TAVFC vs Iberoamericana IF Sunday 18 August 24
New Balls Please
First game back after the summer break vs bottom of the league.
Spirits were high after the great end to the first half of the season and so we had a full house for this game.
A couple of gents bowed out and Bob was away with work so, the squad was:
Milenko, Eric, Vahid, Poyan, Andres, Antonio, Koldo, Otis, Masoud, Ali, Steve, Christian, Jose, Viktor, Alex
The result wasn’t really in doubt, it was how we played and the score line that really mattered.
With some new match balls courtesy of ex player Christian and the Swedish FA, we would see how good they really were…
Steve opened the scoring and Ali doubled the lead soon afterwards.
With about 10 minutes to go to half time, Otis, with a grace that only Simone Biles could match in her recent Olympic Games floor exercise, swan dived into the box for a penalty.
This was duly dispatched by Eric to make it 3 nil and game over.
But, as is the Tudor way, we then had a five-minute spell of chaos and mayhem, culminating in Vahid scoring a magnificent goal from the touchline, evading their player and lobbing the keeper.
Wonderful goal.
Shame it was at the wrong end. 😊
3-1 at half time.
Wholesale changes for the second half and, last few minutes of the first half forgotten, we started to dominate again.
A quick brace from Masoud and one a piece from Viktor and Christian brought the game to a close with a justified 7-1 scoreline.
It could have been more but for their 3 metre tall goalie getting a touch (his words) on Eric’s shot from 3 yards out and sending over the bar.
A great start to the business end of the season and, with the Gröndals game postponed to later in September, we have a couple of weeks to recover and prepare for the real games coming up.
Ref watch: very good, actually
Ball watch: we will keep them
Långholmen FC vs TAVFC Sunday 16th June 2024
The long-awaited derby vs Långholmen eventually came round on Sunday.
Even with plenty of players unavailable and a few last-minute injury scares, we still mustered a squad of 15 (and a good one at that).
That is the upside of having a large squad – in years gone by we would have been calling on ex-players and relatives and still only scraped the bare eleven!
To be fair, that is also how my mum played 3 times for the Tudor Vets.
So, on a hot and sunny afternoon in Essingen, the fully registered, no ringers Vets rolled out thusly:
Bob, Diego, Poyan, Antonio, Andres, Christian, Koldo, Alex, Steve, Masoud, Ali, Jose, Touré, Struan, David
We took the game straight to the opposition and were the better team in the first half.
They created very little and only looked dangerous when we made the rare mistake in our own half.
We, on the other hand, created numerous chances with Koldo testing the back fence a couple of times and Diego curling a shot onto the crossbar near the end of the half.
Half time 0-0
We started the second half as we finished the first and were rewarded for our efforts early on.
Some good closing down by Struan and the ball fell to Ali who spanked it goalwards – a bit of a deflection but we will give him the benefit of the doubt there.
A few minutes later, Struan (playing the best 7 and half minutes of football in his life) ghosted into the penalty area and, unmarked, drove a bullet header from a corner kick into the roof of the net.
The first took the wind out of their sails and the second, so soon afterwards, finished them.
We had a couple more half chances and Bob finished the game cleaning out their centre forward
2-0, job done.
So, we finish the first half of the season with two good wins on the bounce and sitting in third spot.
After the break we ease ourselves in with a home game on Sunday 18 August against the league’s whipping boys, Iberoamericana IF (so, a scraped 2-1 there then 😉), followed on the Wednesday with a visit to the snooker table sized ground of unbeaten Gröndals.
Two games to define the season, I think.
Until then, we keep fit, watch the Euros and enjoy the summer!
Danderyds SK vs TAVFC Monday 13th May 2024
Match day 4: Not quite there yet...
A full bench can make the difference, especially when it’s a warm evening and you’re playing one of the best teams in the league.
So it proved when we travelled to Danderyds on Monday night.
Over the space of 24 hours, we lost 4 players (including 3 defenders) and so we ended up with 2 subs (one of which is a little on the senior side these days 😉).
Danderyds had a full bench and, in best Swedish tradition, rotated about every 15 seconds.
The baker’s dozen was:
Bob, Kyle, Poyan, Masoud, Andres, Jose, Koldo, Alex, Christian, Viktor, Ali, Struan, David
A lively start by both teams saw us go behind – against the run of play, truth be told – to an unlucky Kyle own goal. One of those hopeful low crosses into the box that, as a defender you can’t leave and, sometimes they fly into your own net.
Just after that, the first of two injuries saw Viktor, up until then causing the opposition all kinds of problems, limp off with a calf strain.
We rallied and carried on trying to play the passing football we have in recent games.
This was rewarded when a cross/ shot from Christian, somehow, looped into the top corner.
One one.
Almost immediately we nearly took the lead when Struan – not to be outdone – tried the same skill, only to hit the post.
Half time and we were very much in the game.
Just after the half, we had a double whammy of a goal and another injury.
Some desperate attempts to tackle, block and clear, ended with a shot deflecting through and, Bog just not getting enough glove on it to keep it out.
A few minutes later and Andres went down with a hamstring pull.
A reshuffle saw Masoud push up and Alex drop into centre half to try to get a goal back. We huffed and puffed and really gave it a go but, when they scored a third it was game over.
Danderyds are a good side, no doubt about that, and we needed to be in top form to beat them.
At the end, it was tired legs that cost us – not taking anything away from the opposition.
Two weeks off now and we start again on 2 June.
Plenty of games to go and the team spirit is still as strong as it was before the game.
Ref watch: Ok, considering
Kit wash: summer fresh and nicely folded
TAVFC vs Stureby SK: Sunday 5th May 2024
Match day 3: Lessons learned – nearly…
We don’t mention the cup game, so we went into this unbeaten in the first two league games.
Another full house (and still with a few on the physio’s table) meant some squad rotation – unheard of in recent years – for the home game against Stureby (a place behind us in the league, if league positions count for anything this early in the season).
A reshuffled pack saw the following run out onto the new pitch at Stadshagen:
Bob, Diego, Vahid, Poyan, Andres, Christian, Koldo, Otis, Masoud, Ali, Steve, Kyle, Viktor, Jose, Toure
Stureby started brightly (more than can be said of the floodlights – more on that later) and played some high tempo pressing football. This was, more or less, comfortably absorbed and, after ten minutes or so, we started to get into our stride.
Nice passing, good possession and the ball fell to Ali just outside their 18-yard line. A check and a shot that beat their keeper down to his left. He should have done better but, what the fuck, one nil.
Not long afterwards, Captain Otis pops up with the classic toepoke – triple – bouncer that made it two nil.
