Wroughton WMC versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League,  Knock Out Cup Semi-Final
• Venue: The County Ground Extension (neutral venue)
• Date: Sunday, April 13th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Wroughton WMC

• Result: lost 2-4

• Scorers: Danny Clayton (33.00), Danny Clayton (77.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  The Gaffer asked for a big effort to make the Knock Out Cup semi-finals and he got it. The team was focussed and businesslike. It was a shame that Wroughton actually kicked off the semi-final with only ten men and even more of a shame that they took the lead with a soft goal on nine minutes when Dan Godwin misjudged a punt towards the penalty area allowing James Hearn to sneak one home despite the best efforts of James Domm, the ball trickling over the line from his parry. Nevertheless the team steeled itself and with the grit and determination being asked of them an equaliser finally came. The ball was played wide on the right to Danny Clayton by Phil Corcoran and in typical 'Clayts' trademark style he curled in a sublime shot from fully thirty yards over the head of the stranded Working Men's Club keeper for 1-1 on thirty-three minutes. With a frank discussion at halftime to the way the side was playing DOB came out fired up and in first fifteen minutes of the second period there was only one side in it - now that Wroughton were up to eleven men they did not even have that as an excuse. Against the run of play Wroughton forced a corner and when it was not cleared up properly in the resulting scramble from close in Barry Dickens turned and fired home through Domm's legs from a narrow angle for a fortunate, opportunistic goal. The Stags heads went down and minutes later another half cleared effort was hammered back in by John Dart and despite a great reaction save by Dommy the ball span into the goal via the post and the despairing efforts of Dan Affleck on the line. With the score now at 3-1 it could have been game over but the team kept trying without ever really testing the competent Wroughton goalie. The hoped for breakthrough came when Danny Clayton latched onto a fine pass just inside the area and skilfully lobbed the ball home to reduce the deficit to one goal with thirteen minutes remaining. Now with the wind in their sales DOB surged forward but as it had been the whole game that final pass or cross seemed to let them down and with four minutes remaining the fourth unfortunate or 'soft' goal came like the final nail in the coffin as a despairing Lee Mason, only the pitch for fourteen minutes, directed a header past his own keeper to round out the scoring at 4-2 to Wroughton. The semi-final was won and lost on the quality of the goals - Dorcan Old Boys had to work hard for theirs, Wroughton had at least two gifted to them (although I'd argue it was all four) on a day when the team's play was hard-working and good but that 'X' factor was missing. Perhaps the opposition worried DOB, perhaps the day played on the player's mind...who knows? The match is history now, consigned to the Strovey-Stats. Time to move on and make the Final in the 2008-09 season! Onward and upward.

• Starting Line-Up:
  James Domm; Matt Hodey (Dan Affleck 58.00), Ian Wilmer, Dan Godwin, Chris Sumner (James Sutton 70.00); Danny Clayton,
  Richard Jordan (Lee Mason 70.00), Graeme Little, David Devine; Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Danny Affleck, James Sutton

• Game Sheet - here

Walcot's Finest versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League,  Knock Out Cup Fourth Round (quarter-final)
• Venue: Shrewsbury Road, Walcot
• Date: Sunday, March 30th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Walcot's Finest

• Result: won 8-2

• Scorers: Gary Matthews (4.00), Phillip Corcoran (16.00), David Devine (20.00); Lee Mason (25.00), Gary Matthews (45.46),
  Phillip Corcoran (61.00), James Sutton (86.00), Gary Matthews (90.00).

