Ipreo FC Player Questioned After Party

We Lost...

2-1.

Big Game Friday

This friday sees IFC up against Redsox. We are second and they are third (with a game in hand). Victory will all but guarantee promotion.

Kick off is at 12.50 and all support will be gratefully welcomed.

COME ON, THE BOYS!!!!!

Back on Track: Ipreo 4 - 1 The Corps

Just minutes before the match today, the final squad looked uncertain, but executive director of football Colin Greer made something out of nothing and at 12.30 this afternoon, a splendidly turned out cluster of blue hit the astroturf to take on The Corps.

The boys were quickly talking with their toes, as Paul Newby opened up the score line to 1-0 straight away, driving the ball home after a cracking tackle. The devastating Dave Timothy followed hot in pursuit a few minutes later, scoring from a free kick. A two goal lead was all it took to fire up the team desperately seeking that promotion to the next division which has so cruelly been taken away in past seasons - the lads were focused on making this one count.

It wasn't all plain sailing for Ipreo. Derek Rouse, taking up keeper duties this week, made a skillful save in one of the few opportunities The Corps had on goal. Soon Chris Crow was signaling to be substituted - perhaps the Psycrow felt like a bird out of its nest, away from his usual habitat, the goal area. Substitute Minh Kieu came on, but in the few minutes afterwards, the team had a brief lull in concentration, and let a Corps shot slip in. Rouse was roused, thumping the pitch in frustration. 2-1.

Kieu was eager and looked set to put a goal away, having a few glorious chances, most notably a 1-on-1 with The Corps' keeper. Kieu was denied, but as the half time whistle blew, the team were upbeat, and hopeful for more goals in part two of this epic.

Ipreo looked sure of themselves, and the players were beginning to show some of that trademark flair that has been missing in recent games. Dave 'Twinkle Toes' Timothy skipped confidently around the opposition, but one tackle took a Corps player by surprise and he fell to the ground, showing the ref blood as he claimed a free kick. Timothy retaliated to this injustice in the form of an amazing goal, guiding the ball around half the pitch before putting it to bed in the back of the net.

The solid Ipreo side looked in jeopardy soon after - Newby seized a chance to take a shot from a far but pelted the ball into Scott MacDonald's crown jewels. The men of the crowd were bent over in respect for Scotty, the girls feared the worse, and all looked for a stretcher. Straight away MacDonald rose from the ground, caught his breath, shouted his team orders, and played on. Balls of steel, no less.

The team were invincible, literally, it seemed. So, it was only fitting that the game be closed with a well set-up and perfectly executed goal from youngster Chris Elliott. Final score, a convincing 4-1 win - The Corps were walking dead.

The horror.... The horror...

A series of injuries and misfortune led to Ipreo FC's 2-0 defeat to league leaders DEL today.

In pre-match training, the Sean ‘Essex Eel’ Robins was bitten by the mysterious ankle badger. Despite the excruciating pain, the Eel started the game with some conviction and looked good to bag a goal.

The pain, however, soon got the best of him and he asked permission to be substituted. Unfortunately, just as the Eel was about to come off, ‘Work Rate’ Ririe crumpled to the ground under a bruising tackle. Minh ‘Work Rate Jr’ Kieu came on for Ririe, as Robins continued to hobble around.

As Ririe recovered on the sidelines, Ipreo continued to press forward. Their efforts however, had little results to show. Robins was eventually substituted after Ririe was able to recuperate somewhat on the touchline.

Despite the bulk of the possession, Ipreo failed to make the necessary break through in the first half.

The walking wounded of Ipreo trudged on in the second half thwarting numerous DEL chances. The deadlock was broken when arch-nemisis Francois stung Ipreo again by beating Jamie Dononvan to a loose ball and catching the otherwise impressive Chris 'Not So Clean Sheet' Crow flat footed. The ball agonisingly rolled into the back of the net and gave DEL a lead they did not deserve.

Ipreo's tired legs marched on but the injuries took their toll and the team could not muster any meaningful attack. In the dying moments of the match, Chris Crow tried to spearhead an attack from the back but the ball was lost in possession and a goal was gifted to DEL.

With four games to go, Ipreo still have title hopes... but they are fading fast.

Final 2-0

Ipreo FC: Crow, Donovan, Timothy, Robins (Kieu), Ririe

Tough Battle Sees Ipreo Fight for Draw

Ipreo were unlucky not to pick up all three points today, in a hard fought 0-0 draw with fellow contenders NIG.

Ipreo started positively and looked assured of cruising to victory. The first half saw Ipreo retain much of the possession and efforts by Robins, Ririe, Newby and Donovan either went wide or were saved by the opposition goalkeeper. By the end of half time, most fans were convinced that it was only a matter of time before the goal floodgates opened.