A few minutes before the half, Steve went on a McGarrity like run down the right and smashed the ball in from an acute angle. Three nil game over.
Half time came and the talk was, as you can imagine, about holding the ball, not giving away possession and seeing the game out - unlike the Hägersten match.
For the first few minutes we forgot all about this and allowed them to get into the game, resulting in a couple of heart stopping pin ball moments in the goal mouth that, luckily, resulted in no goals conceded.
After that it was a great display of keeping the ball and creating chances, coupled with sturdy defending when, on occasion, we lost possession.
We could have had a few more goals but it wasn’t to be, and the game ended 3-0.
The main talking point of the second half was the fact that the floodlights weren’t on and it was getting quite dark by 20:45. They made a fuss (at 3-0 down, who wouldn’t 😊) but backed off after Mike "Koldo" Tyson started squaring up to the whole team…
Steve put 10Kr in the meter and all was well shortly afterwards.
So, a great performance all round. A steady start to the season and a good mindset to take to Danderyds next Monday night.
Ref watch: not half bad
Kitwash: washed, counted and hung out in the dressing room pre kickoff
Fashion note: Christian - Tights, gloves, scarf and bobble hat in MAY.
Hägersten SK vs TAVFC: Sunday 21st April 2024
After the great win last week we went into the game against Hägersten in high spirits.
They lost 10-0 last week but, as we know, that means nothing in Vets’ football.
We played them early last year when we were struggling and earned a hard fought 3-3 draw – history has a weird way of repeating itself.
We made a few changes to the team (well, it was a little chilly, right 😉) and the rogues’ gallery was as follows:
Milenko, Kyle, Vahid, Poyan, Andres, Masoud, Christian, Koldo, Struan, Steve, Toure, Otis, Antonio, Jose, David
We went with the 4-4-2 that proved to be a good formula last week and started brightly. We were passing the ball and looking very comfortable. Then, out of nowhere, a shot/ chip/ hoof from about 350 metres landed in the back of the net and we were 1-0 down. Shortly after that, Milenko was tackled by the invisible man and couldn’t continue.
Kyle then picked up the gloves to become the 3rd keeper in about 1,2 games. A record, perhaps?
We didn’t panic but we did up the pressure and, basically, lay siege to their goal. We could have scored about 3 or 4 in the last 15 minutes of the first half, to be honest, but the final touch was not quite there on the night. We did get our reward, however, when a cross from Steve was met by the goalie, a defender and Struan - god knows who touched it, mind and all three of them plus the ball landed in the back of the net. With VAR not working, the ref decided to just give the goal. 😊
Half time 1-1.
We started the second half as we finished the first and, within ten minutes we were 3-1 up. Otis and Christian applying the finishing touches to Steve’s work beforehand.
15 minutes to go and we were cruising. We were passing the ball and looking very comfortable. Then, out of nowhere - hold on (stops. Checks notes. Ah yes, the first half…).
Complacency is a little strong but, definitely, over confidence fits. Both goals similar - we were pushing forward, lost or gave away possession and a long ball over the top – and we found ourselves pegged back to 3-3. We hit the post, fired a couple of shots at the keeper and just wide but couldn’t get that winner.
Full time 3-3.
On another occasion we could have scored 6 but, equally, we could have lost the game so I will take a draw and keep the unbeaten start to the season that sees us nicely in 3rd place in the table.
Next weekend we have a cup game so a chance to see what Sollentuna (or is it Vallentuna? 😉)are like before we play them in the league later this year.
Ref watch: very good compared to most
Kit wash: excellent, again
Note to the League/ opposition: It is not acceptable for two football teams and a referee to have to share a fucking broom cupboard to change in (not available until 15 mins before kick off) and then be kicked out after the game without the option of a shower.
Rant over – Up the Tudor!
TAVFC vs Ängby IF: Sunday 14th April 2024
The Tudor Vets kick started the 2024 season with a home game against last season’s League and Cup winners Ängby.
Well, when I say home, I mean Stora Mossen as it transpires that the Stadshagen pitch is now under construction again so watch this space for the rest of the season’s home fixtures.
When we played this lot the first game of last season, we had a makeshift team and, after a not bad first half, ended up on the wrong end of a 6-1 scoreline. We then went on to a horrid 8 games without a win (2 draws in that awful statistic).
Not wanting to replicate that shitty first half season, we have been strengthening the squad and playing a little indoor over the winter to keep the joints limber and to remember what we all look like.
With a couple of absentees aside, we had one of the strongest squads for a good while available.
The Red Army marched on to the field as follows:
Bob, Andres, Vahid, Poyan, Antonio, Koldo, Otis, Alex, Masoud, Ali, Steve, Toure, Kyle, Milenko, Struan
What then unfolded was a great game to watch (and play in as well, judging by the tired grins at full time).
A good first half with few chances at either end.
Andres was getting a little overrun at right back so, after a small pitch side workshop, decided to switch to a conventional 4-4-2 for the second half.
Shortly after the restart, we got a free kick on the edge of their box and Masoud duly dispatched the free kick around the wall into the net.
The rest of the half was similar to the first but, to be honest, we were rarely troubled.
After a frantic last few minute of defending (this is the Tudor Vets, remember) the whistle blew, and it was over.
TAVFC 1 – Ängby IF 0
Ref watch: not to bad
Kit wash: summer meadow fresh
Match highlight: Touré’s impression of Michail Antonio skewing the ball wide from a few feet out (he probably thinks no one noticed or remembered)
Next up is Hägersten at Sätra on Sunday evening.
Same again please.
Up the Tudor!
Fittja IF vs TAVFC: Saturday 29 April 2023
Oh, what a difference.
This week the Tudor vets turned up and decided that we still had a couple of years left in us.
To be fair, apart from a few good players, Fittja are not a great side but, as they say, you play who is put in front of you. In the case of this Stockholm Vets Cup match, it was Fittja IF.
A few players unavailable for various reasons meant a reshuffle and the cards were dealt as follows:
Bob, Eric, Kiwi, Antonio, Struan, Jose, Koldo, Otis, Rami, Milenko, Ali, Poyan, David
After about 15 minutes we were 3 up (two from Ali – a tap in and a lovely, curled lob from a way out - and one from Poyan).
The game was over about then but, as always, we do like to make things difficult. In the space of 5 minutes Koldo and Kiwi came off injured and we were down to the bare 11 for the rest of the tie.
A breakaway goal just before the half time whistle saw the first half end 3-1.
The second half continued as per the first (exactly as the first with regards to the score) and we racked up three more goals – Jose with a neat header for his first for the club, Rami (a debut goal) with a nice finish and Eric completed the day with a chip from distance.
