield gave the ball away and BASOM were able to lay the ball to the central forward who charged down to the 18-yard box. A lay-off to the right found a second forward who drove the ball home.

The Streets looked stunned, as they should have been, for giving away two sloppy goals in the first few minutes.

But the carnage kept coming. Another attack down the Streets right flank was thwarted at the 13 minute mark when Ed Gatjen, coming back to defend under heavy pressure forced a BASOM player to make an early commitment into the box. Nelson was on hand to clear but only as far as a corner kick.

The Streets set up to defend the corner from an eager BASOM assault. As the in-swinging ball made it's way over the center of the 6-yard box a lone, unchallenged BASOM forward rose to head the ball home.

15 minutes in and the Streets were three goals behind. Visions of years-gone-by in which the Streets suffered heavy losses must have circled in the players heads. It was enough for them to pick up the tempo and start to fight back, but the poor passing and scrappy last touches did little to help the effort.

The Streets had a few chances late in the first half, but with the exception of a Tom Hillesland shot going wide of the right post, nothing really threatened the BASOM goalkeeper.

With 15 minutes left in the first-half, the home fans went crazy after the BASOM goalkeeper started to waste time with his goal-kicks. But the frustration of the hoe fans, and the team, would only deepen over the course of the second half.

BASOM didn't make as much progress when the second period got underway. The Streets managed to play a lot better football than the poor performance in the first half. But the Streets would suffer another injury blow after 55 minutes when Mike Daley was forced to come off the field with a groin injury.

Tensions were rising fast and a free kick conceded on the edge of the BASOM area by the Streets was the last straw for Wade Mitchell. A verbal confrontation with the referee resulted in the midfielder picking up a yellow card. He was lucky he didn't get a red when his frustration continued to boil.

Despite the roar of the crowd, O'Brien could be heard screaming at his player [WARNING: Adult words were used. Lock your kids up before reading on]: "Wade, if you ever want to play on this ****ing field again, get off the ****ing field and shut the **** up".

It couldn't be a clearer message from the team manager - and was one that Mitchell heeded, if begrudgingly. Mitchell was seen by supporters shortly after racing away from the stadium in his Ferrari.

For the remainder of the game the Streets applied pressure to BASOM, but nothing was going to fall for them. A lone strike by Sheik Andy Wylie was hoofed skyward over the bar as the fans chanted "Skylie Wylie shoot the ball, Skylie Wylie shoot the ball".

The Streets did get another scare late on as Nelson cleared a ball in the general direction of his own goal, but it went well wide of the right post and Don Bradhsaw was unfazed by the attempt.

A few late corners saw most of the Streets in the BASOM penalty area, but nothing connected and BASOM secured all three points.

O'Brien had nothing to say after the game: "I have nothing to say", although Taylor, who had showed up for the game did offer his comments. "Did anyone see my goal last week - that was awesome. Off the head it was. Great goal."

The Streets now have a week off and have some time to ponder their tactics and practice their passing skills. Their next game is on Tuesday October 13th at home to Folsom United.