• Match Synopsis:
  The Gaffer asked for a big effort to make the Knock Out Cup semi-finals this morning and it is exactly what he got. With other games on the Shrewsbury Road pitch being called off this match was just about playable despite the huge puddles near the halfway line. Walcot had a fine cup run behind them so DOB were keyed up for a tough match. Keeping the ball moving with some of the best passing the team has produced this season meant that Walcot's Finest were chasing shadows early on and a dominate Dorcan took full advantage. Early doors saw Gary Matthews slam home close in from a David Devine in-swinging corner and after some great attacking play Phil Corcoran headed home his own rebound after the home keeper saved his first effort for 2-0 inside twenty minutes. Minutes later a clearly on-form Devine lashed home after latching onto a brilliant through ball and five minutes after this Lee Mason outmuscled a covering defender and forced one past the goalie for a DOB four nil lead before half an hour was up! Walcot were not disheartened though and kept plugging away. This tenacity was rewarded when with the help of one of the puddles Tony McFarlane lobbed stranded keeper James Domm for 4-1 after some hesitant play in the backline from the visitors. Only six minutes later and it was 4-2 when once again some slack defensive play allowed Tim Reynolds to fire home after breaking through into the penalty area. Naturally Walcot were resurgent and the halftime whistle came at the right time for 'The Stags'. The next goal in the second half was going to be the most important and both sides knew it. Graeme Little started the game off with a woeful shot from near the halfway line that lead to a goal-kick. The Walcot goalie took a typical Sunday morning football goal-kick that daisy cut along the ground to reach Gary Matthews just inside the halfway line. With the goalie way off his line and Matt Hodey shouting 'shoot' and half a dozen others shouting 'don't shoot' Gary teed up the ball and returned it toward the goal to perfection - it dropped smoothly in the back of the net to give DOB a match winning 5-2 lead forty-eight seconds after the re-start. The nearest goal you will see to it was David Beckham's lob against Wimbledon many years ago or Danny Clayton's wonder-shot against Blueprint Chiseldon (for those that saw it). This really deflated the homesters and although they kept trying it really was 'game over'. The substitutes came on and three more goals were added to the total for Dorcan Old Boys. Phil Corcoran walked home a rebound off the cross bar from a stunning twenty-five yard Graeme Little effort, James Sutton, on as substitute, beautifully lobbed home his own rebound off the home goalie and with the last attack, in the last minute, Gary Matthews forced in a Danny Clayton pass for his deserved hattrick and the eighth goal.
  Now the semi-finals beckon - no matter who Dorcan Old Boys play against it will be tough but it is going to be a great day and a great challenge. Which is exactly what these players and this club needs. This was a champion's performance by a team of winners who were up for the cup. Well done everyone.

• Starting Line-Up:
  James Domm; Matt Hodey (Adam Poole 51), Ian Wilmer, Dan Godwin, Chris Sumner; Lee Mason (James Sutton 56), Richard Jordan, Graeme Little, David Devine (Danny Clayton 56); Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Adam Poole, Danny Clayton, James Sutton

• Game Sheet - here

Dorcan Old Boys versus The Bear Hotel

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, March 23rd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The Bear Hotel

• Result: won 5-2

• Scorers: Graeme Little (46.00), Gary Matthews (60.00); Gary Matthews (80.00); Opponent own goal (87.00), Graeme Little (90.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A game that DOB needed to win to ensure they went one better than last year's runners-up medals. The first half was taught and tense as both teams kept it tight at the back with most shots being long range and off target. Dorcan opened the second half in exactly the right manner as a right wing cross was nodded on by man of the match Gary Matthews for Graeme Little to head home close in. On the hour a trademark curling free-kick by The Gaffer, Matt Hodey, pinged off the bar and Gary Matthews stooped and headed in the rebound despite the visitors clamouring for offside. Nevertheless The Bear Hotel were obviously and good team and testing 'The Stags' in all departments. Eight minutes later Nathan Long was given time and space which resulted in a fine long range shot flying past Melluish in the home goal for 2-1 and game on! Clearly with their tales in the air The Bear Hotel were meeting resistance from the home team, so much so it looked like 2-1 might be the final score. Then disaster struck with only twelve minutes to go Melluish in the home goal race clear of his area and cannoned a would be clearance off Ian Wilmer in a mix-up which left Ryan Banks the easiest of 'empty-net' opportunities and 2-2. Dorcan responded in magnificent manner and almost from the kick off a left wing cross was deftly headed back across the six yard box by substitute Lee Mason for Gary Matthews to head home and put the home side back in the lead. This time there were no further slip ups and with time running out Mason fired home a right wing cross which a visiting defender obliged by heading into his own net and then almost on full time good work by Gary Matthews and Phillip Corcoran allowed Graeme Little to thump the ball home from eight yards out and seal the game. A 5-2 win that was hard work, showed good defensive and attacking abilities, great team character and handed Dorcan Old Boys their first league title.
  Well done to everyone for the hard work shown this season and indeed for the first three seasons to get Dorcan Old Boys to this point and in particular congratulations to Matthew Hodey whose money, hard work, enthusiasm and energy was finally rewarded with a league title that he so fervently believed this club and these players could, and deserved, to deliver.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish; James Domm, Ian Wilmer, Dan Godwin; Dan Clayton (Lee Mason 75), Matthew Hodey (Chris Sumner 82), Dan Godwin,
  Richard Jordan, David Devine; Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Chris Sumner, Adam Poole

