News Stories
'A' Team lose the Mike King Cup Final on Penalties!
Selsdon suffered the agony of a penalty shoot out defeat on Saturday and are also counting the cost as injuries begin to mount ahead of the final run in.
Having taken four points off of their opponents in the league this season, Selsdon’s manager Ian Hasell named the same starting 11 as those games and sent his team out with the simple instruction to pressure New Life from the off. Unfortunately, that proved difficult on the vast pitch of Stanhope Grove and in sweltering dry heat which meant the game was played in energy zapping conditions.
New Life settled into their stride quicker than Selsdon who failed to close the game up allowing New Life space for their five man midfield to operate in. Despite this domination of early possession, it was Selsdon who created the first real chance when winger James Wickes outpaced the New Life defence but saw his shot brilliantly tipped around the post by New Life ’keeper Ben Uzun, who was to play an even bigger part later.
In a half where clearing scoring chances were at a premium, New Life had appeals for a penalty turned away when top scorer Ruben Alibaj tumbled under pressure from Selsdon captain Andy Kemp. New Life were however not to be denied a lead which came following a quick break after a Selsdon attack had been foiled. Alibaj ran at the exposed Aaron White and slipped the ball into the path of winger Tim Hall who finished calmly to draw first blood.
At half time the message in the Selsdon dressing room was clear, the team needed to play closer together and effectively reduce the size of the playing area for New Life to exploit.
That message seemed to have hit home as Selsdon started the game on the front foot forcing a succession of corners, one of which saw James Canning hit the angle of bar and post as the Selsdon pressure mounted. An equaliser seemed imminent and it duly arrived when Selsdon were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. As New Life were still organising their defence, the quick thinking Steve Beckitt was given permission to take the kick quickly and his low left foot effort beat the wall and ended up in the bottom right hand corner.
In the aftermath of the goal, Selsdon’s returning centre midfielder Chris White was replaced by Tom Coakley as Selsdon looked to press home their momentum. Coakley had been on the pitch barely 5 minutes when he found himself in space on the left hand side of the area and dispatched a clinical strike into the top right hand corner leaving Uzun grasping at air.
Having turned the game around, it was now important for Selsdon to keep the momentum and keep the game pressed. Indeed they had their own strong appeals for a penalty turned down shortly after when Dave White got goalside of New Life's captain Jon Bryars and appeared to be clipped as the pair's legs came together. Referee Phil Stevensagain waived the appeals away and unfortunately, Selsdon were forced into shuffling their line up shortly after when Aaron White went down under pressure clearing Alibaj’s goal bound effort from the line. Aaron White was clearly in some pain and following a lengthy stoppage was forced from the field despite his best efforts to continue to play on. Aaron White has since been diagnosed with knee ligament damage which will rule him out of Selsdon’s final three league games.
Dan Bowden came on at right back with Dan Preston moving over to partner Kemp in the centre of defence. The reshuffled defence was put under considerable pressure immediately as Selsdon suffered a further injury blow. A cross from the right was cleared by Preston who immediately went down clutching his left ankle. After treatment at pitch side, Preston returned to see out the rest of the game but tests later showed ruptured ankle ligaments which threaten to keep Selsdon’s club captain out of the run in.
With player manager Ian Hasell replacing the lagging Steve Beckitt, Selsdon seemed to be coping with all that New Life had to throw at them until a hopeful looking long range shoot from Alibaj caught Selsdon ’keeper Dave Tremayne completely flat footed and dipped under the cross bar to level the scores.
Both teams pressed for a winning goal to avoid playing a further half an hour but in fairness, it was Selsdon who were the more slightly more relieved to still be in the game at the sound of the final whistle. That relief soon turned to despair as New Life kicked off and immediately found themselves back in front. A long ball forward from the right dropped between the Selsdon defence and Dave Tremayne and Alibaj reached it first to tuck away his second of the game.
All of a sudden it was a backs to the wall job as Selsdon desperately defended to avoid New Life running away with the game, a task they managed admirably for the remainder of the half without ever threatening to get themselves back into the game.
As the second half began, Selsdon knew they faced an uphill struggle, with the injured Preston at times making a two man defence with Kent Mercer and Dave White carrying a knock up front as they desperately fought to claw themselves back on level terms. With the clock ticking down it appeared that Selsdon were to be denied, particularly when Preston’s shot from inside the area was cleared for a throw in with only seconds remaining. Preston’s resultant long throw bounced around the New Life area before finally falling to Canning who stabbed the ball home from close range to spark wild celebrations amongst the Selsdon team and support.
Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle to signal the end of the game and penalties. Adam Ash scored first for New Life answered by Andy Kemp for Selsdon. Dave Tremayne then pulled off a fine save from James Stannard, diving to his left and Ian Hasell put Selsdon in front for the first time. New Life squared the scores through Chris James before Wickes saw his effort beaten away as Uzun moved to his left. New Life scored their final two with Sam Knowles and Alibaj sandwiching Coakley’s effort for Selsdon. The pressure was then on Preston who thought he had found the bottom left hand corner only for Uzun to pull off a brilliant save and hand New Life their first Mike King Trophy win.