Unfortunately it was not to be, as the second half was much of the same. Robins and Ririe were both denied from close range. Clean Sheet Crow could have taken the day off - as he was hardly troubled all day. Even the introduction of Scott MacDonald for Paul Newby in the final minutes of the match could not secure a much needed victory for the boys in blue.

The next match is in two weeks versus second place DEL. The league is tighter than ever with several teams still in contention for promotion.

The Crow Speaks...

Our resident custodian has penned his thoughts on the season, and on the ID match in particular

"Ipreo FC have enjoyed a storming start to the season, climbing straight to the top of the league. They've managed to stay clear at the top since. Recently however, the team have been struggling to maintain that form, with a number of draws and losses. Fortunately, the lead that was opened at the start of the season has meant the team has retained their top spot.

Until today, Ipreo FC's last five results were: lost - won - lost - drawn - drawn; a far cry from the four consecutive wins that kicked off the season. Today saw the team taking on a team they beat comfortably at the start of the season. Could this be the turning point in Ipreo FC's fortunes?

The usually dedicated Ipreo supporters had for the most part deserted the team, a sign perhaps of their frustrations (and perhaps the biting cold)… The game started in strong fashion however, with Rossi scoring almost straight away. Things were looking good; swift precise passes combined with impressive movement threatened the opposition. However, a quick break against the run of play from Interactive Data saw them through on goal, and a strong finish left Crow unable to prevent the equaliser. 1-1.

A few minutes later another disaster struck, with our goalscorer incomprehensibly sent off for a seemingly innocuous challenge. Ipreo FC were down to four men, with three quarters of the game remaining. The team soaked up pressure for the remainder of the first half, with a number of critical tackles from Newby and Donovan. Ririe brought attacking energy to the team when the breaks came, but at half time the score remained 1-1.

Going into the second half, Kieu was brought on in place of Ririe to bring fresh legs to the team. The extra player on the opposition side was however proving dangerous. With a spare man always available, the Ipreo defence were being stretched to their limit. Crow was bringing the ball out, trying to make up the onfield defecit but attacking opportunities were shut out with the extra opposition players. Shots rained in from Interactive Data, and the game became about survival. More decisive challenges, and some finger-tip saves kept the score even, but it looked like a matter of time before Ipreo FC would finally break.

How wrong we were. Minutes from the end, Newby caught an Interactive Data player out near their goal with a strong tackle. Bearing down on goal, he smashed his shot past the helpless goalkeeper, unbelieveably putting four man Ipreo FC back in the lead! And that was how it stayed. 2-1 to Ipreo.

Today's game was a hard-fought victory. It showed grit, determination, and a never-say-die attitude, which the team had seemed to lose in recent games. Turning point? Maybe. Important victory? Possibly. Well-deserved? Definitely.

Going into the weekend, Ipreo FC remain top of the league, with 29 points from 9 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. With only 6 games remaining, promotion beckons.

Watch this space for future news and updates on Ipreo FC's progress throughout the season.


Crow"

History in the making

Line ups:
Ipreo FC: Crow, Newby, Donovan, Rossi, Rire (Kieu)
Interactive Data: seriously, who cares?

Six seconds: GOAL! (Adam Rossi)

Four minutes: GOAL! (some guy for Interactive Data)

Six minutes: RED CARD! for a sliding tackle from behind (Adam Rossi) - first on pitch red card in the history of Hemscott/Ipreo FC

HT: Hemscott 1-1 Interactive Data

Fifteen minutes: GOAL! (Paul Newby)

Eighteen minutes: FINGER TIP SAVE! (Chris Crow)

Nineteen minutes: DIVE! (some cheating gimp from Interactive Data)

FT: Hemscott 2-1 Interactive Data

*all timings approximate & subject to further change following fact checking/pedantic emails from players. Match report may follow, but I've got work with which to be getting on.

Glorious 5-0 Victory!

Ipreo picked up all 3 points today thanks to their opponents forfeiting the match.

A new winning streak has just begun.

Player Crisis?

Rumours from the Ipreo FC camp suggest that the team may be in the midst of a player crisis. According to a source close to the club, several key members of the squad have had to withdraw from this week's crunch match versus FITCH.

Executive Director of Football, Colin Greer, was unavailble for comment. But our source informs us that the team is chasing the signature of a Marketpipe starlet.

Stay tuned for more details.

Next Up

This week's game is against Fitch. Kick off is at 12.50 and we will be looking to get back to winning ways.

We beat them 5-1 in September with a goal from DaveT and four from SeanR. This was the game that featured on the front cover of the September Informer magazine.

Another draw

IFC moved another point nearer promotion with a 1-1 with Sports Interactive C on Friday.

Sean Robins opened the scoring in the first few seconds and SI equalised after the Crow had a pass intercepted while he was out of the goal.

Not much happened in the second half, not least of all because SI seemed intent on wasting as much time as they could get away with.