• Game Sheet - here

Coleview versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Shrewsbury Road
• Date: Sunday, March 2nd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Coleview

• Result: won 5-2

• Scorers: Opponent own goal (48.00), Gary Matthews (56.00), Gary Matthews (65.00), David Devine (76.00), David Devine (84.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A tight first half saw Coleview start attacking from the off and this play was rewarded with a fifth minute goal. The homesters defended and held out so well that this lead lasted until three minutes into the second half. During the first half some good defending and the home goalie pulling off at least three great saves, along with the DOB attack helping out with some woefully off target shooting kept Coleview in front. Nevertheless the performance was good and the team believed that an early goal would put them back in the game. So it proved to be when Matt Hodey's early effort took a wicked deflection to wrong foot the goalie and it was all square. From this point on Coleview seemed to crumble, although they never gave up, and goals flew in at a regular intervals up until the final whistle to push Dorcan Old Boys a few more points closer to the Division Six title.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm, Chris Sumner, Ian Wilmer, Danny Affleck; David Devine, Graeme Little (Rob Belcher 76), Richard Jordan,
  Daniel Godwin (Adam Poole 76);  Matt Hodey (James Sutton 65), Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: James Sutton, Adam Poole, Rob Belcher.

• Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus AFC Royston

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, February 24th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: AFC Royston

• Result: won 10-1

• Scorers: Corcoran (32.00), Sutton (34.00), Matthews (38.00), Corcoran (46.00), Godwin (53.00), Corcoran (68.00), Corcoran (71.00),
  Devine (78.00), Little (85.00), Matthews (88.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  It is difficult to write a short summary of a game like this without sounding trite or disrespectful to the opposition. In truth AFC Royston
  probably arrived at Hooper's Field expecting a tough game. Their plan seemed to be hold and hit on the break and after half an hour it had worked. They had not been too much of a attacking force but they had reduced DOB to few long range shots. Unfortunately once the early morning hang-overs wore off and some of the passes started to hit their targets the break-through was going to happen. Three goals in six minutes between the thirty-second and thirty-eighth minute killed the game as a contest. The visitors did not give up and finally broke their duck in the seventieth minute to make it 6-1. They also hit the bar and had one goal wiped out for offside. To be completely fair Dorcan Old Boys also hit the bar twice and had two goals wiped out for offside and near the end of the game resorted to Keystone Kops attempts at scoring as players lined up to produce the worst finish. With promotion assured it's time for this club to bring home to title at the third attempt....

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, Chris Sumner Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, James Domm (Adam Poole 62); James Sutton (Lee Mason 62), Graeme Little, Daniel Godwin, David Devine; Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: Adam Poole, Lee Mason.

• Game Sheet - here.

AFC Royston versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Moredon Recreation Ground
• Date: Sunday, February 17th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: AFC Royston

• Result: won 6-1

• Scorers: Devine (40.00); Clayton (56.00); Little (68.00); Hodey (74.00); Corcoran (84.00); Jordan - penalty (88.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  Firstly I have to say this game was a great advert for the Swindon Sunday Football League, well officiated and played with the correct attitude and spirit. AFC Royston proved to be the enigma I predicted because if you just judged them on their results you would think that an easy win was on the cards. Far from it. The home side defended like lions and still looked dangerous on the break and it was unfortunate on them and their spirited goalie that the only goal of the half was an error from a simple David Devine shot. The second half started well for DOB and once again, unfortunately for the hosts, it was another soft shot that put the visitors 2-0 up, this time it was Danny Clayton who was the scorer. Only minutes later error at the back let in Royston and they duly dispatched the goal with some aplomb. After weathering the storm that AFC Royston caused after this goal Graeme Little sealed the match with a fine header from a great David Devine corner. Then came the moment I am contractually obliged to write about. After bringing himself on as substitute for the unlucky Gary Matthews The Gaffer, the irrepressible Matthew Hodey, jinked along the edge of the home team's penalty area and curled home a shot that finished the game. All at Dorcan Old Boys and indeed the opposition groaned, reached for the mobile phones and turned them off. The game closed out with Corky Corcoran getting the goal he deserved and in between some incredible open goals being missed Richard Jordan lashed home a penalty to score his first goal for the club in three years of play!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, Dan Affleck, Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, James Domm; Daniel Clayton (Chris Sumner 78), Graeme Little, Daniel Godwin, David Devine; Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews (Matt Hodey 61).
  Substitutes: Matt Hodey. Chris Sumner, James Sutton.