Selsdon now have a week off to seek to recover from the mental and physical efforts of Saturday before somehow regrouping for three final league games against Newgen, New Life Reserves and current leaders UCF.
Author: Dan Preston
Davebobs super penalty save:
'A' Team reach Mike King Cup Final!
On Saturday 20th March 2010 the 'A' Team faced Southborough Lane Baptist Church in the Semi Final of the Mike King Cup. At half time it was 0-0 and by Full Time it was 1-1. Dave White was the goalscorer in the 2nd half. Then extra time came along and within 2 minutes of the start Tom Coakley lobbed the ball goal-wards and it bounced up and over the keeper and in the back of the net. Southborough Lane fought hard to get an equaliser but alas 2 -1 AET.
'B' Team folds.
Unfortunately due to lack of players the 'B' team has had to fold this season. Our HUGE thanks go to Simon Winter for his great work as manager over the past few years and all the effort he has made for the club along with Steve White.
Youth Football - U17 & U14 Teams
SBC and Emmanuel Church, South Croydon, are together running two football teams this season for 11-15 year olds and 15 -17 year olds, playing in South London church leagues. Saturday 17th October saw both teams playing on the football pitches at Purley Way. The Under 17 team, the Selsdon Lightnings, had their inaugural match against Beulah Family Church. It was a game of two halves and we lost both of them! Unfortunately the final score was 13-2 to Beulah, but it was only a friendly. However, both sides appeared to thoroughly enjoy the game, and we’re looking forward to a rematch later in the season. The teams give an opportunity for youngsters to play on Saturdays rather than Sundays, and in some cases keep the youngsters linked to the church. Matches are preceded by a short prayer with both teams around the centre circle. Alan Bedford More info on Youth Football
Under 14s
The Under 14s are again in the South London Churches League. We have a team called ‘Selsdon United’, which is made up of players from several local churches, in school years 7, 8 and 9. Our second match was against last year’s winners of the league, and we only lost 2-3!! As the team gets established we are looking forward to more good football! It is a great opportunity for our youth to play football on a Saturday in a league with a Christian ethos.
November fixtures:
14th November - Penge
28th November - Forest Hill (at home ground, Purley Way)
Everyone is welcome to watch and support! Please check kick-off times with Paul Hubbard.
SBC v Crystal Palace
First of all, we played Crystal Palace, the church, not the professional team. We
played on the 17th of October, 10.30am, at Purley. The Game was 70 minutes in all
with two 35 minute halves. We played well in the first half despite shooting uphill. We
played some nice crosses and free kicks and managed to score two goals. The first
was by me. I played a one-two with the striker, broke past the defence and placed it
past the keeper. The second was by Ollie Knight (St Augustine’s), a cracker from
outside the box. We had a strong team and Daniel Hubbard made some amazing
saves in goal even though Palace managed to get two goals to even the game. In the
second half we were shooting downhill and had the advantage, but however hard we
tried we couldn’t get another goal. It was very frustrating, especially when they put
another ball in the back of the net. We fought hard but in the end the whistle had to
blow, and when it did we were down 3-2. It was a reasonable score considering they
have been the winners of the league for the past few years. We were disappointed
that we had lost, but pleased with our personal performances. I, for one, can’t wait for
the next game on the 31st of October. Feel free to come and watch, or play if you are
in years 7-9, since we are desperate for players. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank Paul Hubbard and Richard Spear (Emmanuel) for arranging the games as it
brings great fun for the team.
Ryan Cottrell
20th Anniversary Celebration
On Saturday 12th September 2009 SBCFC celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The club joined the Bromley Christian league in 1989 after previously playing a few friendlies the season before.
To celebrate this achievement we held a mini league tournament at Greenvale with the current A & B Team’s mixed together and a team of ‘Vets’. It was great to see so many players, wives & families come and to have some of the ‘old’ players back. Not all the ‘Vets’ could play so some came just to give their support to the ‘old’ men! Four of the vets played in the original team in 1989.
We were very blessed with the weather and had a great afternoon followed by BBQ. Click here for photos & video of the day.
End of Season Awards
The meal has been had and the trophies handed out! To find out who won go to A Team Profile & B Team Profile pages.
Fine Run Over
Selsdon's battling run in the National Christian Cup came to an end at the semi final stage in the Wirral last weekend.
Selsdon's fine run in the National Christian Cup that started in Leeds at the start of November came to an end in the Wirral last Saturday (28 March 2009).