Depending on how you look at things, we are either on a 2 game unbeaten run or we have only got 1 win in 5 games. The first sounds a lot better ;-)

Before kick off we were only 2points clear of 2nd place and 7 clear of 8th. It's all getting rather tight again - nothing that a 5 game winning run can't solve!

Team: Crow; Elliott (Rossi), Newby, Robins, Timothy
Goal: Robins

Del.

Back in Action

The Boys in Blue are back in action this week, taking on Sports Interactive C. We beat them 2-1 in August, thanks to a DT brace, but it should have been more comfortable than that

Kick off is at 13.15

The Offsider

"Tous que je sais avec la plupart de certitude au sujet de morale et des fonctions des hommes, je doivent au football"

Eh?

"In English Please"

Ipreo FC 0 - Athletico RBS 0

All eyes were again on table toppers Ipreo FC as they thrashed promotion rivals Athletic RBS 0-0 at the Finsbury Leisure Complex Arena today. There was a huge roar from the dedicated Ipreo supporters in the newly completed 12 all seater MY Humps Upper tier as Fans favourite Sean Robins was spotted among the substitutes, obviously still not quite 100% fit after a sudden bout of vodkaritis.

The game got off to a frantic pace with both sides creating numerous chances, but none quite good enough to beat either keeper, of which Ipreo resident Chris Crow was on particularly good form. Dave DT Timothy was running the show in midfield as usual, an Paul Newbs, in for the suspended East End bad boy Jamie Donovan, was showing why some have been touting him as the next big thing in English football. But Ipreo were still unable to break the deadlock, while at the other end the Psycrow was keeping the boys in blue in it, as both teams were raining in the shots on goal.

For a 0-0 draw, the game was full of incidents, chances, saves and drama. In the dying seconds either team could have won with last gasp attempts. However, on his return, it was Sean Robins' sin bin, after only 1 minute of entering the field, that will be hugging the back pages tomorrow. Robins was sent to the stands for two minutes for decent after apparently calling into question the referees use of the English language, something yours truly has never obviously had a problem with. However, Robins took his punishment like a Soho Pro and the game continued without him.

Ipreo continued to press in the second half showing touches that Ronaldinho would have wet himself over...all that was needed was a goal, that ultimately never came.

Man of the match Chris Crow probably came up with the most entertaining moment of the match, exposing his gluteus maximus after an impeccable parry, causing an unnamed female fan to go quite red, and quiver "oh my" under her breath. Crow, it seems, is something of a hit with Ipreos testosterone challenged supporters.

And so it ended, 0-0, but never fret, the Blue and whites still currently top the Friday league with over half the season now gone. Could this be our year, is this our time? Has Colin Greer masterminded the almost impossible feat of promotion the giddy heights of the Thursday League? Find out next week in another exciting edition of the blue report, in the mean time...I'm off for a lager shandy, adios!

The Bin of Sin

IFC 0 - 0 RBS

Ipreo started the second half of the season with a goal-less draw against an RBS side that hit the post twice and forced a couple of top saves from the returning Crow. Ipreo's best chance came came late on when Chris Elliott tried to turn home a cross but the keeper managed to get a hand to the shot.

The main memory of the game will be our first ever sin bin. Sean Robins was sent to the touchline less than a minute after coming on as sub for back chat after the award of a free kick. This hardline approach from a new referee also saw The Crow get lectured for squaring up to an opponent in the first few moments of the game. Might be an idea to ditch the dissent if we have him again, lads!

Still top of the league (we were 3 points clear of second and third this morning) but it's getting tight at the top again.

Next Up...

After a second defeat in three games, IFC will be looking to get the promotion roll back underway. It's the first game of the second half of the season and we will be looking for a repeat of the performance from the opening day (except for the step-over from the sub keeper - that was a one off!) and another 3-1 win would be nice

Date - 19 October 2007
Opponents - Athletico RBS
Kick Off - 13.35

IFC 1-2 IDS

Today marked the half-way point in the season and Ipreo managed to lose a bad tempered game 1-2.

Adam Rossi gave IFC a 1-0 lead when a block tackle spun off his foot into the bottom corner of the goal. We then proceed to gift them two goals before the break and despite a lot of effort and territory in the second period we couldn't get an equaliser.

Still top, but it's back in the mixer for the second half of the year. Keep the faith, and hope tomorrow is a more successful day (Swing Low, Sweet Chariot...)

Team: Rouse; Elliott (Donovan), Newby, Robins, Rossi
Goal: Rossi
Booking: Donovan

Ipreo's Number 1?

Controversy reigns over the Ipeo's FC's goalkeeping selection. Following recent absence Chris Crow is yet to reclaim his starting position between the sticks, with Derek Rouse continuing in goal today.

Despite some press criticism of his form earlier in the season, Crow is determined to prove his value to the team & will fight for his place as soon as he is handed the opportunity.

A source close the team earlier remarked,"We made mistakes and he made an error but I'm not someone who is going to punish him for that because he is number one for us and in the same game he had two very good saves before the situation."