• Game Sheet - here.
• Players' Game Stats Sheet - here

Cats Solution versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Sevenfields, Penhill
• Date: Sunday, February 10th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Cats Solutions

• Result: won 7-2

• Scorers: Clayton (18.00); Matthews (25.00); Corcoran (28.00); Corcoran (55.00); Devine (64.00); Matthews (70.00); Belcher - penalty (88.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  No one was forthcoming with an independent synopsis but the general conscientious was the team played very well, maybe one of their better games of the season and despite the fact the Cats Solutions are not a bad team on the day they just did not have enough to answer the onslaught of Dorcan Old Boys. The Gaffer was very pleased!

• Starting Line-Up:
  James Domm, Richard Jordan, Dan Goodwin, Ian Wilmer, Dan Affleck; Daniel Clayton, Graeme Little, Lee Mason (Peter Hanrahan 45 - Adam Poole 56), David Devine; Phillip Corcoran (Rob Belcher 71), Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: Peter Hanrahan, Rob Belcher, Adam Poole.
• Game Sheet - here.

The Rodbourne Arms versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Knock Out Cup, 3rd Round
• Venue: Moredon Recreation Ground
• Date: Sunday, February 3rd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The Rodbourne Arms

• Result: won 4-3 (aet: full-time score 3-3)

• Scorers: Matthews (04.00); Clayton (68.00); Wilmer (84.00); Mason (116.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  Another game that fell victim to the recent bad weather was finally played and a place in the Knock Out Cup quarter-finals was up for grabs for the teams. DOB started the match well and a fine pass and well taken goal from Gary Matthews put the visitors up by one. After this more chances came Dorcan Old Boys' way as both Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews and Graeme Little were foiled by the in-form home keeper. With only fifteen minutes to halftime slack play at the back allowed a Rodbourne Arms forward time and space to crack a twenty yard shot in which proved to be a nightmare for Adam Poole in goal as he mistimed his dive and the pub team equalised. Minutes later and Graeme Little stepped into the breach to smash home one of his spectacular shots, the trouble was it was passed Adam for a 2-1 lead for the home side. More slack play gave The Rodbourne Arms a 3-1 halftime lead from a unchallenged header just minutes from the break. After a halftime discussion on tactics and line-ups the formation was changed with Danny Affleck coming on along with Peter Hanrahan to bolster the defence and Richard Jordan moving into his more comfortable midfield 'holding' position. Just as it looked as if Rodbourne had held out long enough a dubious free kick gave Danny Clayton the chance to before his pass the ball into the net shot and it was 3-2 with twenty minutes to go and game on! More chances went begging as The Stags finally found some form and with only minutes left on the clock Ian Wilmer picked up the ball and ran a full sixty yards past The Rodbourne Arms midfield and defence, burst into the box and hammered home the equaliser. With the strong wind blowing from goal to goal the extra time was definitely two completely different fifteen minute periods. The first fifteen minutes belonged to The Rodbourne Arms who bombarded the Old Boys goal the turning point coming when Adam Poole probably redeemed himself with a great double save, moments later the homesters hit the bar. The second period of overtime probably belonged to Dorcan, the home keeper made several good stops notably from Phil Corcoran and Danny Clayton and Danny also cannoned a shot off the post. Then with only four minutes remaining Lee Mason, DOB's very own work-horse, won the ball deep on the right and fired a looping ball deep into the box. Unfortunately the home keeper, who had been the saviour of his side for much of the game, completely misjudged the ball and somehow allowed it to bounce over his head for the winner! Dorcan Old Boys were into the quarter-finals for the first time in the club's short history.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Adam Poole, Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, Christopher Sumner; Daniel Clayton, Graeme Little (Peter Hanrahan 45), Lee Mason, Daniel Godwin (Daniel Affleck 45), David Devine; Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews (James Sutton 64).
  Substitutes: Danny Affleck; James Sutton; Peter Hanrahan
• Game Sheet - here.

