Sunday 13 May 2007 - VT Charity Cup, sponsored by VT Training in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

TEAM GRYPHON FC (3) 3 - 3 (0) IVEL FM FOOTBALL TEAM - Matt Plowman, Lewis Bacon, Mark Brewer

Team - MACINNES, D.BEATON, T.BEATON, BACON, TRIM, MABEY, RYAN, DIFFEY, COOPER, PLOWMAN, BREWER, Subs – WISDOM, BASTABLE, NEWTON, WELLS

Team Gryphon entertained Ivel FM in the VT Charity Cup on Sunday morning, in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, as the rain bucketed down the teams kicked off, Team Gryphon started the game as though they wanted to get out of the rain as quickly as possible racing into a 3-0 half-time lead, without reply, although Ivel lost their keeper to a serious injury and had to borrow one our subs, after only twenty minutes. The Management made a few changes for this 'charity friendly', with Joint Managers Tristan Cooper and Peter Diffey both making their starting debut, plus new recruit Lewis Bacon his. This was our final game of the 2006/07 season and one that saw a welcome return to the team of Paul Macinnes, Rob Newton and Andy Bastable, all after long injury lay offs. The game itself was pretty one sided, and after a sustained period of pressure, which saw Diffey excel in centre midfield, treading the ball though the Ivel defence, with the precision, and insight of the pro he was ten years ago, his passing found Matt Plowman who opened the scoring with a 6-yard drive, then after a great cross from Cooper, Lewis Bacon sealed his debut with a goal from outside the box 2-0 and job done? Director of Football, Pete Diffey was replaced by Matt Wisdom and TGFC scored their third this time by ‘Club Top Goalscorer’ Mark Brewer.

With the rain not letting off, in fact getting worse, the second half kicked off and this time it was Ivel FM who had the loins share of the game, in fact they staged a remarkable come back, when the second half started it was really all about how many more TGFC would score, but no, and credit to Ivel FM, guest player Stuart Wells started the fight back when he scored and then should have had a second minutes later ten minutes after the re-star. Team Gryphons centre defence pairing played a short clearance, which put the full back on the back foot and from it Ivel FM reduce the score to 3-2. Their equaliser came minutes before the end, as tiredness and the weather started to affect the home side, but with the down pour came a renewed desire by the away side, who pushed on for a winner, it didn't come, but Plowman had a final effort for Team Gryphon to deservedly win it just as the final whistle was blown and an end was brought to a great game, which really was a game of two half’s, but as it was for charity, the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, a draw was a fair result?

Thanks to Neil Quigley and the IVEL FM team, Ian Bolton the referee, and Coopers Catering of Hamworthy for the refreshments, and finally to everyone who braved the weather to support both teams and a deserved charity, thanks.

Sunday 29 April 07 - Banks Charity Cup Round 2 / Quarter-Final' @ King George V Playing Fields, Ferndown

HOLLIES FOOTBALL CLUB - HOME WIN - TEAM GRYPHON FC

Team Gryphon were unable to fulfil this fixture of the Banks Charity Cup, due to unforeseen circumstances experienced by the club in the build up to this quarter-final match up between the Hollies of the 'Haywood Bournemouth Sunday League, Division 6' and Team Gryphon of the 'Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One'. The Club, its Management and players wish the Hollies all the best for the semi-final and offer a sincere apology to the Banks Charity Cup, its sponsors and the charities it supports. Peter Diffey, Team Gryphon FC Joint Manager and Director of Football

Thursday 26 April 07 - Charlie Goddard Cup @ Sherborne Town Football Club

BLACKMORE VALE FOOTBALL LEAGUE 1- 5 YEOVIL & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE

A message from Glyn Collins BVFL 'Pick of the League' Head Coach - A special thank you to Brian Bingham and Bishops Caundle Colts for supplying the Kit and Water Bottles and everything Brian did, also to Lance Ledbury (K&S Eagles) and Pete Diffey (Team Gryphon) for all the work they put in, My special thanks go to each and every player that put on a shirt, they did the League and themselves proud, the score of 5-1 some what flattered the Yeovil side, although the Referee's man of the match was a Yeovil Player, three BVFL players stood out for me Mark Brewer (Team Gryphon), Chris Burt (K&S Eagles) amd Dave Morris (South Cheriton) the later being the BVFL player of the night in the eyes of the Referee. My thanks to all who came to support us on the night and we hope you enjoyed it as much as the players and management team.