We let them have another just before the final whistle due to very tired legs.
Some great football played and a well-deserved win under our belts.
Next round we are away to Los Copihues IF where, I am assuming, our Spanish speaking players (half the team) will be able to tell us if we are being insulted or not.
Kit wash: outstanding by Milenko with even the shorts folded neatly.
Ref watch: elbows in the face don’t count for penalties, or so it seems. Bit of a tosser to be truthful.
TAVFC vs Storskogens SK: Saturday 22 April 2023
The good news was this was on a Saturday afternoon so those that wanted could drown their sorrows afterwards. The bad news was that we had to.
The week before against Ängby, we couldn’t get the ball. This week we didn’t want to keep it. Five goals conceded and 4, maybe 5, given away.
We did score and we did create a few chances but I am really clutching at straws to find some good points here.
We sent this game to the scrap heap of history and prepared to erase all memories.
Result: TAVFC 1 – Storskogens SK 5
Ängby IF vs TAVFC: Sunday 16th April 2023
The start of a new season and a chance to make statement to the rest of the league.
If that statement was give us a week or two because we’re not quite ready yet, then mission accomplished.
With some key players unavailable (three due to injury and one sulking due to the fact his shirt number was missing 😉) we fielded an understrength team on Sunday night against Ängby.
These boys lost in the Vets Cup final last season and we knew it would be a tough game.
The bakers dozen was as follows:
Robert, James, Antonio, Mick, Toure, Struan, Otis, Christian, Milenko, Viktor, Ali, David, Kyle
We went one nil down after about five minutes and then a penalty (no need for VAR here 😉) doubled their lead a few minutes later.
A quick (pre decided) on field reshuffle ensued and we started to wake up. We played some good football for a while and broke up their play.
The hard work was rewarded when Viktor, released down the right wing, swung a lovely cross in for Ali to head over the keeper.
2-1 and we were back in it. ⚽️
Half time and the mood was not that bad. We knew we had to stop the sloppy passing and not panic on the ball.
Captain for the day Otis, prophetic as ever, summed up the second half in advance:
“Guys, let’s go for it – I don’t care if it’s 3-1, 4-1, 5-1 or 6-1”.
A couple of changes and off we went for the second half.
It was, in fact, 6-1.
I don’t remember much of the second half as the brain has a way of shutting off memories of extreme trauma.
Bob made more saves in one game than the last three seasons combined – and still let in 6.
They basically passed around us, or through us, for most of the second half and it was like chasing shadows – if the shadows were the Jamaican 4 x 100 Olympic relay team.
To be fair to us, we tried and actually did put in a shift. It was just that we couldn’t get the ball very often.
When the final whistle went, most of team had the same look as returning GIs from Vietnam.
Antonio was struggling to recall what day of the week it was and we were sure they were playing with at least 14 or 15 on the field at once.
Ängby will, no doubt, pull apart many teams this season and the good news is we only play each team once 😊
Home next Saturday and, at least then, we can have a few beers after to celebrate the real start of the season.
The new kit is nice, though…
Ref watch: Youtube ready...
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TAVFC season review 2022
What with work, house building, moving (again) and ill relatives, it has been a bit difficult to issue out the Vets’ match reports this half of the season. So, by way of a catch up here is a quick update…
This season has not been an easy one.
Some weeks you'd have thought we'd starting wearing a Spurs kit, it was that difficult to get players.
We haven’t been able to field the same team twice. I don’t just mean the odd one or two players either. At one point we had 12 players unavailable from a registered, paid up squad of 20.
We called on some old faces: Gorgeous George, Jimmy Daly, Dave Cox and Paul Gilbert to name a few and, thanks to Ali, we had half the Iranian national team playing at one point.
We finished 4th and, after 4 points wiped off due to two teams pulling out at the end of the season, ended up with a respectable 20 points.
We lost by the odd goal to the 3 top teams and, with a bit of luck and a more consistent line up, I think we could have been there or there abouts.
We finished off the season with a 2-1 away win followed up by a 6-1 home win playing the best football of the season.
10 lessons learned
1 We play much better against the top sides
2 Christian is not a right back
3 Vallentuna is a quick 20 minute drive from Sollentuna
4 Ali has an unlimited supply of brothers
5 Viktor is made of balsa wood and feathers
6 Bob doesn’t like corners
7 I will never score another goal for the Vets
8 Referees in our league are, generally, fucking awful
9 Pontus just can’t stay away
10 Jose needs to practice his diving
We will fix up some winter social events and look towards some indoor football during the closed season
Looking forward to the next one.
Cheers!
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TAVFC vs Sollentuna IK: 19th june 2022
It was that difficult to get players for Sunday that anyone would have thought we had starting wearing a Spurs kit.
However, after a mix of bullying and begging, we managed to scrape a side together with a little help from our friends (old and new).
This weeks Dirty (Bakers’) Dozen were as follows:
George, Ryan, Mick, Jimmy, M1, M2, Struan, David, Jose, Mass, Alex, Ali, Stephen
We had played Sollentuna in the cup and beat them on penalties after an extremely hard fought game. They have 2 teams in the league so I guess the cup team was a mix of both but the team we just played was barely recognisable to the cup team (to be fair, neither was ours… 😉).
So, we kicked off indoors (to be honest, unlike the tent in Nacka, this hall was quite cool and the pitch was in top condition).
We started well enough and had the first chance with a free kick following a back pass that Alex did his best to blast through the hall wall.
Then we switched off a little and starting giving the ball away and letting the have possession. This was duly punished when their skipper hit a dipping shot over George’s head into the back of the net. They nearly doubled their lead a few minutes later when the same player headed over an empty net from 4 yards out. 😉
Half time came just in time and we took on some water and had a good hard look at ourselves… The usual things for any Tudor Vets team:
Keep the ball
Get it out wide
Don’t panic
Keep calm and we will win this…
And…for once we listened and took notice.
The second half was a great display of gritty, well-disciplined football. We equalised after about ten minutes through M2 (not by Kiwi regardless of what FOGIS says 😉) and then, to be honest, we never looked like losing the game.
When they started to get a bit snappy and the yellow cards came out, they were basically playing into our hands.
Mass did what Mass does best and caused their midfield to stop playing football. Our defence never really looked in trouble (despite the advancing years) and, with Alex driving the midfield with the help of Steve (rolling back the years with an energetic performance across the park), it was only a matter of time before we got the winner.
A great cross from one of our new friends found Jose on the edge of the box to half volley past their keeper.
Final score 2-1 and a great result.
Quote of the game: we always raise our game when the opposition has a pair of cunts playing
Huge thanks to Gorgeous George, Jimmy the Knife Daly and M1 & M2 for helping out.