Stratton United versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Shrewsbury Road, Walcot
• Date: Sunday, January 13th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Stratton United

• Result: draw 2-2

• Scorers: Corcoran - penalty (24.00), Matthews (58.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  After a rash of postponements on Saturday it was a surprise to see the Shrewsbury Road pitches looking so playable. The game went ahead with Dorcan Old Boys missing three key players. The absence of the club's hardest tacklers Lee Mason and Dan Godwin looked ominous and so it proved in the end, alongside James Domm being injured Peter Hanrahan did not arrive for the fixture. Nevertheless this gave Adam Poole and James Sutton promotion from the bench and both players responded with great performances. After a sticky start which Stratton United clearly bossed the game using the strong wind blowing down the pitch to their advantage DOB got into the stride and played some impressive football in difficult circumstances. Phil Corcoran gave the visitors a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot halfway through the first half and although United struck the bar with a thunderous drive DOB were value for their lead. An early injury to a key midfield player reduced the hosts to ten men early in the second half soon after Gary Matthews put The Stags 2-0 in front and one could have been forgiven for thinking it was game over. Far from it! Now with only ten-men Stratton began to find their 'spare man(!)' on the flanks and two goals between the sixty-eighth and seventy-fifth minutes tied the game up. With United still having a 'spare man' in attack they came close to sealing an astonishing win and it was only the last ten minutes or so that DOB came back into the game but the linesman's flag made sure no more chances would come their way. In the final seconds a second booking for a United player resulted in a sending off and although the earlier injury took two to three minutes to get off the pitch and the dismissed player took five minutes to leave the field of play there, apparently, was no extra time to be played. Most disappointingly this poor score draw seems to once again given Pinehurst Community a clear path to the title - because they do not drop points like this!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, Adam Poole, Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, Christopher Sumner; Daniel Clayton, Phillip Corcoran, Graeme Little,
  James Sutton (Danny Affleck 78); David Devine, Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: Danny Affleck.
• Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus Smart Movers

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League Division Six
• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough.
• Date: Sunday, January 6th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Smart Movers

• Result: won 5-1

• Scorers: Corcoran (20.00), Little (24.000, Devine (53.00), Clayton (62.00), Devine (83.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  With a cold snap starting the day and the pitch damp, cut-up and quite simply boggy in some places both teams could be forgiven for not coming up with the most entertaining and exciting game of football for the gathered few. Smart Movers had certainly improved from the team beaten 8-2 by DOB earlier in the season and for the first fifteen minutes did more than just hold the home side to 0-0. In fact with a bit more calmness in front of goal and some luck and they could have easily taken the lead. In the end the more experienced forwards of The Stags made the visitors pay for any mistakes and although Smart Movers had a couple of clear cut chances with the score at 2-1 the result was never really in the balance. A few hefty tackles and heated exchanges in the second should have livened things up but even this and the sending off a visiting player and two bookings for the homesters (Corcoran and Peter Hanrahan) this 'spice' did not really enliven the proceedings. Without showing any disrespect to the opposition the Dorcan Old Boys players have to realise that this season goal difference counts in league positions so goals going into the opponents net and keeping goals out of our net are as important as just getting the win. Let us all hope that this season we do not regret some of the easy open goals we missed during the campaign.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Adam Poole; James Domm (David Devine 45), Ian Wilmer, Daniel Affleck, Peter Hanrahan; Daniel Clayton (James Sutton 62),
  Richard Jordan,  (Lee Mason 62), Graeme Little; Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, James Sutton, David Devine
• Game Sheet - here.

The White Hart versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Knock Out Cup, Second Round
• Venue: Ballards Ash Sports Ground, Wootton Bassett.
• Date: Sunday, December 16th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The White Hart

• Result: won 2-1 (aet)

• Scorers: Devine - penalty (80.00), Little (114.00).

• Match Synopsis:
  On a cold frosty morning that was crisp and clear both teams could have been forgiven for not wanting to even play but considering the iron-like surface and slippery wintry conditions the game was not that bad. The White Hart started the stronger but possession and chances flowed and ebbed and by halftime DOB had the upper hand. In the thirty-first minute Graeme Little missed one of his trade-mark penalties that would have given the visitors the lead. Eventually it was another penalty that made it one nil this time David Devine dispatching it with some aplomb with ten minutes to go. As is usual with Dorcan Old Boys the equaliser came only minutes later. In a match that seemed to be heading to penalties it was the villain of the piece Graeme Little who superbly lobbed the outstanding home goalie to win the match five minutes from the end of extra time. A draw would have been a fair result but you can't have those in cup matches.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Adam Poole; James Domm (Peter Hanrahan 45), Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, Daniel Affleck; Daniel Clayton, Lee Mason (Daniel Godwin 45), Graeme Little, James Sutton; David Devine, Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: Daniel Godwin, Peter Hanrahan
• Game Sheet - here.

The Lamb Inn versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Division Six
• Venue: Marlborough Recreation Ground
• Date: Sunday, December 2nd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The Lamb Inn

• Result: won 9-1

• Scorers: Devine (1.30), Corcoran - penalty (11.00), Devine (17.00), Devine (25.00), Corcoran (32.00), own goal (41.00), Devine (53.00),
  Corcoran (55.00), Corcoran (87.00).