We look forward to playing Yeovil agian next season, once agian thank you to all those involded. (M.BREWER & M.CLEMENTS of TGFC both played the full 90 minutes)

Thursday 19 April 07 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Bishops Caundle Recreational Ground

SHERBORNE WEST END FC (1) 5 - 0 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC

Team - FORD, MABEY, T.BEATON, BARKER, D.BEATON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, TREBBLE, LANNING, WELLS, PIERSON - Subs – WISDOM, TRIM, MACINNES (NU), BREWER

Team Gryphon Football Club completed its inaugural season of the Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One with a disappointing defeat away at second placed Sherborne West End. With three important players missing TGFC started the game well, playing some nice attractive football on a hard, bobbley surface, and the players who came in for them held their own by adding to the mix, and not letting the team down. Team Gryphon thought they had taken the lead when James ‘JT’ Trebble lobbed the keeper from distance, but the goal was ruled over and out, as it was alleged to have gone over the bar? Stand in goalkeeper Jordan Ford played well, but we and him feel to a sucker punch as he saved only for the ball to fall to a West End player, who scored the opening goal just before half-time.

Unfortunately within the opening ten minutes of the second half, Team Gryphon conceded again but should have got themselves back in game when Gareth Pierson, and Tony ‘DD’ Beaton both went close. Unfortunately our finishing was much the same as Sunday’s game, and Sherborne West End in the end just seemed to score with every opportunity available to them, and went on to win the game comfortably 5-0 to strengthen their quest for the title, and this convincing win should give them a chance.

At the end of the day, our league campaign has gone okay, we should have done better in a number of games, been a bit more competitive and scored a few more, then with only a few weeks left, we shouldn’t be watch nervously at the table to see if Sturminster Rovers and Bruton Town over take us, as we aim to hold on to 7th place and a spot in Division One for next season. To keep us occupied we have the forthcoming ‘Banks Charity Cup’ and a trip to Ferndown, near Wimborne on the 29 April.

Dan Beaton won his first ‘A Touch of Glass’ sponsored Man of the Match with a mature display at right-back, Dan has grown as a player and is now comfortable on either side of defence, well done ‘Single D’

Sunday 15 April 07- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ The Memorial Playing Fields

TEAM GRYPHON FC (1) 1 - 2 (1) MILBORNE PORT FC - Mark Brewer

Team - HASTED, D.BEATON, T.BEATON, R.STUBBERT, BARKER, MABEY, CLEMENTS, TREBBLE, PIERSON, BREWER, PLOWMAN – Subs WISDOM, LANNING, WELLS

Team Gryphon concluded its ‘home’ league program with a disappointing defeat to Milborne Port, as the Gryphon Park wasn’t available due to major reconstruction, so the game was switched to Milborne Port’s Memorial Playing Fields ground, to who we are very grateful, Thanks.

In the boiling hot sun, both teams seemed subdued, as the heat affected everyone, although TGFC made the most of the opening exchanges. With a strong squad the home side aimed to cause an upset and nick all three points, but that hope was dashed as we conceded a poor goal, the ball was cleared, but fell to an advancing forward who hit a lucky shot which sailed in, to give Milborne a surprised one -nil lead. Leading goal scorer Mark Brewer equalised, from a Matt Plowman cross, deep in the corner, he crossed for Brewer to hit it sweetly and equal the scorers just as the half-time whistle was blown. Team Gryphon went to town in the second half going for the win, or at least a share of the points, as it was on the cards? Pierson had a couple of half chances, with Clements and Trebble doing their best to score from distance. It was then that all the hard work was undone as two defenders where drawn out of position and Milborne scored at the near post to give themselves the lead and eventually the win. Tactical changes saw Wisdom come in to Midfield, but still Gryphon couldn’t find a way back in to the match how ever hard we tried. The game finished with Team Gryphon on the losing side in a game which we should have won and won comfortably as we had the chances, but just couldn’t find the final ball to score, as much as I hate to say this we seemed interested in scoring an ‘Arsenal’ goal much more than just hitting the next? Our league campaign comes to a close on Thursday (19/04)with an away fixture against league leaders Sherborne West End.