And to everyone for running their nads off on Sunday night.
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Cassi FF vs TAFC: 8th June 2022
Another update after last nights 0-1 grinding away victory against Cassi at Essinge IP - that one felt sweet!
A different kind of win tonight- again we dominated the game but taking the 3 points having kept a clean sheet and weathered some late pressure from a solid Cassi team gave us one of the most satisfying wins of the season (if not the prettiest).
In truth we should have got 4 or 5, but it was Lyon Tan (how many this season now??) who squeezed the ball in at the near post after good work down the Tudor left on the hour mark.
Was great to see the boys come together after half time and turn our frustrations into a goal and 3 points.
The match report wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a refereeing performance that will go down in Tudor folklore.
We got 6 yellows including Jan N. Hohmuth getting booked for being wiped out, as well as some questionable offside calls and telling players off for appealing for handball and refusing to tell us how much time was left in the match.
Madness.
The win takes us joint top of the league and 6 games unbeaten. The character shown since a loss in the first game is fantastic.
We’re becoming so difficult to beat and are on course to do something special this season.
Up the mighty Tudor!
TAFC vs Azzuri: 3rd June 2022
We finally got the result our performance deserved in this one, a really good team performance saw us runaway winners on Friday night at Stadshagen.
It was Lyon Tan who grabbed the first goal midway through the first half, followed by a solid drilled finish from Benny Lomas after half time.
As usual, we didn’t make it completely easy for ourselves after they pinched a goal back which tested us but we held our nerve and kicked on with goals through Miguel Costa and Alex Lomas to seal it.
Nobody is enjoying playing us at the minute as we’ve started to find some rhythm making it 5 undefeated.
The mighty Tudor continue to climb the table
TAVFC vs Hagalunds IS: 22nd May 2022
With many players not available this week and with only 10 confirmed on Saturday, we had to pull our resources and lure a few club 'legends' out of retirement.
With the gaffer away on international duty, it was left up to me to pick the starting 11.
This weeks squad was as follows:
Robert Jose Mick Paul Toure Antonio Koldo Alex Christian Ali Stephen Craig Andrew Milenko
Given that we had only one point from our first 3 games and scored no goals, I decided to change things up and play a more compact 4-3-3 formation.
We started the game well and resisted our usual long ball game, at least for the first 10 minutes. We tried to play our way through the lines to create opportunities, with 'unsurprising' levels of success, and this ultimately led to our first goal.
Antonio, who was playing a part of a midfield 3 this week, found himself through on goal having been through by Paul Finan. Keeping his composure he coolly slotted the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper to give us a deserved 1-0 lead.
At this point we looked comfortable and could have doubled our lead on occasions but against the run of play the opposition equalised when Mick took a tumble leaving their attacker with a free run at goal. Now I normally back myself in one-on-one situations but I was shown up on this occasion.......... a toe poke through the legs pegged us back to 1-1.
After that we made some changes but there was some confusion with the new formation, as some were unsure as to where they were meant to be playing. We started to slip back into old habits of playing long balls which instantly gave possession back and put ourselves under pressure. Luckily for me (but unlucky for him), Koldo picked up an injury and was able to orchestrate things from the sideline to bring back some form of order.
Half time came and once we had checked the premier league scores we resumed the match pretty much how we started the first half.
With the sun now in their eyes, the opposition had trouble getting out their own half which meant we were playing further up the pitch.
Being not the quickest of teams at the back (no offense intended) this left us vulnerable to balls over the top and I had to deputise as sweeper on occasions but defensively we were solid.
About halfway through the second half, the ball found its way to Ali on the left and with a driven ball across the 6 yard box, Stephen met it flush on the left foot to smash it past the goalkeeper.
2-1.
A few more chances came our way where we could have extended our lead (most notably a scissor kick from Craig which was a sight to behold) but we couldn't get that elusive 3rd goal to kill the game off.
At 2-1 they were still in the game but they never really troubled us and in the end we ran out comfortable winners.
In summary, a great performance to get our first win of the season and a good platform to build from as we head to Newroz FC for next weeks cup match.
Despite the chants of 'Perkins Out, Bish In!!' from the travelling fans, we welcome back the gaffer next week to resume the managerial responsibilties and hopefully lead us further down the path towards cup glory!
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Danderyds SK vs TAVFC: 16th May 2022
Another frustrating game saw the vets lose 1-0 to a tidy Danderyds side.
Same as in the Långholmen game, we had our chances but failed to put them away. Bob made a worldy of a save to keep the score at 1-0 and Ali almost won us a point at the death with a great run and shot that the keeper turned round the post.
So, 1 point from 3 games and not the start we wanted but we have had three different line ups due to injuries and unavailability so, there is that to consider.
we usually take a game or two to get ointo our stride so let's see...
Hagalunds on Sunday evening at Råsunda IP and a chance to get back on track.
Westermalms IF FK vs TAFC: 12th May 2022
Another win under our belts and it feels like we're now picking up a bit of momentum taking it to 3 games unbeaten.
We started out a bit nervy with them scoring direct from a corner very early on after a mixup at the near post - however it was one-way traffic for the rest of the game.
We got the equaliser through Eusebio aka Miguel Costa just before half-time and started strongly after the break too with another from Sam Lyons with a long range strike that definitely wasn't meant to be a cross!
(it was!)
We continued to press and probe and they tired towards the end of the game when Lyon Tan was brought down after some good play in the penalty area - Jason Mcdonald was there to convert the penalty to leave no doubt about who was taking home the 3 points.
Mention to Mathieu Maes on debut in goal - despite the nervy start, settled in well and made a good stop mid-way through the second half to keep us in front.
Next stop for the Tudor steam train is a game against top place Handelskamraterna on Friday night under the lights at Stadshagen
Bring it on!
TAFC vs BK Gamla Karlbergare: 7th May 2022
We came into this one extra keen to build on last week’s win and give the gaffer a late birthday present of 3 points but it wasn’t to be.
We started the brighter team with the lion’s share of possession – however it was on the counter we conceded the first goal with a mixup between the back 3 and the goalkeeper to put them 0-1 up.
We quickly bounced back and some nice interplay won a penalty which was cooly converted by Henrik Arbon.
1-1 at the break.
They went 1-2 up when Igor could only get a hand on a powerful volley from outside the box but we bounced back straight away again with a majestic diving header from the skipper ;) drew us back to 2-2.
Another mistake at the back meant they were back in the lead 2-3 from the penalty spot. We chased hard for the last 20 mins and an unstoppable shot from outside the box from Pierrick Mihindou Hindet was parried into his own net to make it 3-3.