• Match Synopsis:
  A game that could easily have been a banana skin in horrible wintry conditions turned out to be a great performance by 'The Stags'. With only twelve available players the team managers in waiting, Domm and Wilmer decided on a 3-5-2 formation with the midfield five switching from attack to defence easily on the confines of the tiny Marlborough Rec' pitch. A so it turned out with the team so far in front by the break that the second half was a mere formality. Special mention must go to the players who had to concentrate the most the back three of Wilmer, Domm and Sumner along with goalkeeper Melluish and to star turn Lee Mason who played like it was the game before the FA Cup final and this performance determined whether he was playing or not!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish; James Domm, Christopher Sumner, Ian Wilmer; Peter Hanrahan (James Sutton 45) Lee Mason, Daniel Clayton, Richard Jordan, Adam Poole; David Devine, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: James Sutton
• Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus Pinehurst Community

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Division Six
• Venue: Hooper's Field. Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, November 11th
• Kick off: 10.35 a.m.
• Opponents: Pinehurst Community

• Result: draw 5-5

• Scorers: Wilmer (04.00); Corcoran (37.00); Matthews (38.00); Hodey (57.00); Corcoran (70.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A game that could have been won but might so easily have been lost. Goals galore rained in the first half as both teams' defenses and goalies went to sleep. Every time DOB climbed the mountain they slipped back down it. It is said you never really know anything about anybody until they face adversity. Well in the footballing sense we looked mightily suspect in the first half. Up against it after conceding a soft goal in the opening minute, even after the thunderbolt equaliser by Ian Wilmer shouting and bickering could be heard amongst the team and from the touchline. Over-reaction to circumstances doesn't help but neither does biting back when faced with the over-reaction. Everyone needs to sit back look at their mates and themselves and take a deep breath. Having said this after conceding a couple of soft goals the team stuck too it and hauled themselves back into the game time and time again. Make no mistake about it the Pinehurst Community team are a top football outfit and most teams in the division would have been slaughtered today. Ten out of ten for spirit and heart....five out of ten for application - can do better! The title is ours to lose....again!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish; Peter Hanrahan, Christopher Sumner (Matthew Hodey 45), Ian Wilmer, James Domm; David Devine (James Sutton 80), Daniel Godwin (c), Graeme Little (Lee Mason 62.00), Danny Clayton; Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Matthew Hodey, James Sutton
• Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus Coleview

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Division Six
• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, November 4th
• Kick off: 10.35 a.m.
• Opponents: Coleview

• Result: won 5-1

• Scorers: Sumner (38.00); Matthews (45.00); Matthews (73.00); Matthews (80.00); Wilmer (86:00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A strange game that started on a cold foggy morning. DOB did not seem 'up for it' and a very lively start by Coleview saw them create several clear cut chances whilst the homesters where still in the dressing rooms. It was not surprise that Coleview took the lead with a great finish after only four minutes. Dorcan Old Boys finally scored with their first real effort on target - a header by Chris 'goals' Sumner - after thirty eight minutes and then right on half time a fine turn and shot by Gary Matthews gave 'The Stags' a surprise and welcome halftime lead. After the break it was more of the same with unforced errors and mistakes allowing the Coleview team several clear cut chances they refused to take. Then with only thirteen or so minutes to go Gary Matthews sealed the game with a fine header and further goals by Gary (his third league hattrick on the trot) and Ian Wilmer ran out the game. Make no mistake though on another day Coleview could have easily been three in front before DOB scored. Watching on the touchline this game was a warning shot across our bows - be slack again and we'll pay!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish; Christopher Sumner, Peter Hanrahan (Matthew Hodey 45); Danny Affleck (Adam Poole 62), Richard Jordan, Graeme Little (c), Daniel Godwin (Ian Wilmer 42), David Devine; Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Ian Wilmer, Matthew Hodey, Adam Poole
• Game Sheet - here.

