27/12/2025: Tournament at Coldharbour

Bronze

The intrepid team above (plus Shirwan who missed the photo) ventured North to Coldharbour to play in a 4 team tournament.

Having lost our first two matches, and at 1-0 down in the third, things were looking bleak and the wooden spoon was looming.

But we then discovered our Mojo - a lovely dink into the bottom left by Ravi set us on our way, closely followed by a lunging tap in after a goal mouth scramble, again by Ravi. And the win, and bronze medal was sealed by a Vinny header into the top left from a looping Ravi corner.

Well played all. Thanks Stevey for arranging the invitation.

25/9/2024: Friendly v Bexleyheath

Drew 8-8

Under the floodlights of the Powerleague Goals pitch, Chelsfield Park and Bexleyheath faced off in a highly entertaining 7-a-side match on a wet and rainy Wednesday night. Despite the challenging conditions, the high-quality surface allowed for an action-packed game, and both teams delivered a goal-fest that ended in a dramatic 8-8 draw. With goals flying in at both ends, it was a night of exhilarating football with standout individual performances across the pitch.

First Half

Bexleyheath took early control of the game, jumping to a 2-0 lead with sharp attacking moves that exploited the slippery conditions. Chelsfield Park struggled to find their rhythm, but the tide began to turn thanks to the tireless work of Stevey (7.5), who orchestrated much of the play from midfield. His off-the-ball runs and intelligent dribbling set up the first signs of a comeback.

Manu (9 - MOTM), the energetic striker who was pivotal all night, started the comeback by scoring twice, both times assisted by Stevey, cutting Bexleyheath's lead to 2-2. Despite Bexleyheath regaining the advantage at 3-2, Chelsfield Park began to gain momentum. Liam (8) was a dynamo in midfield, dictating play with his box-to-box work rate, and Gilbert (7), playing as an attacking full-back, provided a key assist for Liam to tie the game at 3-3.

Second Half

The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions. Chelsfield Park surged ahead with Manu completing his hat-trick to make it 4-3, this time with Liam providing the assist. Moments later, Liam found the back of the net again to extend the lead to 5-3, assisted by none other than Manu. But Bexleyheath, refusing to back down, came storming back, equalizing with two quick goals to bring the game to 5-5.

In defense, Andy (7.5), the solid and dependable goalkeeper, made several key saves, helping keep Chelsfield Park in the game when Bexleyheath threatened to take over. At the back, Eddie (7) and Brerro (7) were both industrious, with Eddie even charging forward with box-to-box runs to support the attack, almost scoring a disallowed goal late on.

The game continued to swing wildly, with Manu scoring yet again to put Chelsfield back in front at 6-5, this time with Eddie or Michael providing the assist. Stevey then added to the tally, making it 7-5 after some clever work from Liam, who was pulling the strings in midfield.

However, Bexleyheath staged another remarkable comeback, tying the game once more at 7-7, and even snatching the lead at 8-7. It seemed like Bexleyheath would pull off a dramatic victory, but Manu, who was unstoppable all night, delivered the final blow with a late equalizer to make it 8-8, assisted once again by Stevey.

Key Performances

Manu (9 - MOTM): The clear man of the match. A constant threat up front, Manu's energy, positioning, and finishing were key to Chelsfield Park's attack. He bagged four crucial goals and contributed several assists in a masterclass of striking.
Stevey (7.5): The engine in midfield, Stevey was involved in almost everything going forward. His three assists and a goal were pivotal to the team's attacking threat, and his smart movement created plenty of space.
Liam (8): A tireless display from the central midfielder, who was everywhere on the pitch. His ability to both defend and attack was crucial, and he contributed a goal and two assists.
Andy (7.5): In difficult conditions, Andy stood tall in goal, making several crucial saves that kept the game within reach.
Eddie (7), Brerro (7), Gilbert (7): The trio at the back were solid throughout the game, particularly in the second half when Bexleyheath threatened to run away with the game. Eddies surging runs from deep caused Bexleyheath problems all night, and Gilberts attacking contributions were equally valuable.

Conclusion

The match ended in a pulsating 8-8 draw, and while both sides had opportunities to win, a share of the spoils felt like a fair result. Despite the rain, Chelsfield Park showcased resilience and determination, with standout performances from Manu and Stevey driving their attack. This was a game that will be remembered for its sheer entertainment value, with both teams giving it their all in tough conditions.