Mark Brewer won the ‘A Touch of Glass’ sponsored Man of the Match trophy with a demanding, and commanding display, playing just of the front man, in the hole, everything went though him, and he took his goal well, to give TGFC a chance.

Sunday 1 April 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Yetminster Sports Club

GEORGE HOTEL FC - AWAY WIN - TEAM GRYPHON FC

After the 'April Fools Day' no show by the George Hotel, Team Gryphon have been awarded an away win, 3 point win.

Sunday 25 March 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ The Blandford School, North Dorset

BLANDFORD TOWN FC (3) 6 - 0 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC

Team - HASTED, MABEY, BARKER, T.BEATON, D.BEATON, CLEMENTS, PLOWMAN, C.OSMENT, LANNING, BREWER, WISDOM – Subs T.COOPER, WELLS, RYAN

As Team Gryphon entered the final stages of the season and with four important games against the George Hotel, Milborne Port and Sherborne West End, (which we must get something from to stave of relegation?) but first, league leaders Blandford Town. This was a rearranged game, and third time lucky as this game has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch, but both teams kicked off on the Milldown Site pitch, which was hard and bobbley and close to the capacity crowd, with both teams hoping to cement their league positions, with a win or a at least a share of the spoils? With optimism and belief, but a little weary from the long journey and the clocks springing forward, TGFC hit the pitch running, but both were crushed as after a period of pressure Team Gryphon conceded very much against the run of play, coming from a corner, the Blandford Town defender rose to power in the opener for the home side. The second wasn’t long in coming as Blandford scored from a right wing cross that was saved but the rebound was driven in, as the low shot evaded Hasted to give Blandford a 2-0 lead. It wasn’t to get much better as a third hit the hit, before the half time break this time coming from a long range shot that left Gryphon with no chance, and the game lost. Team Gryphons lethargic display didn’t improve as the second half began, Clements had a couple of long range shots, and Lanning put in some great crosses, but our midfield where finding it difficult to break down the solid back four of Blandford. Mark Ryan came on (with Plowman reverting to forward) to push the game on, and give us a chance of getting something out of the fixture, with TGFC now 5-0 down, and the game over, pride and passion was needed as was a different approach, Wells came on, to form a three man attack, and Cooper into midfield but it wasn’t enough as the game ended 6-0 to the league leaders who now look likely to be crowded champions? As for Team Gryphon they head into their biggest game of the season next week knowing that a win will retain their Division One status.

Scott Lanning was awarded the ‘A Touch of Glass Man of the Match’ for his performance on the right wing, a player who is improving with every game play, as are all the youth players.

Blandford Town's version as printed in 30 March’s edition of the Blackmore Vale Magazine

Old pals get in on the act – Town manager Paul Stevens hasn’t had much luck since the turn of the New Year, with numerous problems with player availability. Either through work or injury or premature retirement, it seems to have been a constant struggle to get a full squad together. This week was no exception with the likes of Rob and Steve Smith, Luke Goddard and Luke Beckerley all out of the starting line-up. After a gap of no game in three weeks, Stevens turned to two ‘old pals’ to help out – Ryan Ashley, a former player who now lives in Brighton, and Jamie Drennan, an old school friend now back in the area. And they both played a major part in this vital victory. With keeper Mike Gleadall not showing up, it was down to Mike Coombes to don the gloves at the last minute, but he saw little action as Blandford returned to winning ways.

With top scorer Steve Smith out and Captain Luke Goddard an unused substitute due to injury, Town needed the goals to come from other avenues in this match. It was Drennan who opened the scoring after just two minutes, with the returning Richard Weeks winning a corner and Drennan heading home from the resulting kick, some good football was played and further goals were scored by Steve Wheeler (2), Liam Keighley (2), and Ryan Ashley. The three points were vital at a time when K&S Eagles and Sherborne West End are breathing downs the necks of Blandford and with games to play against both teams. Sunday sees a crucial match against Sherborne West End at Bishops Caundle. (Page 68 BVM)

Sunday 25 February 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League Division One – McCreery Cup, Second Round

TEAM GRYPHON FC (2) 3 - 4 (2) BRUTON TOWN FC - Mark Brewer (Penalty), Jordan Ford, Own Goal