Next opposition

The table-topping Ipreo massive will be looking to get the sporting weekend off to a flying start on Friday as they take on IDS. This game marks the half-way point in the season.

Here's to an Ipreo-England win treble! (Sorry, Philippe!)

Date: 11 October 2007
Opponents: IDS
KO: 13.35

Del.

Ipreo FC 1 - 0 City & Guilds

Ipreo FC's first clash with former 3rd division City & Guilds was a fast and physical game that tested our boys' skills and patience. The team looked splendid stepping onto the pitch in their new branded blue shirts, and there was a good turn out of fans to spectate on what turned out to be a cracking game.

Our lads dominated for the majority of the first half, showing great form under pressure, but a goal was frustratingly denied, despite several good shots from most of the boys, including crowd favourite Essex Eel Sean Robbins. Things changed in the second half, as Dynamite Dave Timothy obliged with a flying shot a few minutes into the second half. The goalkeeper didn't stand a chance. The crowd went wild, sparking the first chants to be heard at the Phil Hanna End this season.

For the rest of the game we held steady, against our well-organised and undismayed opponents. This didn't stop number 69 Adam Rossi and substitute Paul Newby having a few good punts at goal number two, and minutes before the final whistle Dave T came within inches himself after perfectly negotiating the field and then hitting the post. This only served to encourage the crowd, and as the final whistle blew, the Ipre-ettes along the sidelines celebrated a deserved 1-0 victory.

IPREO 1-0 City & Guilds

IpreoFC got back to winning ways with a 1-0 win over second placed City & Guilds in front of the massed ranks of Ipreo supporters (cheers folks).

Dave Tim got the goal and hit a post late on against a side who really didn't have too much to offer.

Full report to follow

Del.


Massed ranks of Ipreo supporters, yesterday

Shock Swoop!

The tabloids are abuzz at the rumour of Sean 'The Essex Eel' Robins' return to the Ipreo line-up.

Only one week after announcing his retirement, it is rumoured that Robins has now changed his mind and is willing to play for Ipreo FC for the remainder of the season.

Ipreo FC management were unavailable for comment.

Stay tuned!

Next Match - 5 October

The Ipreo massive will be looking to get back to winning ways this Friday when they take on City and Guilds who are second in the league. The 1st v 2nd clash should prove pivotal to our chances of getting out of this league.

Oppo: City & Guilds
Date: 5 October 2007
K.O.: 1315

D

Ipreo 1-2 Redsox

Where do we start?

It rained. We played well enough to get a draw after gifting a 2-0 half time lead. We then battered them in the second half but only had Dave Timothy's goal to show for our hard work.

Still top of the league, though. Next week we play City & Guilds who were second this morning (and could therefore only be behind us on GD if they won).

Del

Man the Barricades!

Ipreo FC return to action this week boosted by the signing of French international Phillipe Mampouya.

Dave Timothy, who also serves as Mampouya's agent, is keen to see his client in action, stating: "He speaks French and kind of looks like a cross between Thierry Henry and Aaron Lennon. How bad can he be?"

Indeed.

Come and find out for yourselves on Friday at 12:50pm.

Next Match - 28 September

Despite the loss of the leg-end that was Sean Robins and the absence of the psy-Crow, IpreoFC will be looking to continue their great start to the season this week.

Next match:
Date: 28 September 07
Time: 1250
Opposition: Redsox

Del.

Legend Robins Calls it a Day

Ipreo FC football legend Sean (The Electric Eel) Robins will be remembered for his dazzling skill on the pitch, and for his cider-fuelled lifestyle away from it.

Robins was a footballing genius. He had speed, superb dribbling skills, the ability to accelerate past players and was adept with both feet.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the 5-a-side Friday Lunchtime Super League.

Unfortunately, the accompanying cider and playboy lifestyle degenerated into alcoholism, bankruptcy, a prison sentence and, eventually, a liver transplant.

Robins will be sorely missed both on & off the pitch. Ipreo FC's management wish him well in all his future endeavours.

Business as Usual for the Boys in Blue

By Tony Blizzard

As the weather turned typically British the Hemscott bandwagon rolled on in scintillating Samba style.

Todays trouncing of OAP side "The Corps" spelled the end of an era as Sean Robins said farewell to the Hemscott faithful, ushering in a period of total dominance in his wake. After some distasteful off-pitch antics David "Work-Rate" Ririe failed a fitness test and was replaced by the spritely Minh Kieu, and with Dave "the Peckham Prowler" arriving fashionably late the game started in earnest.

Speading the ball around like soft butter on a fresh bap Hemscott looked in tip-top shape. The lads had obviously been putting in the hours at the training ground as one of the Corps boys was heard to whimper "…please, a-a-abandon match.." whilst scurrying after a searching Minh Kieu pass. The deadlock was broken when, believe it or not, Hemscott's unsung hero Jamie "the cider chugging chubster" Donovan drilled a left-footed Scholes-like drive through a crowd into the keepers arms who then proceeded to roll over and throw the ball into his own net. As Ron Atkinson once said: "A ten foot keeper really should have stopped that". 1-0 to the Cockney Boys.