The Bear Hotel versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Division Six
• Venue: Marlborough Recreation Ground
• Date: Sunday, October 28th
• Kick off: 10.35 a.m.
• Opponents: The Bear Hotel

• Result: won 4-0

• Scorers: Matthews (15.00); Corcoran (31.00); Matthews (51.00); Matthews (76.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  On paper a tough game and certainly The Bear Hotel FC definitely turned up to win. Unfortunate errors in the backline for them let in Gary Matthews and Phi Corcoran and as a football team you don't really want to be doing that! Gary had a great game today and scored his third hattrick of the season ably back up by a fine supporting cast. After fifteen minutes an error by the home goalie was punished as Gary nipped in and tucked the ball home and from that point on it really looked like 'The Stags' were going to win. Ben Melluish looked his more confident self as he handled well in wild, windy conditions and in front of him the determined back four mopped up everything that was thrown at them, in particular Peter Hanrahan and Christopher Sumner who seemed to have shut up shop for the opposition forwards! All in all an nice win, a clean sheet and good day - apart from the diabolical weather.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish; Ian Wilmer, Christopher Sumner (c), Peter Hanrahan; Danny Clayton (Daniel Affleck 62), Richard Jordan (James Sutton 71), Graeme Little (Lee Mason 62), Daniel Godwin, David Devine; Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Daniel Affleck, James Sutton
• Game Sheet - here.

Greenbridge MOT Centre versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Competition: The Swindon Sunday Football League, Knock Out Cup, Preliminary Round
• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, October 21st
• Kick off: 10.35 a.m.
• Opponents: Greenbridge MOT Centre

• Result: won 8-5

• Scorers: Sumner (00.43); Matthews (13.00); Sutton (37.00); Corcoran (48.00); Devine (63.00); Corcoran (69.00); Little (78.00); Godwin (86.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A mix of what is good about Dorcan Old Boys and what is bad in one game. Some of the generous attacking play and inter-passing cut through the opposition like a a hot knife through butter. Most the goals were well taken and place home well - this was good. The defending for a large period was comical and Greenbridge scored, in all honesty, probably four soft goals out of the five conceded by 'The Stags'. Nevertheless goalie deputy Adam Poole displayed some assured handling in difficult conditions and couldn't be faulted on the goals and James Sutton put in a good sixty minute spell after having a recent dip in form, which he topped off with a fine goal. The three substitutes, more used to starting week-in-week out, took it like men and came on to make noticeable contributions. Particularly David Devine who made the visiting goalie work very hard in the last forty minutes or so than he had in the first fifty! A good attacking display but as a team we have to stop conceding so many.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Adam Poole; Daniel Affleck, Ian Wilmer, Christopher Sumner (c) (Danny Clayton 45), Peter Hanrahan; Lee Mason (Richard Jordan 55), Daniel Godwin, Graeme Little, James Sutton (David Devine 55); Phillip Corcoran, Gary Matthews.
  Substitutes: David Devine, Danny Clayton, Richard Jordan
• Match Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus Stratton United

• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, September 30th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Stratton United

• Result: won 5-3

• Scorers: Matthews (22.00); Corcoran (48.00); Matthews (62.00); Matthews (75.00); Godwin (90.00).

• Match Synopsis:
  A much better all round team performance with Danny Clayton coming back into form ably supported by Phil Corcoran and the hard working Gary Matthews up front it appeared that, for once, Dorcan Old Boys had too much for Stratton United as playing irresistible football they swept into a 4-1 lead with only twelve minutes remaining. The defence marshalled and dominated by Chris Sumner and Ian Wilmer seemed to have snuffed out the busy Stratton United front line but mysteriously every thing seemed to slacken off in the last ten minutes and two well taken, but admittedly soft, goals brought United back into it. There was enough time for Ben Melluish in goal to pull off a great last minute save and from the resulting clearance Dan Godwin lashed one home from fully twenty five yards with literally the last kick of the match.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm (c), Christopher Sumner (Peter Hanrahan 70), Ian Wilmer, Adam Poole; Daniel Clayton, Daniel Godwin, Richard Jordan, Gary Matthews; David Devine (Graeme Little 45), Phillip Corcoran (James Sutton 75).
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Peter Hanrahan, James Sutton, Graeme Little.
• Match Game Sheet - here.