Team -HASTED, WISDOM, T.BEATON, NEWTON, D.BEATON, CLEMENTS, R.OSMENT, PLOWMAN, FORD, LANNING, BREWER - Subs – J.STUBBERT, TRISTAN COOPER

A scrappy opening twenty minutes saw the visitor’s claim the upper hand, with a hurried, determined display, which was rewarded by Bruton scoring the opening goal. Hasted saved but his near post save fell to the advancing Town forward who stabbed home to give Bruton the lead in this Division One McCreery Cup 2nd round fixture. Scott Lanning and Jordan Ford both had great opportunities to score for the home side, but both fell just short of the goal, it was then that Bruton Town doubled their lead with another penalty box goal, both goals coming from the ball being played route one, over are midfield and putting our defence on the back foot. Team Gryphon got back in the game, when Scott Lanning burst forward and was bundled to the ground by the advancing goalkeeper. Captain for the day Mark Brewer slotted home to reduce the advantage, and then with the first half drawing to a close, Jordan Ford drilled home a penalty box scrabble to tire the game. Team Gryphon should have pushed on, especially with the wind behind us, and won the game, but we continued to make hard work of the fixture, Bruton Town made it even harder when they scored their third, and best goal of the game, luckily TGFC were level ten minutes later when a Bruton defender headed the ball into the back of the net, 3-3. It was then that Team Gryphon shot themselves in the foot, as from the restart, Bruton ran though our team and scored to win the game, and put themselves in the semi-final against Sherborne West End, who beat Palace Court in their second round fixture. Both teams hit the post in the closing minutes, which could have given one a flattering score line or the other extra time to play?

Jordan Ford collected the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for a, what should have been a match winning performance; he took his goal well and was a constant treat on the right wing.

Sunday 11 February 2007- Inter-Divisional Friendly

TEAM GRYPHON FC (2) 5 -2 (0) DEXTRA LIGHTNING FC - Mark Brewer x 2, Scott Lanning x 2, Stuart Wells

Team - HASTED, MABEY, BARKER, NEWTON, D.BEATON, CLEMENTS, C.OSMENT, WISDOM, LANNING, PLOWMAN, BREWER - Subs – WELLS, R.OSMENT, MACINNES

Today’s Inter-Divisional friendly-pitted Team Gryphon against Dextra Lighting of Gillingham and Division Two as both teams had a free week, and a match was arranged. And the match took at least twenty minutes to get going before Team Gryphon scored the opener, with Mark Brewer scoring from a goalmouth scrabble. Scott Lanning scored the second and his first for a while, even though he has gone very close in the last couple of weeks, his goal coming from an excellent pass from the midfield and Lanning racing though the Dextra midfield and defence before slotting home to give TFGC a 2-0 half time lead. Paul Macinnes replace Hasted in goal, Wells and Ryan Osment came on, and straight from the re-start TGFC were put under the cosh as Dextra pushed for a way back, and they got their opportunity when Team Gryphon failed to deal with a corner and a lack of movement and marking proved to be our undoing. A two-goal advantage was restored when Stuart Wells tapped in after being set up by Matt Plowman. But Dextra weren’t done and scored again to make it 3-2 with twenty minutes left. Fortunately Team Gryphon stepped up a gear and scored a couple more to win the game comfortably, the first from a Brewer corner, which went in straight from the corner itself. Our final and firth goal was another tap in, this time Lanning got his second after being set up again by Plowman. A confidence-boasting win, ahead of the McCreery Cup match in a few weeks, thanks to Dextra, great opponents who kept going throughout the 90 minutes, but TGFC showed the difference in the divisions as the match wore on and should have won the game by a few more goals, with both Brewer and Lanning claiming a hat trick, as well as Wells, and possibly Plowman, but a great team effort for all concerned.