Now that Hemscott had stamped their authority all over the metaphorical cheque book stub of this footballing exhibition they really started to take the p*ss. Mink Kieu, resembling the Maradona, surged forward time and time again, carving the defense to ribbons. Inevitably the second goal arrived in the form of a super-jinking run from the Dave Timothy which culminated in a net bursting strike to the bottom corner. The Corps' keeper prayed for mercy. Unfortunately the Lord Almighty wasn't listening (reports suggest he is currently dealing with the indignity of a terrorism charge.)

Next came the moment of the match: after scything down a cocky opposing upstart Mink Kieu brought the ball down, looked up, smirked with arrogance and curled one off from the half way line, the crowd gasped in astonishment as the ball, seemingly pulled by a divine magnetic force towards the gaping goal, began to fly irrevocably into the top corner. But, alas it was not to be as the ball pinged off the post and into the keepers arms. A bystander with precision steelwork construction credentials commented "That goal is not to industry standards, I will not rest until that goal is allowed!" - our thoughts are with the guys family as he was tragically mowed down by a milk float as he ran across the road in a bid to inform the FA.

Anyway, Hemscott were now coasting and the half time whistle couldn't come a moment too early for the rapidly deteriorating Corps five. Sportingly the Hemscott boys signed autographs and performed an Irish jig on the centre circle. Michael Flatley described it as: "Great stuff".

The referees whistle signalled play on and the game continued in much the same way that it ended. The Corps central veteran defender appeared to be losing his patience when his two footed lunge left Sean Robins in a crumpled heap on the floor. What happened next can only be described as some sort of paranormal telepathy as Sean Robins cheekily pushed the ball back to Dave Timothy who, wearing his girlfriends trainers, powerfully drove the ball into the back of the net and chalked one more up on the board titled "Dave's lovely goals". The boys carried on working hard, offering a footballing masterclass to the mesmerised onlookers demonstrating textbook step-overs and back-heels you only normally see at Upton Park (disclaimer: T.Blizzard will not be held accountable for technical inaccuracies).

The fourth and arguably the best strike of the game came after a lightning fast Hemscott break away. As Dave Timothy carried the ball out to the right hand side of the pitch Sean Robins arrived to pick up DT's well placed backheel. With bags of time SR tipped up his collar and whispered "Au Revoir" before lacing the ball into the top-corner. EAT THAT! With the Corps well and truly beaten the fifth was only a matter of time. Once again Dave Timothy popped up in a defensive position, shimmied, faked, threw dummies left, right and centre and then buried the ball well out of reach of the despairing Corps goalie. Goodnight Vienna. Taking pity on the Corps players the referee blew for full time, ending what was a smashing soccer showdown, to quote Big Ron again: "They've done the old-fashioned things well; they've kicked the ball, they've headed it". The Hemscott keeper Chris Crow had little to do in this one-sided affair but good heavens was he looking hot!

Colin Greer who has been touted as the next Chelsea manager had this to say:
"Hot dang! That was some fine soccer! YEE HAW!!"

Team News

The club would like to categorically dismiss all rumours that they face a player crisis following the suspension of Dave Ririe (please see earlier news story).

Although details are not yet being made available to the press, and a number of reserve team players have been put on standby, we would like to assure our fans that a full strength line up will be in place to play the Corps at 12.30 today (Friday 21 September, 2007).

Further team news to follow...



Ipreo FC reserve team, yesterday (from left to right): Sam Norris, Derek Rouse, Adrian Cooper, Ed Buckman

Can't Show Up for Work-Rate

Dave Ririe has been forced to withdraw from today's Sean Robins Testimonial after a night of debauchery at the annual IR Awards.

He has been suspended without pay by the club.

Executive Director of Football, Colin Greer, released the following statement:

"I would have expected this type of behaviour from Scott MacDonald - but not Work Rate. I am shocked and appalled at his behaviour and will personally speak to Ririe when he eventually shows up for work."

"Despite his absence, I am confident in our squad's ability and am sure they'll bring home all three points."

Ipreo FC 3 Vs DEL 2

Ipreo went back to the top of the Friday league after victory in what was ultimately a close game against a distinctly average DEL side.

The opening exchanges saw action at either end, with ‘Keeper Chris Crow making a few useful saves, and Dave DT Timothy opening up the DEL defence on more than one occasion. It was end to end stuff, but the deadlock was finally broken, when Chris Elliott managed to get on the end of a Sean Robins cross field ball, and from an acute angle, slotted home just inside the near post. The goal seemed to rock DEL, as Ipreo kept up the pressure, with all four outfield players contributing to some slick pass and move football. DT could have made it two after a darting run that saw him skip past three of the four DEL outfield players only to see his placed shot fall marginally wide. After this, DEL started to get back into the game, Crow pulling off some majestic stops in the Ipreo goal. It was therefore somewhat against the run of play that Ipreo went two up. Robins taking the ball straight from a clearance from Crow to score on what was his penultimate game for the “Scotties”.