A few more half chances at the end for the Tudor meant we could have nicked it but it finished honours even, with us feeling more than slightly hard done by with the final result.
Gamla Karlberg were 2 out of 2 before playing us, so maybe a draw not the worst result – but we’ll be keen to get all 3 points when we meet them again later this season.
Final mention to a fantastic showing in the pub after the game with some of the new boys (Hans, Lucas, Miguel Costa Igor) serenading the pub with their initiation songs!
Man of match – Sam Hobson
Dick of day - Sam Keary
Bollstanäs SK vs TAVFC: 1st May 2022
This week's Vets team paraded as follows:
Bob, Pontus, Kiwi, Mick, Antonio, Christian, Otis, Koldo, Jose, Viktor, Steve, David, Milenko, Alex
They say the sign of a good team is one that plays poorly and still comes away with a result.
We drew 0-0 and I will take that opening statement as the full match report.
At least the kit was nicely washed and packed in numerical order...
Onwards and Upwards!
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Lidingö Gazoliners FC vs TAFC: 1st May 2022
We were determined to make amends after a poor start last week and reinforced by some new signings with Miguel, Sam Lyons and Hans making their full debuts.
The boys were looking much stronger and started much the better team than Lidingö, however a cheap free kick outside the box resulted in a goal for Lidingö when we couldn’t keep the shot out from 25 yards.
Not to be put off, we went flying back at them and got 2 goals before half time through Lyon after being sent through by new boy Miguel, and Jason.
They came back at us after half time and only a strong right hand from Ben (doing us a favour in goal) denied the equaliser.
Our extra training sessions finally started to pay dividends and we got the 3rd and 4th via two lads on debut, Lyons and Miguel.
A solid team performance and something to build on for the rest of the season, the Tudor go marching on!
Final score 1-4
TAFC vs Stockholms Universitets FF: 22nd April 2022
First game of the season got off to a bit of a false start for the first team.
After a bit of a manic deadline day, we were forced to wait before fielding our new signings which meant a very similar lineup to how we finished at the end of last season, minus a couple of our old regulars who have moved on.
We looked a bit off the pace from the start with the younger/fresher opposition taking advantage of a lack of match practice from us pouncing on some early errors to take a 2 goal lead.
We clawed ourselves back into it with a goal from Sam Keary and looked the more likely with more possession but just lacked the finishing to pull it back.
Another goal each (ours coming via Jase from the penalty spot) meant it was 2-3 going into the last quarter of the game and the opposition sneaked another to seal it as we were chasing hard.
Final score 2-4.
To add insult to injury Sven Laufer also saw red for a second bookable offence at the death.
Bad day at the office and back to the drawing board for the Tudor first team with some double training sessions booked in and extra game under our belt we’ll be back stronger for the next one.
We go again!
TAVFC vs Långholmen: 23rd April 2022
First league game of the season against our old rivals Långholmen.
We’ve had a good pre-season: some indoor football, a friendly match and the first round of the Vets Cup so we were feeling, generally, in good shape. A few absentees due to various reasons but we also welcomed back a couple of sicknotes.
Bob, Pontus, Kiwi, Mick, Antonio, Jose, Koldo, Paul, Toure, Eric, Christian, David, Otis, Milenko
The game itself was very even and we had a couple of chances to go one up in the first twenty minutes. They really didn’t have any shots or clear cut chances themselves until 5 to go to half time. There was an attack, a couple of half clearances and the ball bobbled around and was poked (agonisingly slowly) over the line from a few yards out.
One nil at half time.
The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first but without them scoring. Another couple of chances by us that weren’t put away, some very neat football at times, great defending but the game finished with no further score.
One nil to Långholmen.
To be fair, they are a good side and they treated it like it was like their cup final. A good, solid start to the 2022 campaign and lots of good points to take away. Just a shame, as always, to lose a game.
A trip up to Bollstanäs this coming Sunday and so onwards and upwards.
Ref watch: ploughed a furrow around the centre circle but it was probably nice for him to get out of the old peoples home for an evening
Kit wash: smelled nice but is now just fit for a kid’s team after a certain someone put it in fucking tumble dryer!
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Sollentuna FK v TAVFC: 27th March 2022
Sollentuna away in round 1 of the Stockholm Veterans Cup.
To show how good we are with numbers, we had two dropouts on Sunday and still had 4 subs (for the second week running) – unheard of for the Vets.
One change from the last game and the squad was:
Bob, Pontus, Kiwi, Mick, Antonio, Christian, Koldo, Alex, Jose
Struan, Eric, Steve, Milenko, Ali, David
The first half went according to plan and carried on from the previous week. Some great passing and pushing and, when required, stout defending. We ended the half one to the good when Eric sent a floating ball over their keeper who could only tip it into the roof of the net.
The second half we basically defended for about 25 minutes. They equalised after a mix up in the back let them slot home and then they were awarded a free kick later in the half that was bent around the wall giving Bob no chance.
Two one down with about ten minutes to go but we still didn’t panic.
They decided that they wanted a third and this really played into our hands as we looked most dangerous on the break all game. So it was that we won possession and Eric, on the edge of their box, slotted past the keeper to make it two two and take the game to penalties.
They missed 2 and we missed 1 and so we move on to the next round – another game against our friends from the previous week – Newroz FC (small world 😉).
We played some great football again and worked extremely hard for the win. We also learned a few things:
1 – Viktor will probably never play two games in a row
2 – Ali really doesn’t like centre midfield
3 – Kiwi is not human (some kind of Antipodean cyborg - broken fingers mean nothing to this machine)
So, the Vets go marching on.
Now a couple of weeks to recuperate and play some 5 a side before the real work starts after Easter.
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Newroz FC v TAVFC: 20th March 2022
A clipboard.
For a friendly Vets game.
Their manager had their team talk and used a fucking clipboard, I ask you…
Anyway, after a couple of months of Sunday indoor Five a side, it was a great opportunity to play an 11 side friendly before the Vets Cup game on Sunday.
We travelled out to Sätra and watched as about 25 guys warmed up for our viewing pleasure – proper warm up as well, not just twatting the ball at Bob and a bit of piggy in the middle.
Newroz FC were the opposition and, according to the creepy looking guy in the black trench coat that came over to talk to us, they used to play in Serie A or something and now play in the highest Vets league…
So, rattled and shitting ourselves (😉) , we lined up as follows:
Bob, Pontus, Kiwi, Mick, Antonio, Jose, Koldo, Alex, Christian
Eric, Viktor, Steve, Struan, Milenko, David
They had a couple of early chances as it took a little while for us to settle. Mick was kind enough to welcome their centre forward to our level of football and duly received a yellow card.