Selsdon had the hardest possible run to the semi final having beaten a strong Morley team 3-1 in the first round with goals from Dan Preston, Ian Hasell and Andre Domingo, their "reward" was a home tie against last year's champions St Wilfrids Newbiggin (Newcastle). Selsdon produced a battling display against a very physical side to secure a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Dave White and Tom Coakley, and a third round encounter with another of the favourites for the tournament Bolton Ambassadors.
Despite poor conditions and a horrible injury to winger Steve Evans, Selsdon triumphed 3-2 thanks largely to two emphatic finishes from player/manager Hasell and a strike from Barney Lock.
Next in Selsdon's path was a quarter final against the most successful side in the tournament's history, Kings Sports. Although they fell behind early on Selsdon fought back through Hasell (2) and White to win 3-2 and secure a semi final place for the first time in the club's history.
So the scene was set for Selsdon to travel back to Liverpool (where they had gone out at the Quarter Final stage last year) to take on Newlife's conquerers MEOLS. Despite missing a number of first team players Selsdon travelled with a strong squad and had the best chance of a tight first half, with left back Kent Mercer firing over. In deteriorating conditions and a heavily cut up pitch, the home side settled earlier in the second half with Selsdon relying on counter attacking football. That football brought no less than 4 one-on-ones which Selsdon were unfotunately unable to take and that proved costly as MEOLS were awarded a controversial penalty with 10 minutes remaining. As Selsdon pushed for an equaliser they were cruelly caught on the counter attack when to the surprise of everyone (including their own manager) the MEOLS' striker was not flagged offside and he set up his strike partner to wrap up the game.
Selsdon's players battled until the final whistle and were complemented on both their display and attitude as they were denied a place in this year's final. Despite the result, Selsdon can be proud of their performances in the cup this year but ultimately the travelled back to Croydon on Sunday wonderign what might have been.
Author: Dan Preston
'A' Team lose the Semi Final of National Christian Cup!
The 'A' Team travelled to Liverpool for the Semi-Final of the National Christian Cup on Sat 28th march 2009. They were on top for most of the game and had several decent chances. The Referee awarded Meols St john a penalty with 10 minutes to go then they scored a again on the break shortly after. It was a gutsy performance but lost 2-0.
'A' Team reach the Semi Final of National Christian Cup!
Congratulations to the 'A' Team on beating Kings Sports FC 3-2 in a tight fought match on 28 Feb 2009. For footage of the 2nd half go to You Tube.
U14 team reach final!
The U14 team (Selsdon Utd) beat Slade Evangelical Church 6 - 0 for more information - Click Here
The 'B' Team have a new kit!
Thank you to W A Truelove for sponsoring our new kit for the B's. Photos to come soon! - Feb 2009
National Christian Cup
Congratulations to the 'A' team on beating Bolton Ambassadors on 24th January 2009 3 - 2. Bring on the Quarter Finals!
The 'A' Team have a new kit
Thank you to QDOS Computer Consultants for sponsoring our new kit. Photos to come soon! - Jan 2009
New Club Badge
After 19 years we thought it was about time we had our own club badge and here it is! Thanks to Dave Taylor for the design.
National Christian Cup
The 'A' Team have drawn last years champions from Newcastle for their second round draw in the National Christian Cup. UPDATE - THE 'A' TEAM WON 2-1 with a fine penalty save from Dave Simmons and Goals from Dave White & Tom Coakley. Well Done!!!
National Christian Cup
The 'A' Team have drawn Morley BSC - Leeds for their first round draw in the National Christian Cup. UPDATE - won 3 - 1 away!!
League Charity Shield Match
The 'A' team take on New Life in the League Charity Shield match on Sat 20th Sept. Kick off is at 2pm at our ground at Monks Hill Sports Centre
A's v B's Annual Charity Match - Saturday 6th September 2008
On a day more appropriate for frogs than football, it was the A's that emerged victors, winning 3-2. A sodden, heavy pitch was hard to play on, but it was the A's who started off sharper, whereas it looked like the B's first game of the season, who were slow and sluggish. Within 25 minutes, the A's were 2-0 up and the B's looking very slow in defence. The B's began to come into it a bit then, but were keeping it in their own half too much. A corker of a volley from Sam O'Dongo just before half time reduced the deficit.
A passionate half time team talk inspired the B's who showed a lot more attacking intent in the 2nd half. The A's had Steve Beckitt to thank on numerous occasions for some stupendous saves. The A's increased the lead again with a rocket from new co-manager Dan Preston only for Dan Quinn to reduce it again a few minutes later. The B's pressed forward desperately trying to find the equaliser but then the A's looked dangerous on the counter attack. The game petered out as cramp settled in. An impressive £200 was raised for International Needs.
Simon Winter - 'B' Team Manager
Ali Richards Retires!
The only remaining original team player since the team started in 1989, after nearly 20 years, Ali Richards has decided to hang up his boots!
Meet the 'A' Teams new management!
Ian Hasell has decided to step into those boots and will be manager of the A’s from next season and is being ably supported by Dan Preston who has been club captain for the last few seasons..