Just before half time, DEL pulled one back, after their striker placed the ball into an empty net as a result of what was actually a good parry from Crow. At half time, the score was 2-1.

DEL started the second half the brighter, with a few of the Ipreo boys looking a little tired. DEL equalised through the worst player in the league, Francois, to rub salt into the wound and suddenly, from cruising at 2-0, it seemed Ipreo had it all to do to secure even a point!

The turning point came shortly after the goal in the guise of a magnificent stop from Crow in the Ipreo goal. Crow tipping the ball just over the bar. This seemed to spur Ipreo on and after two close strikes from DT, the game was finally won in bizarre fashion as DT’s third shot in succession ricochet off a DEL defender and past his own ‘keeper to gift Ipreo all three points. And it could have been 4, and maybe 5, as super sub Sam pushed two late drives wide and another agonisingly over the bar.

So it ended 3-2 and on the balance of it, the better team won, and rightfully retake our position at the top of the table.

Next match details

After a week off, the Ipreo massive will be looking to get back to winning ways this Friday. It's another early kick off this week.

Onwards. Upwards. And keep living the dream!

D

Kick Off = 12.05
Oppo = DEL

Unbeaten run finally ends :-(

IPREO FC 1-2 NIG

This week's match report comes from the smoking keyboard of Mr Davey:

Riding high on our recent run of form & looking for an unprecedented 5th win in a row, we took on the boys from NIG with a very early 12:05pm start. It was also an early start for the goals, with Sean Robins slotting the ball in after just 10 seconds, to put us ahead with what must be our fastest goal ever!

In the absence of our star goal scorers from the last match (Dave “DT” Timothy and Dave “Workrate” Ririe) as well as our top goalkeeper Chris “The Crow”, the Ipreo boys put in a solid performance. With no substitutes available Jamie Donovan bravely played the full match despite originally requesting to only play the first half. Adam Rossi put in a strong performance and Paul “Newbs” Newby had one of his closest strikes at goal in recent times. Ed Buckman (making a welcome guest appearance in goal) was also in top form with some inspired saves.

Aggressive play from NIG gave the new referee (where was “chicken legs” today?) plenty to think about and ended in one of their boys being sent off for a spell in the ‘sin bin’. However, overall, NIG ground out the better game on the day putting away a goal in both halfs, and not even encouraging ‘toots’ on the Ipreo horn were enough to hold back what eventually became an inevitable defeat.

Post match insults sealed a lively match that ended our recent run of glory. It wasn’t the right day for a ‘bloggable’ post match team photo as the Ipreo boys retired despondently to the changing rooms.

IPREO FC 4-1 Interactive Data

Match report from Sam:

Ipreo FC 4 – 1 Interactive Data

THE COMEBACK KING

A great win for the boys at Ipreo that puts clear day light between them and the chasing pack at the top of the Friday 4th Division table. The hero of the hour was the man, the myth, the legend that is know to many as David Ririe, but to us he is merely Work Rate, and he lived up to his name and reputation, scoring an incredible hat-trick.

The game started brightly for both teams, with opportunities at either end, with David Timothy doing well in the Ipreo goal in the absence of usual custodian Chris Crow, who was…er…late!

The first real talking point did not come until halfway through the first half, when, seemingly in on goal, star striker Sean Robins was brought down from behind. The referee, who had obviously left his cards, glasses and possibly even eyes at home, waved play on, much to the dismay of the Ipreo faithful, who were out in their usual droves despite the slight autumn-like chill in the air.

This decision only seemed to spur Ipreo on as they soon took the game by the scruff of the neck, with Paul “Newbs” Newby showing some sweet touches in the heart of the midfield. And it was not long before the Scotties were ahead, the Man of the Match, Work Rate Ririe, slotting home from just outside the area. Soon afterwards there was more controversy as Robins managed to score straight from a corner, only for the referee (if you can really call him that) to disallow it. This seemed to get to Star man Robins, who spent the rest of the half shooting against the posts, the cage and even the church, but not, unfortunately, the goal.

In the second half Chris came on to replace DT in goal giving the ex-Kingstonain man a chance to make his mark on the match, which he did showing some excellent skill and clever build up play. And he was involved in probably the sweetest move of the match, Newby knocking round one defender before Timothy showed a good touch in laying off the Work Rate before Robins’ well struck shot was somehow kept out by the Data ‘keeper. If ever a goal was deserved, that was it!