A saved shot from Bob rebounded kindly back to their player and he tucked it way neatly the second time. A few chances from us after some well worked play came to nought and the half ended one nil.
As the second half went on we really grew into the game and after a fee kick was awarded on the edge of their box, Eric tucked it way nicely to equalise.
Not long afterwards, the prodigal McGarrity made it two one and they basically fell apart.
They tried to push forward but our midfield was too good and the back four too secure – barring a few half chances they had nothing left.
Eric picked up his second and our third and Pontus wrapped it all up not long before the final whistle.
At this point the original 25 were down to about 12 and they didn’t look happy…
Final score: Newroz FC 1 – Tudor Arms vets 4
A really great performance from everyone and a good boost before next Sunday’s Vets Cup game at Sollentuna.
Good football, plenty of goals and no injuries – just want you want from a pre-season friendly.
Really looking forward to next Sunday.
Now, I just need to pop out and buy a clipboard…
👍
TAVFC vs IFK Aspudden Tellus
Last game of the shortened season and we were at home to Tellus.
Top spot was out – the two 2-1 defeats on the bounce did for that but we could end up anywhere between 2nd and 6th depending on our result and others.
Even with Kiwi trying to sabotage the game by passing incorrect kick off times out, we still managed to get a team on the pitch on time.
So, for the last time in 2021:
Bob, Ryan, Mick, James, Antonio, Pontus, Struan, Koldo, Christian, Viktor, Eric, David, Toure
It took a while to get a goal but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
We played some great football and we should have been 3 up by half time - I can’t recall a shot by Tellus in the first half. It was about ten before the half when Eric crossed from the right hand side and Struan nodded home for one nil.⚽
The second half was much of the same and we rarely looked troubled. Just after the restart, Eric slotted through for Christian who finished neatly and we doubled the lead.⚽
Ten minutes later it was game over when Eric scored with a nice finish. Full time and 3 nil to the Tudor Vets.⚽
A good game, played in a good spirit and a nice way to finish the season.
Now, the misses, in reverse order – most awful last:
4 – Kiwi
Nice cross floated to the far post, just needs a head on it to guide past a despairing keeper. Unfortunately it falls to Kiwi who, leaping like a tin of salmon, heads in into St Görans car park.
3 – Mick
Lovely cross into the box, perfect height to strike into the top corner. Unfortunately it falls to a centre half and Mick, for some fucking unfathomable reason, tries to head it in and the ball rockets straight up and over the bar.
2 – Pontus
A perfect ball laid across the goal behind the defenders. A less than perfect attempt at a shot and Pontus side foots a golden opportunity into the middle of next week.
1 – Oh Struan, Struan, Struan
Shocking. Open goal. Blasted wide from about 3cm out. Definitely didn’t tell his missus about this one. Actually saw Pontus laugh when it happened…
So, a generally good season (we finished 3rd by the way, so Champions League at least) and, hopefully, the last one during COVID times and we can play a full set of fixtures in 2022.
The squad got stronger with the addition of five new players and we even saw a few old faces for a couple of games. I have a good feeling about next season. We will look to getting some five a side over the winter and some serious pub time in as well with a monthly Premier League meet up in town.
A great performance from a great bunch of lads.
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TAVFC vs Långholmen FC
Långholmen had not dropped a point so far this season and had scored 8 goals on two occasions. They were justifiable league leaders. As you all know, we have had a mixed bag of results but had won the last two so the confidence was there if the players weren’t.
We had 6 regulars out due to injury, illness, family engagements and other piss poor excuses such as running the Stockholm half marathon.
We managed to draft in 3 replacements and we were able to field a team plus 2 subs. Not bad considering we were the bare 11 the previous week.
So, with Bob wearing a pair of extra-large gloves and the children all told not to watch, we prepared to park the bus as follows:
Bob, Ryan, James, Mick, Antonio, Toure, Mass, Otis, Andy, Koldo, Struan, David, Ali
But, wouldn’t you know it, Långholmen seemed to be out of ideas.
To be fair, we had a fucking brick wall down the middle of the park with Mass and Otis in front of Mick and Kiwi with Bob as last line of defence. A formidable barrier in any team.
So, it was us that had the better of the early exchanges. Pushing them from the sides and going close on occasion. Then, as is the case sometimes, we went behind when a ball skipped, oh so close, past Mick (he blames the tight shirt for holding his belly in otherwise he would have blocked it) and then the resulting shot flying past both his and my outstretched boots into the bottom corner – a double Gazza stretch, if you like.
One nil and we felt a bit narked, to tell the truth. As is usual with Långholmen games, the temperature was high on occasion (but never really nasty) and a few choice words were exchanged throughout the game.
As is also the case, any bad feeling evaporates at the full-time whistle.
So, a couple of yellow cards to the gentlemen in the black and white stripes later and we reached half time one nil down.
But far from out.
The second half started much like the first and we kept the pressure on. Mass breaking up their play and generally following the instruction to be a big bully. Otis (captain for the day in Eric's absence) continually nicking the ball from them (they seemed incapable of calling man on to each other).
Our persistence paid off when a nicely taken corner by Toure was met by Otis, leaping like a tin of salmon and glancing a header in off the far post.⚽
The last 15 minutes seemed to last for a few hours but, a couple of wasted free kicks aside, we were rarely troubled.
We could have snatched the game ourselves but, seeing as we had one attempt on target all game, we will settle for the point.
So, from worrying about an embarrassing score line to feeling a bit pissed off to only grab a point – although, being a West Ham fan, that is my lot just recently…
As I write this I see that Sickla lost last night and so, I still don’t need to start a sentence with mathematically just yet.
Two games left with a week gap between each should hopefully help out with injuries. As they are both on Saturday, it will be good to have some social time too before the winter hibernation starts. 😏
Goals: Otis
Assists: Toure
Referee watch: a bit of a twat
Kit wash: summer fresh
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Camdja IFK vs TAVFC
We travelled to Hägerstensåsens BP after last week’s win under our belt to face a team that have had a bit of a mixed bag of season like us.
They were languishing mid table after an 8-1 drubbing from Långholmen (and, who hasn’t had one of those this season? – I will revisit this comment next week after we play them on Saturday 😏🤞).
In the lead up to this game we lost a few players due to injury and unavailability (apparently, people have lives outside of the Tudor… )
Harry Redknapp’s bare bones, therefore, were as follows:
Milenko, Ryan, James, Antonio, David, Pontus, Koldo, Christian, Otis, Eric, Toure
As usual, we started exceptionally well.