Smart Movers versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Venue: Warneford School, Highworth
• Date: Sunday, September 23rd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Smart Movers

• Result: won 8-2

• Scorers: Matthews (5.00); Clayton (25.00); Godwin (26.00); Godwin (32.00); Clayton (38.00); Corcoran (40.00); Sumner (60.00); Corcoran (75.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  Smiles all round this weekend and a incredible goal scoring spurt between the twentieth minute and the fortieth minute saw Dorcan Old Boys score five to lead 6-0 and most definitely 'game over'! To give Smart Movers their credit they never stopped playing and never let their heads drop and from the point of the sixth goal ended out drawing with the Stags 2-2! The match was well refereed by the Smart Movers manager and with both sides playing football in the right spirit it was a pleasant morning to be out at Warneford School. Unless of course you are a Smart Movers player but there was nothing they should be ashamed of in their attitude and performance.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm (c), Christopher Sumner (Danny Affleck 71), Ian Wilmer, Adam Poole; Daniel Clayton, Daniel Godwin (Lee Mason 53), Richard Jordan, Gary Matthews (Peter Hanrahan 53); David Devine, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Lee Mason, Peter Hanrahan, Danny Affleck.
• Match Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus The White Hart

• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, September 16th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The White Hart

• Result: lost 3-5

• Scorers: Corcoran (26.00), Devine (85.00); Corcoran (90.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A disappointing results for Dorcan Old Boys and a great result for The White Hart in this game billed as the battle of the White Hart as both clubs share The White Hart public house as a base. The visitors scored early on with a disputed goal and after Dorcan equalised a handling error by Ben Melluish right on halftime tipped the advantage to The White Hart. Just short of the hour mark The White Hart increased their lead with a break away goal from a corner and a brilliant finish. Just as it looked as if The White Hart were going to walk away with the points a late spurt saw Dave Devine score a corker of a goal and Phil Corcoran punish poor defending to equalise for 'The Stags' and then in an amazing finish The White Hart took two well taken efforts deep into injury time to seal the points see them leap frog Dorcan Old Boys in the league table.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm, Richard Jordan, Dan Clayton, Danny Affleck (Rob Belcher 73); Adam Poole (James Sutton 58), Daniel Godwin (c),
  Gary Matthews, Ian Wilmer (Christopher Sumner 58), David Devine, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Christopher Sumner, James Sutton, Rob Belcher.
• Match Game Sheet - here.

Dorcan Old Boys versus The Lamb Inn

• Venue: Hooper's Field, Wanborough
• Date: Sunday, September 9th
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: The Lamb Inn

• Result: won 10-1

• Scorers: Corcoran (8.00), Corcoran (24.00), Devine (27.00), Corcoran (33.00), Corcoran (50.00), Corcoran (66.00) Matthews (77.00), Little (81.00),
  Matthews (87.00), Matthews (90 +2)

• Match Synopsis:
  Three good saves in the first six or so minutes by the visiting keeper set up the type of the game this was going to be and so it proved. Once Phil Corcoran opened the scoring on eight minutes there really was going to be only one team to win. The Lamb Inn scored a fine goal to make it 5-1 and then had a small purple patch where they might have added to their solitary strike but once Corcoran settled any further nerves to increase the lead to 6-1 it was only a matter of how many. Late strikes from Gary Matthews bagged him a hattrick and sandwiched in between these was a trade mark Graeme Little twenty-five yarder. Phil ended up scoring five, which set a new club record and the team managed ten which is also a new club record.

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm, Richard Jordan, Ian Wilmer, Danny Affleck (Adam Poole 62); James Sutton (Rob Belcher 70), Daniel Godwin (c),
  Graeme Little, David Devine, Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Adam Poole, Rob Belcher.
• Match Game Sheet - here.

 Pinehurst Community versus Dorcan Old Boys

• Venue: Southbrook Gardens, Pinehurst Road, Rodbourne.
• Date: Sunday, September 2nd
• Kick off: 10.30 a.m.
• Opponents: Pinehurst Community

• Result: won 2-1

• Scorers: Corcoran (90.00), Corcoran (94.00)

• Match Synopsis:
  A tight first half that should never have been a tight first half saw the teams go in level at 0-0. DOB in all fairness has a least four clear-cut chances to score but spurned them all. It looked as if the Old Boys would be punished severely as a miss-kick inside the penalty area by keeper Ben Melluish gifted Pinehurst the opening goal a minute after the restart. Pinehurst were certainly buoyed by this and upped the tempo of their game considerably without capitalising on their 'purple patch'. Something they were to regret as Phil Corcoran scored in the last minute to grab a deserved equaliser for 'The Stags' and then snatched a winner deep into injury time. On chances created it was probably the right result - but only just!

• Starting Line-Up:
  Ben Melluish, James Domm, Chris Sumner, Ian Wilmer, Adam Poole (Danny Affleck 63); Richard Jordan (Lee Mason 63), Daniel Godwin (c), Daniel Clayton, David Devine (James Sutton 63), Gary Matthews, Phillip Corcoran.
  Substitutes: Danny Affleck, Lee Mason, James Sutton.
• Match Game sheet here.