After this, Ipreo took control, another two goals from Work Rate, both from outside the area made the score 3-0 before Timothy scored a lovely, well placed goal, sealing the result for Ipreo. Man of the Match Work Rate Ririe should really have made it 5, 6 and even 7 before the end of the match, missing a hat full of chances to increase the Scotties lead. There was a brief break in Ipreo’s domination when Data’s chunky number four scored a sloppy goal past Crow in what was his first action of the game.

So another day another win for Ipreo who are looking good as promotion favourites and are the team to beat with 12 points from 12.

Dave 'Workrate' Ririe

Next Match - 24 August

Another earlier kick off this week as IpreoFC look for 4 wins in a row

Opposition - Interactive Data
Date - 24 August 2007
KO - 12:30

Del.

Ipreo 5 (F-I-V-E!) Fitch 1

Yes, we scored Five in a game!

Yes, we are top of the league!

Yes, Sam has put together the following match report:

The Famous Five

Ipreo FC 5 Vs Fitch 1

It was the footballing skill of the seven Ipreo players that was to brighten up an otherwise miserable and overcast afternoon down Old Street on Friday, with four goals from top striker Sean Robins the highlight of the proceedings.

Straight from the kick-off “The Scotties” were pressuring their opponents with an eclectic mix of class and flair. It was unsurprising therefore that Ipreo took the lead early on, through Robins, after some good build up play from Dave “DT” Timothy, who threaded a great pass through for Ipreo’s man of the match to slot home from just outside the area. And it wasn’t long before Ipreo, and Robins, had doubled their account. Only the opposition ‘keeper will know what he was trying to achieve after he began to roam forward in possession, only to be disposed by Robins who coolly pushed the ball into an empty net. 2-0. Ipreo were cruising, and really should have increased their lead further, with midfield maestro Jamie Donovan blasting over with only the ‘keeper to beat. The opposition seemed to take heart from this and began to finally get into the game with their number 4 running things in the middle for them. But just as Fitch FC were getting back into the game, Ipreo put in a hammer blow through a cracking effort from Timothy. With nothing seemingly on, “DT” took control of the ball, after some exquisite passing between Donovan and Robins, skipped past three strong challenges and calmly slotted the ball past the oncoming ‘keeper. At 3-0, it seemed there was to be only one out come to this match. There were further chances in the first half for both Timothy and Robins, plus a glaring miss from the opposing striker, but the score at half-time remained 3-0.

With Ipreo dominating, manager Colin Greer decided to make some changes at half time, fielding something of a second string team, with Adam Rossi, and later Minh Kieu replacing Chris Elliott and Jamie Donovan. It was Fitch FC who started the second half the brighter with two chances in quick succession from the opposing number 4, who, in fairness, did possess some skill, and would not have looked out of place, even within the Ipreo squad. However, with Fitch looking like they were going to narrow Ipreo’s lead, that man Robins stepped up again to score his hat trick making the score 4-0, the game now over as a contest. Fitch still seemed capable of grabbing a consolation, and they did pull one back shortly after with a good strike from their number 4, scoring a great goal from long range giving Ipreo’s number 1 Derek Rouse no chance. Rouse had been in good form all game, make some fantastic saves from both long and close range but this effort was even beyond his almost super-human capabilities. With the score 4-1, the game seemed to be winding down, until Robins swooped in for a well deserved 4^th after what can only be described a phenomenally well executed assist from second half super sub Kieu. Kieu nearly got himself on the score sheet with literally seconds remaining, but the little man could not direct his shot under the bar.

A well deserved victory then for the “Scotties” who are still undefeated this campaign. With high hopes of lifting the Friday League Trophy come the end of the season and reaching the promised land of the Thursday League, the boys from Ipreo go marching on!

Matchday 3 - Friday 17 August

We've got another chance to keep he 100% record going. This time, the (soon to be defeated) opposition are Fitch.

Date - Friday 17 August 2007
Time - 12:50 KO

And if anyone is planning on coming along who doesn't know the route, here's a map

Del

Another one bites the dust

As Freddie Mercury put it so well.

IpreoFC's 100% record was continued on Friday with a 2-1 win over Sports Interactive.

Dave Timothy got both goals in the first half and the game could have been well out of SI's reach before they got a late goal from a rebound following a good save by The Crow.

Team: Crow, Timothy, Robins, Newby, Dononvan

Del

Friday 10 August 2007 - Sports Interactive C

Don't forget folks, the next installment of the great IpreoFC adventure is coming soon.

Date - Friday 10 August

Kick off - 13.15.

(Vanquished) opponents - Sports Interactive C

Team currently stands as:
Derek Rouse
Paul Newby
Chris (Psy)Crow
Jamie Donovan
Sean Robins

But please don't let that put you off from attending! After all JonG needs someone to help him give us the horn!

And if you are coming along (thank you, thank you, thank you!), the forecast I've seen says bring your shades and the factor 30!

Del.

Friday 3 August 2007 - Athletico Defeated!!!!