Passing, creating chances and, in the first ten minutes scoring two great goals: Pontus the first and Koldo with the second. ⚽⚽
Then, of course, we fucked about a bit, missed a couple of chances, gave the ball away and generally played like Arsenal and we were all square at 2-2 after 25 minutes. 😳😤
Half time came and we were grateful for the breather.
The second half started well again and we were ahead after 5 minutes with a goal from Eric. ⚽
The game then turned a little narky and a couple of yellow cards came out for Camdja (not us, of course, as we are a team of angels).
We fell asleep after a corner and were caught in-between defending that and the loose ball. Bang. 3-3.
We didn’t stop pushing, however, and were rewarded with five minutes to go when a quick free kick by Eric on the edge of their box saw his second and our fourth.
Final result 3-4 to the Tudor.⚽
We learned a few things here:
1 - Camdja are the new Cassi – imagine a team that argues for every decision (literally every one) Jeez. 😳😏
2 – Christian really wanted the number 11 shirt
3 – Toure doesn’t like to get rid when requested
4 – we need more than 11 players as a vets team 😉
5 – we don't fucking give up, that is for sure...
This Saturday is the local derby against Långholmen.
We hope for a larger squad but, regardless, we will give 100% as usual.
And, as it is a 6pm kick off on a Saturday, Theos should get some custom later on that evening!
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TAVFC vs Hägersten SK
Is it so fucking difficult to take a throw in?
Apparently so.
Even in Premier League games you see foul throws galore. Maybe its about time to think of a new way to restart the game rather than a throw in? After the fourth shitty throw on the bounce (with the referee doing nothing but shrugging and saying, and I quote, give him another chance…) by the same Hägersten player, I was thinking that it might be time for a rethink.
Anyway, rant over – about the game…
Hägersten have, so far, lost all their games and failed to score.
After our latest stumbles, we were keen to have a couple of easier games (Camdja next weekend) before we host league leaders Långholmen the week after. Call it a confidence boost, if you like.
We lost 2/3 of our Spaniards over the course of the week (only Koldo available) but we welcomed Viktor back from injury, taped and bandaged Toure up and even I declared myself fit(ish) for bench warming duties.
Los Veteranos lined up as follows:
Bob, Milenko, Mick, James, Toure, Pontus, Christian, Otis, Koldo, Viktor, Eric, David, Struan, Ryan.
In true Tudor Vets style, we started very well and took a deserved lead after 23 Minutes. Great build up and a nice finish by Struan for his first Tudor goal.⚽
Then, true to recent form, we had 5 minutes of madness.
26th minute: Milenko rugby tackles their left winger. Penalty. Bob pulls off a worldy down to his right.👏
28th minute: said winger drop shots a 30 yarder over the pack into the top corner. Ryan nods in approval at the effort. 1-1⚽
29th minute: Eric gets his aura clipped (or is savagely hacked down – you choose) and we get a penalty. Bang. 2-1⚽
Half time and a breather.
The second half started as the first ended when the Hägersten keeper came rushing out and caught the ball about 5 yards outside his area.
The resulting red card ended the game in all fairness.
The free kick was well saved by the substitute keeper and he went on to make a few more, to his credit.
The half time talk about balls over the back for Christian and Pontus to run on to obviously sunk in.
Not long after the sending off, Christian received the ball down the left and, after a mazy run, he fired low across the goal and the ball went in off the keeper. 3-1.⚽
Game now over and Christian’s first goal for the club as well (no thanks to a certain striker telling the ref to mark it down as an own goal).😏
Five minutes before time, some confusion by the Hägersten defence and Eric tapped in our fourth and his second of the game.
4-1 ⚽ - final score.
A massive improvement on the previous two weeks and well deserved. Camdja next where we can, hopefully, build on this performance before the big one with Långholmen the week after.
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Christian helps Toure with his seventeen meters of bandages and strapping pre game
Gröndals IK vs TAVFC: August 22nd 2021
Tine mingea. Nu-l tot dărui!
Uu le polo. Aua le tuʻuina atu pea!
Shika mpira. Usiendelee kuitoa!
In case no one is versed in Romanian, Samoan or Swahili, this roughly translates as hold the ball, don’t keep giving it away!
I have looked this up as, in English, it wasn’t easy to understand or take in on Sunday night. 😏
We started so very well, too. Passing confidently, looking up, making space. Pass, pass, pass, goal. ⚽One nil (Eric) after 3 minutes.
From the side-lines we looked like a team that had learned the lessons of the week before.
Then the cohesion started to slightly unravel. A few wayward passes and heads dropped a little. The inevitable outcome was being written on the wall after the first 20 minutes.
We defended well, though, went forward with conviction without really threatening their goal much, and never stopped battling.
Half time and it was one all.
We knew what needed to be done and, to be fair, we tried to do it in the second half.
Gröndals are a good side. Last time we played them was before the break and the game was stopped due to rain at one all. Last season away we went one up then hit the self-destruct button in the second half. We used to beat them before that on a regular basis but they are a younger side now.
They are a quick side.
The game plan to stop their long balls over the top worked and, if we could have tightened up the sloppy passing we would definitely have had a positive result. As it was, the second goal arrived and we couldn’t quite muster the reserves to pull one back after that.
The good news is we have, as a team, a great spirit and, even in the disappointment of defeat could laugh about Milenko’s Exocet pass to Eric and Eric’s reaction to said pass. 😂
We have Hägerstens at home next Sunday night and we should be able to welcome back Viktor and Toure from injury. I might even be naming myself on the team sheet for a cameo if we are very unlucky...
Five games left now as we move into the sharp end of the season. I haven’t yet started to use the word mathematically, so we are still in with a vague shout…
Oh yeah, this week’s band of brothers was:
Robert, Antonio, Pontus, James, Mick, Jose, Koldo, Otis, Christian, Struan, Eric, Ryan, Milenko.
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Tudor Arms Vets FC vs Sickla: 15th August 2021
Sickla again.
Seems like we play them every other week. Last game ended one all as did the previous game. This time it was at home, late evening and not inside a giant fucking sauna.
The summer had been kind to us and almost everyone was available. We did lose Otis earlier on Sunday but we had Christian to fill in at centre mid – easy peasy, right?
Some closed season wheeling and dealing meant that we also had two debuts as well.
The Tudor Arms welcomes Viktor & Antonio to the fold.
I tried to get Messi but the deal fell through at the last minute due to his personal terms. Seriously – no one is worth two Tuborgs after the game!
A late reshuffle due to Struan still being on Scottish Summertime (30 minutes behind) and the deck was dealt as follows:
Bob, Ryan, Kiwi, Mick, Toure, Pontus, Christian, Koldo, Jose, Eric, Viktor, Antonio, Milenko, Struan
A bright start was made and we definitely had the better of the opening ten or so minutes. This culminated with Viktor receiving the ball on the edge of the area and drilling home for his debut goal.
