CPR All Stars - Season Review

Amazing. Incredible. Unbelievable. A few words that sum up CPR's season. The team that took to the field to play in their first competitive match against Hartley Whitney have gone through the good times and the bad times, but they have evolved into a top class team. The transformation that the team has shown has been quite remarkable, and to end the season with the Premier League title is the least that this gutsy team deserve. To cap off the season, I'd just like to conclude how the season has gone from start to finish, putting in a few stats and a few memorable moments.

A win against Hartley Whitney on the first day of the season proved to be vital in the overall title race, but CPR came back down to earth a week later drawing 4-4 with Chobham Burymead. However this was rectified with emphatic progression to the quarter finals in the cup, and wins against Wokingham and Tongham. The month also culminated in Curley Park travelling to semi-professional side Eastleigh Town, (who eventually won the cup) putting in a gutsy and valiant performance before eventually being knocked out 6-4.

CPR's early season form meant that they made the turn 1 point worse off then Hartley Whitney, but with a game in hand. Mauling’s of Liss (who later folded) became worthless and thus ruined CPR's goal difference, but wins against Bourne Blades helped to install back some goal difference. A horrible month saw CPR struggle through to the semis of the League Cup before being knocked out tragically after extra time to lowly Chobham Burymead, and a draw against Camberley was also a hindrance in CPR's bid for the title.

But CPR bounced back with a massive win against Wokingham, but lost what could've been the title clincher against Hartley Whitney. With 2 games to go and 2 wins needed, CPR produced the scintillating form that had been present towards the start of the season, banging in 16 goals and not conceding any (9-0 vs Bracknell, 7-0 vs Camberley) which saw them crowned Premier League Champions.

Games Played: 22
Games won: 17

Games drawn: 2

Games lost: 3

Home form: 11 games played: W:7 D:2 L:2
Away form: 11 games played: W: 10 D: 0 L: 1

Goals scored: 125 (5.68 per game)

Scorers:

McMillan: 32

Stroud: 24
Rice: 14

Dunnage: 14

Parslow: 10
Lloyd-Bisley: 9
Hastings: 6
Rolt: 6
Adolphus: 5
Finlay: 4
Morris: 1

Goals conceded: 52 (2.36 per game)
Overall goal difference: +73

Goals of the season:

1) Dunnage vs Camberley Town (A)

The most important, let alone best goal scored this season. 20 minutes through into a must win game against their fierce rivals, Dunnage latches onto a bouncing loose ball before rocketing it into the roof of the net from 25 yards. Unstoppable.

2) Rolt vs Chobham Burymead (H)

The first goal in CPR's first dropped points of the season was a memorable one. A dipping volley from roughly 30 yards dipped just enough to drop just beneath the crossbar and into the net.

3) Hastings vs CSA 07 Warriors (H)
One of the first goals scored in the CPR season was a sublime free-kick from centre back, Hastings. Stepping up from around 20 yards, the tenacious stopper curled an exquisite effort into the top corner well beyond the keeper's reach.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE SEASON

Rice (4th goal vs Camberley)

The striker races through the Camberley defence and scores a cross/shot, but the celebrations are what's memorable. A bundle involving all 10 outfield CPR players followed, a moment which etched CPR's names onto the league trophy.

Player Reviews: This is my opinion, please don't be offended.

GK: Charles Kevany   Rating - 6.5/10     Award: Most Consistent

Overall it has been a mixed season for CPR's number one, one day the best keeper in the league and the next the worst. There have been a few mistakes made this season by 'Kevo,' but amongst those blunders have been a number of wonder saves, most notably at Hartley Whitney (A) and Camberley Town (H) springing to mind.

LB: Will Barby    Rating - 6.5/10     Award: Biggest 'Blonde' Moment

'Bill' hasn't had too much playing time due to being behind both Alex Finlay and Will Goggin in the pecking order. When in the team he has been exposed at times but despite his slim frame, Bill hasn't been physically dominated by his opposite number at all this season and has put in some solid performances over the course of the season.

LB: Will Goggin    Rating 6.8/10     Award: Refs Nightmare

Will Goggin has been an ever present for Curley Park Rangers over the years, having joined the club roughly 10 years ago. His pace and defensive ability has been effective whenever he has been available (he did miss a lot of games through absence) and overall it's been a good season for the long time CPR player.

LB/LW : Alex Finlay      Rating -7/10      Award: Super Sub

He's been out the game for a number of years, 'Finners' or more simply 'Fin' made his return to youth football this year. The utility man, who is comfortable mostly anywhere on the pitch has consistently done a job whether it be left back or left wing, and was rewarded with 4 goals and a number of good performances this year.

CB: George Hastings     Rating - 7.2/10       Award: Best Red Card

The ginger centre back has been an integral part at the back this season, chipping in with a number of goal-saving tackles whilst also notching a respectable 6 goals of his own. 3 red cards mean the centre back has had his disciplinary problems which have nearly cost CPR this season but despite his disciplinary problems he was a commanding presence at the back for CPR and held the backline together on a number of occasions.

CB: George Nott    Rating: 7.1/10       Award: Best Yellow Card

Hastings and Nott formed a good partnership at the back when put together, with the latter's strength, coupled with his composure and ball playing ability has been a calming presence at the back. The centre back may not have scored this season, but a number of assured performances at the back have been important for CPR.