In the absence of a match report from Fleet Street's (wannabe) finest, I'll just mention that IpreoFC opened the season with a convincing 3-1 win over Athletico RBS. Goals came in the first half from Dave Timothy and a Sean Robins brace.

Del.

Stats Stats Stats!!!

Should you want to know who the top scorer is, who got the most cards, and who actually turned up, Derek will be updating this fantastic stats sheet after every game.

You must have access to the H: drive to see it:

View the Ipreo FC Stats Sheet...

Soon - Player Profiles!

New Season Fixtures List!

Here's something to get excited about - the new season for Ipreo FC starts today, and here's a fixtures list kindly provided by Derek.

Date	Time	Opposition
03-Aug	13.35	Athletico RBS
10-Aug	13.15	Sports Interactive C
17-Aug	12.5	Fitch
24-Aug	12.3	Interactive Data
31-Aug	12.05	NIG B
07-Sep		NO MATCH
14-Sep	12.05	DEL
21-Sep	12.3	The Corps
28-Sep	12.5	Redsox
05-Oct	13.15	City & Guilds
12-Oct	13.35	IDS
19-Oct	13.35	Athletico RBS
26-Oct	13.15	Sports Interactive C
02-Nov	12.5	Fitch
09-Nov	12.3	Interactive Data
16-Nov	12.05	NIG B
23-Nov		NO MATCH
30-Nov	12.05	DEL
07-Dec	12.3	The Corps
14-Dec	12.5	Redsox
21-Dec	13.15	City & Guilds
04-Jan	13.35	IDS

Informa Healthcare 5 - 0 Ipreo

Oh dear. Another defeat, this time to our old arch-rivals, Informa. The team seemed to get off to a bad start, and we were quickly 2 goals down. The rest is history. The best entertainment was Informa's goalie being sworn at by the ref.

Anyway, for nostalgic value, and as a little piss rip, here's the cover of Snow's legendary track "Informer"...

Ipreo 3 - 1 BSG

Here's what I can remember from Friday's game - really need to start taking notes at the match. Anyway...

A hot and sunny Friday lunchtime sees Ipreo FC facing BSG, a team who had previously played in the division above us. So, some might say that the competition looked tough. Certainly, their lads were young and energetic. And one of them was as big as a house. Ipreo FC got off to a typically reserved start, but held position well, although gradually succumbed to a goal just before the half time whistle.

A swift substitution saw new signing Chris hit the pitch, and our chances turned around. Him and Sean made a fine team upfront ably supported by the rest of the boys, and it wasn't long before we had taken the lead. Rossi managed to pick up a yellow card - for what, I don't know. But this didn't deter Ipreo - we had found our form, outwitting our flagging opponents, who lacked structure at the back. Jamie found the room to knock in another fine goal. 2-1.

The other side were shaken. Perhaps as a last ditch effort, they employed the interesting tactic of changing goalkeeper every two minutes. When House took over, he might as well have laid down in the goal mouth. Thankfully he didn't, he came forward, and Sean took the opportunity to tuck another one way. The crowd went wild. Final score Ipreo FC 3 - 1 BSG.

The Corps 2 - 1 Ipreo

Friday 1st June saw Ipreo FC face The Corps - arch rivals from years gone by. The game got of to a slow start but Ipreo were sure and steady, with defence holding back a very organised Corps team on the attack. Keeper Psycrow looked to keep a clean sheet going into the second half, until one Corps attacker released a torrent of shots, two skilfully saved, but one finally finding the back of the net. 1-0.

In the second half, the team's energy and enthusiasm was impressive, and Newby was gunning for a goal - yet, somehow luck was not on our side. Manager Colin Greer tried out new signing, Guy from Media Sales, who brought bags of energy to the side, but The Corps stood tall.

Finally, Hemscott's time came, with an impressive shot from Sean - can't really remember what happened though, think I was looking the other way. 1-1 and it was all to play for at the kick-off, but, in a bitter twist, The Corps dramatically took possession and fired it up our end - it found it's way past defence and into our goal mouth. A lucky break.

With little time left, Newbers was on the warpath looking to equalise and salvage the match, but energy and moral in the team was running low, and sadly it was not to be. Final score, 2-1 to The Corps.


The Corpse, not the Corps

This blog is ugly

Who designed this crap?

Anyways... let's focus on the footy.

Ipreo FC have been sinking without a trace for several weeks. Hopefully we'll turn it around today against arch rivals (of which there are many) - the Corps.

We will be testing out a new "system" which involves less running & effort. Hopefully this will allow our older, slower players to last 20 minutes.

We will also be introducing a new player - Chris Somethingorother from Media Sales. He claims to be a midfielder, but don't they all! Only time will tell.


UPDATE by Jon: I have been slowly making this blog prettier to stop you moaning!! Hopefully it now looks quite nice, though still wholly amateur, which is how it should be.

Welcome to The Power of Three

The Ipreo five-a-side team blog!