Stevey

29/8/2024: Friendly v The Mondays

Won 6-2

The Mondays scored first and held the lead for about 20 long minutes before Liam equalised with a low shot their keeper couldn't deal with. Right at the end of the half, Tom C pressurised their keeper into a mistake and pounced to give us a narrow lead going into half time. In the second half we continued our possession dominance with crisp, accurate passing, the Mohans in the two wing back positions motoring up and down (one slightly faster than the other...), Abdul & Chris linking fantastically in defensive midfield roles with Liam and Stevey more advanced. Both Tom & Liam ended up with hat-tricks, some very well taken goals in there, and we finished 6-2 winners.

Mark

20/5/2024:Tournament at Coldharbour

Champions

Chelsfield Park emerged victorious in the Monday night mini-tournament, finishing with 7 points and securing the championship. The team's success was built on a solid foundation, particularly in their defensive and midfield setup.

Team Performance Overview

Defense: The back three of Mark, Abdul, and Mohan were instrumental in Chelsfield Park's triumph. Mark showcased exceptional passing skills, effectively distributing the ball to the midfield and neutralizing threats early on. Abdul and Mohan had standout performances, winning numerous one-on-one duels and offering crucial support on the flanks. Their contributions were vital in both defense and attack, making late runs to assist the midfield and forwards.

Midfield: Chris Kemp played a pivotal role as the defensive midfielder, providing excellent cover and disrupting opposition plays. His ball retention and ability to break up attacks in the middle of the park were key to Chelsfield Park's control of the games. Michael Brerro, a versatile utility player, excelled in multiple positionscentral midfield, wing, and fullbackbringing energy and stability to the team. Stevey Yeung was reliable in midfield with his precise first touches and accurate distribution, driving the team forward with penetrating runs and passes.

Attack: Manuel and Tom were relentless up front, pressuring defenders with their pace and energy. They consistently created scoring opportunities and were instrumental in Chelsfield Park's offensive play. Tom Colgan, the star player, demonstrated clinical finishing skills, especially in the second game, where his last-minute goal sealed a crucial win.

Match Summaries

Game 1: Chelsfield Park started the tournament with a commanding 6-2 victory. Despite initial nerves, their class shone through with clinical finishing and dynamic play. Manuel, Tom, and Abdul each found the back of the net, showcasing the team's attacking prowess.

Game 2: In a challenging match against a stubborn low block, Chelsfield Park managed to secure a late 2-1 win. Tom Colgan's cool finish from a swift counter-attack in the dying moments proved decisive. Goalkeeper Andy was solid, providing excellent distribution and safe hands, while Manuel and Tom's relentless pressing kept the opposition on their toes. Video available here.

Game 3: The final game was against a young, skillful side that posed a significant attacking threat. Despite the open nature of the match, Chelsfield Park held firm for a well-earned 0-0 draw. This result, combined with their earlier performances, ensured they were crowned champions.

Tactical Analysis

Strengths

Low Crosses: Effective from corners and in general play, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Solid Defense: The back three's ability to close down threats early and support the midfield was crucial.
Versatile Midfield: Players like Michael Brerro and Stevey Yeung offered both defensive and attacking rigor, ensuring stability and fluidity in play.

Areas for Improvement

Aerial Balls: Less reliance on aerial balls, particularly given the smaller pitch dimensions, would enhance effectiveness in general play.
Transition Play: Utilizing the back three to transition through the midfield more often could improve possession control and energy conservation.
Forward Linkage: Enhancing hold-up play from the forwards to better integrate the wingers into the attack could provide more options in the final third.

Chelsfield Park's blend of solid defense, dynamic midfield play, and relentless attacking energy proved to be the winning formula in this mini-tournament. Congratulations to the team on a well-deserved championship!

Stevey

1/4/2024: Friendly v The Mondays

Lost 7-4

Lovely sunny morning for our first friendly, and although we lost we showed good spirit and fought right to the end. Not the start we wanted with an absolute screamer of a shot from one of their very useful forwards, followed by a comedy mix up between me and Eddie with a headed back pass ending up in the net, and we were 2-0 down before we knew it. We steadied the ship somewhat and after a long range curler in off the post took them to 3, we finally scored with a bundled in goal off the tip of my shoulder. Not a thing of beauty but it gave us hope.

They were clearly well organised against our scratch team, but we held on for long periods, and in the second half there were a couple of well taken goals for Ravi, and one from Connor. Unfortunately they scored some more too - no one exactly knew the final score so I'll take the lowest that I heard suggested at 7-4. Thanks Stevey for organising, it was fun, and they were a great bunch of lads to play against.

Mark