CB: Greg Morris    Rating: 6.7/10      Award: Highest Kick

Greg aka 'BFG' (Big Fat Greg) hasn't had many minutes on the pitch this season, but when he has come on he has done well. Strength and an aerial threat makes up for a lack of pace, and he has had a number of notable performances including against Tongham (A) and Wokingham. (A)

RB: Adrian Ross    Rating - 7.7/10      Award: Most Improved

The unsung hero at the back, Adrian has been consistently solid throughout the season, nullifying and containing each and every left winger he came up against. Having played in front of him the majority of the season, I have been particularly impressed in how he has conducted himself in the right back position, and whilst his performances have largely gone unnoticed, he has been very good throughout.

CB/RB/CM/RM: Liam Honeywood    Rating 7.4/10     Award: Biggest Traitor

Liam will be the first to acknowledge his technical ability isn't the best, but his energy and versatility have been important for CPR this season. Not afraid to put in a challenge, he has been deployed in a number of roles this season and put in a lot of good performances wherever he has played.

CM: James Adolphus    Rating: 7.4/10     Award: Best Accessory

'Dolphy' or 'Adolf' has formed a solid partnership with Rolt in the centre of the park, with his performances typically characterised by an abundance of energy and determination. A player who has given it his very best each and every game this season, he suffered a nasty injury late on in the season which forced him out of the last 3 game, but besides this he's enjoyed a very successful season.

CM: James Rolt    Rating: 7.3/10      Award: Best Free kicks

The central midfielder, who stands at 6foot 4 enjoyed a very good start and end to the season, but his performances did notably drop in the middle stages. His presence in the air has been beneficial both in attack and in defence, and a number of long range strikes have been a key feature of his season.

CM/CF: Alex Dunnage    Rating: 8.1/10     Award: Worst Goalkeeper

Never shy of playing a Hollywood ball or unleashing a strike from range, 'Dunnage' has endured a few injuries over the course of the year but has always performed well on the pitch. A key supplier to Stroud on the right, his service has been key and when he's on form, CPR are usually on form too.

LW: Jordan Parslow    Rating: 7/10     Award: Manager's Player

'Jordy' or 'JP' started off the season well, chipping in with a number of goals and assists, but over the course of the season his performances have steadily declined. Despite this, The captain has been influential throughout the season and has lifted CPR on a number of occasions when they were down, and his commitment both in training and on match days has set an example to the rest of the team.

RW: James Stroud (Written by Connor McMillan)     Rating: 7.5/10     Award: Player's Player

In the build up to the season James was well known for being as fast as Usain Bolt at times and he didn't disappoint, terrorising defence’s week in week out with blistering pace and long runs. Although his consistency was damaged due to a continuous back injury and a lack of football before the season, James has been a key player throughout the season, highlighted by him tallying 32 assists and 27 goals (including friendlies) on his own.

CF/ST: Josh Rice    Rating: 7/10    Award: Most Motivating

He's another who enjoyed a terrific start but the goals and his performances did decline over the course of the season. Nevertheless, 14 goals in 22 games is still a great return for any striker, and his 3 goal haul on the last game of the season has been one of the best individual performances of the season. He too is another who has fought for every ball and put all his energy into every single minute he has played, and with better fortunes in front of goal he would’ve been one of the standout performers of the season.

CM/CF/ST: Harry Lloyd-Bisley    Rating: 7/10     Award: Bravest Player

He missed most of the season with a broken foot, but still chipped in with 9 goals. Primarily deployed as a striker, his physical presence up front and hold up play has given CPR an extra dimension up front, and combined with his pace, has been a constant danger whenever he has played.

ST: Connor McMillan    Rating: 8.3/ 10      Award: Top Goalscorer

The Scottish forward has probably only played around 12-14 games this season, but he still walks away with an incredible 32 goals. So many times the difference this season, he has single handedly picked up points for CPR on his own, and if available for every game this season, easily would've been player of the year.

And a few others; remember these?
RB: Luke Marsh     Award: Best Attendee - played around 6 games this season, but commitment issues have always meant that he hasn't been picked/couldn’t be bothered to turn up.

LW: Mark Watson - played in pre-season and also against Hartley Whitney on the opening day, before deciding that he didn't want to participate further.

For a Soccer AM style Team Mates video featuring James Stroud, Alex Dunnage and Jordan Parslow, follow this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-NQDmXLiYc
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I'd just like to say thank you to a number of people before I sign off for the season. Firstly, thank you to the whole team for the commitment they've shown over the past 9 months, and I'm delighted that we were awarded with silverware at the end of a long and hard season.

Secondly I'd like to say thank you to the fans including Lawrence Kelsey, Hector Sharp, James Kaye, as well as the parents and many others that came down to support and cheer on the Blads, your support was highly appreciated.

But lastly, and most importantly I'd like to say thank you to Ken Hastings, Sam Goggin and Jordan Parslow. It is debateable whether we would have even had a team together had it not been for your effort behind the scenes, and your commitment and hard work in the managerial positions made all our success possible.

I'd also like to wish Sam Goggin a good retirement, this was her last season coaching youth football and I'm glad you were able to sign off a League Champion for the first time!

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18 schoolboys decided they'd make a team last summer. A year later they were crowned North East Hampshire Premier League winners. What an incredible story.



CHAMPIONS!