Some more decent football from both sides and it was one nil at the break.
The second half was a bit of a pisser, truth be told.
Two gifted goals by us to them (no names 😊).
Two golden chances not taken by us (no names 😊)
And a little temper tantrum late on (Eric 😉)
The game ended two one to Sickla and, on balance, an unbiased observer might say they were worth it. I am not that observer so I say they were fucking lucky and cheated their way to the win 😉.
The good news is that Sickla are a good side and it could have gone either way. Also, we now have two new additions to the team that will definitely come in handy as old bodies get injured as the season nears the sharp end…
Gröndals away this Sunday and I expect good things again. The race is far from over and we still have plenty of games to play. I am certain we will be there or there abouts come October.
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A million degrees in a fucking tent.
Sickla vs Tudor Arms Vets FC: 20th June 2021
Sorry, we’re playing in a tent?
Yes. In a tent. In June. In fuck knows how many degrees heat.
Anyway, welcome to Nacka IP and the last Vets game before the summer break against Sickla.
For the third game in a row, we had a full squad and so no need to call on eligible (read, old) A or Reserve players to plug any gaps.
The most collectable of Panini stickers were arrayed as follows:
Robert, Ryan, James, Mick, Toure, David, Milenko, Jose, Pontus, Christian, Otis, Koldo, Struan, Eric.
Water breaks arranged, team sheets handed in and team talk over – just go and score some goals and don’t fuck up at the back – and the game was under way.
We started very brightly and were rewarded after ten minutes with a nicely slotted goal from Koldo ably assisted by Pontus. ⚽
We played some very neat football and we were on the attack again when the ref called time out for water break (not when the ball went out of play). You can't have everything in this level...
That aside, we started the second quarter as we did the first and finished the half the brighter side.
The second half got underway and we thought that Eric had doubled the lead only to have a great strike ruled out for a foul in the centre circle.
As we said at half time, no fancy stuff at the back (they had some quick forwards – what a fucking novelty that is 😉)and, if in doubt etc. You could see that one goal might not be enough as they broke again and Robert made a fine save down to his right.
Low and behold, ten or so minutes to go an there was a bit of miscommunication at the back and they broke through again. This time no heroics from the Vet’s own Lev Yashin and they slotted home the equaliser.
The last five minutes we threw the kitchen sink at them: crosses flying in, Otis seeing a goal bound rocket cannon off a defender but, at the end the day, the score remained one one.
To be fair to Sickla, they were good for the point and so it ended the same as when we last met at the tail end of last season.
Toure complained the other week that I never mentioned something he might have done (one of his quota of 4 overlaps per game, I think) so I will give him a special mention for:
the most ill-timed tackle resulting in a yellow card of the match.
Good effort
We go into the break in second place and still undefeated so, not all that bad. Let’s raise a virtual glass to an entertaining Euros (now Scotland have gone home), a glad midsommar and a quick end to Covid restrictions.
The next game will be Sickla and home on 15th August and, hopefully we can meet up before then for some social refreshment
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Tudor Arms Vets FC vs Gröndals IK: 12th June 2021
Sunshine and showers said the weather report.
Those of us living in Sweden for any length of time know to take this with a massive pinch of salt – Stockholm is not known as the Venice of the North for nothing, after all.
We headed off to Stadshagen to meet Gröndals for the second game of the delayed season.
The team was almost unchanged from the previous week – token Swede Pontus in to replace Struan - and so we lined up as follows: Robert, Ryan, James, Andrew, Koldo, Otis, Christian, Toure, David, Milenko, Pontus, Eric, Mick, Craig & Jose.
In these Covid times, changing rooms are still officially off limits so we got changed in the fresh air. The rain had been off and on for a short while – just a light shower – but it now started to increase in intensity. By the time we were warming up, it had turned into a downpour.
Ten minutes before kick off the thunder was rumbling, we were drenched and thoughts of floodlights entered our minds!
Not to be deterred, we kicked off and the water sliding fun began. Ten minutes in and the rain was just getting worse – after about twenty minutes, we decided to call it a day.
Oh, the football, you ask.
Yes, there was some played. Pretty even if the truth be told and, in between the slipping, sliding and the ball stopping after two meters on the flooded pitch, the score was one a piece when we called time. A nicely taken free kick by Eric equalising about 5 minutes after they had taken the lead. ⚽
Anyway, we dry ourselves off and look forward to Sickla away next Sunday evening for the last game before the summer break (shame that game wasn’t this week as it is the indoor hall!).
Four points from two games still leaves us with decent start to the season…
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Hägersten SK v Tudor Arms Vets FC: 5th June 2021
As there is no promotion or relegation in the vets leagues, the recent change to Swedish health regulations meant that the Tudor Vets could play the last three games before the summer break.
So, off we trotted to Hägersten in a million degrees heat with a full squad and little hearts full of hope…
Over the summer, we dipped, Harry Redknapp like, into the transfer market and came home with a shopping bag full of bargains!
We signed our second Spaniard, Jose, and increased our West Indian contingent by 100% with the acquisition of Toure and Christian.
The Avengers assembled as follows:
Robert, Ryan, James, Andrew, David, Mick, Jose, Christian, Toure, Otis, Eric, Craig, Struan, Milenko and Koldo.
We didn’t know much about Hägersten as they are new to our league but the thought process this season is basically, who gives a fuck about the opposition…😉✌️
With this in mind we started the game very brightly and after a couple of near misses, Eric ratting the crossbar from a yard out being one that springs to mind, we took the lead when a beauty of a pass from Otis found Eric, who rounded the keeper to slot home for one nil.
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Shortly after Craig, marking his come back, brought down a nice pass from a Eric and placed it past the keeper for two nil.
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Half time and we really didn’t look in danger. We tried a couple of times to help them out – it is the Tudor Vets after all, but they couldn’t take advantage of our brief generosity.
The game was over when Christian, on his debut, played a nice ball into Eric for his second and our third. Co assist to Milenko for the chasing down on the left wing for that one…
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Full time. Three nil. Job done.
Next week it’s a tougher ask with Gröndals the visitors to Fortress Stadshagen. With the current restrictions set at 100 spectators, please check first before travelling to the game.
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Tudor Arms v FC Innerstan Stockholm: 11 October 2020
The Tudor win the final game of the season! A solid 0-2 win away to FC Innerstan Stockholm ending the season on a high! We've finished 2nd in Div. 6C and with a bit of luck we'll get promoted, regardless a really good season from everyone!