Sunday 4 February 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ The Memorial Playing Fields, Somerset

MILBORNE PORT FC (2) 4 -1 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Mark Brewer

Team -HASTED, D.BEATON, T.BEATON, BARKER, NEWTON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, WISDOM, LANNING, PLOWMAN, BREWER - Subs – WELLS, C.OSMENT, MACINNES

Team Gryphon travelled to Milborne Port for a local derby, with both teams looking to secure the points required to cement their respective positions in the Division One table. The away team started the game well, attacking Milborne Port, with skill and fair required to win this game, as well as holding the lion’s share of the possession, especially with Scott Lanning terrorising the opposing full back. But Team Gryphon just lacked that final ball. Team Gryphon then against the run of play, fell behind to a goal scored from just outside the 18-yard box, and then another as yet again we failed to clear the ball from a corner. It was then that our injury jinx stuck again, Tony Beaton went off with a calf injury, with Craig Osment coming on, and a reshuffle saw out the remaining minutes of the first half, two nil down but still in the game.

The second half was a lot better for Team Gryphon as from a free kick, taken by Man of the Match Chris Barker, which was headed on by skipper Mark Ryan, the ball landed at the feet of Mark Brewer who scored to give Team Gryphon hope? We then lost Newton to a recurring injury and a change in formation meant that our back three consisted of two forwards and a midfielder. Wells on for Newton and a draw was on the cards as TGFC pushed for an equaliser, but it wasn’t to come as with 10 minutes remaining we conceded a third and then an own goal in the last minute of the game condemned Team Gryphon to another away defeat. If only we had made the most of our shots on goal, Lanning had a couple of great chances hit the post and the upright, Plowman and Brewer had opportunities, but we lacked the vital ingredient required to win games, especially this one, as we at least deserved a point?

Chris Barker collected his ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for having that never say die attitude for the whole 90 minutes, and for a calming, control influence at the back.

Sunday 28 January 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 2 -1 (1) STURMINSTER ROVERS FC - Matt Plowman x 2

Team -HASTED, WISDOM, BASTABLE, T.BEATON, NEWTON, BREWER, RYAN, TREBBLE, LANNING, PLOWMAN, JERZYKOWSKI - Subs – D.BEATON, CLEMENTS, MACINNES

Team Gryphon moved into double figures as they completed the double over Sturminster Rovers, in what was a gritty, determined, and deserved performance saw Team Gryphon pick up their fourth win of the season. The game itself was pretty even with both teams having chances, dominating play and looking like scoring the opening goal, especially since the returning Jerzykowski and strike partner Plowman both had great efforts saved, added to Trebble’s long range shooting, the home side looked the best bet? That was until five minutes before the break, the Sturminster Rovers forward broke though our defence and slotted home to give Rovers the advantage.

The second half was a much different story with Team Gryphon taking control of the game and getting themselves level within 10 second half minutes, Lanning playing in Jerzykowski who crossed for Plowman to open his account and level the scores. The game then became a little bit scrappy with both teams looking for a winner, and it came from the foot of Plowman, who scored his fourth in two games, this time the Sturminster keeper failed to clear the ball which fell kindly to Mark Jerzykowski, who shot, the retreating keeper could only parry the ball into the path of Plowman whose goal gave Team Gryphon the three points.

Matt Wisdom collected his second ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for an outstanding performance at left back, filling in at the last minute, well done.

Wednesday 17 January 2007 - Friendly Fixture @ The Gryphon Leisure Centre, Astro Turf Pitch

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 1 - 5 (3) SHERBORNE TOWN YOUTH FC-U18’s - Mark Clements

Team -HASTED, MABEY, BASTABLE, T BEATON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, BREWER, C OSMENT, WELLS, PLOWMAN, WISDOM - Subs - D BEATON, R OSMENT, LANNING, LEWIN RYAN

With both teams not having a game until the end of January, Sherborne Town invited Team Gryphon to a friendly out on the ATP, with 16 players available, and only four defenders Team Gryphon started with nearly all the players playing in their favoured positions even the subs when they came on!

Unfortunately we showed Sherborne a little to much respect and a few of our old demons surfaced, especially when conceding goals, as the team let in three first half ones, the first from a failed clearance and the other two from Sherborne making the most of their opportunities on goal, although keeper Hasted did his best to keep them out. The second half was a mixed one for Team Gryphon as substitutions and the positions they could play took its toll. 3-1 down, and a number off changes made to the starting 11, but keeping to its normal formation of 4-4-2 for now? Team Gryphon kicked off the second half hoping to make a game of it, and try and get back in the match. Mark Clements gave up hope with a trademark goal from distance, which was only our second shot of the game, with his goal coming from an excellent lay off from the returning Craig Osment. With another round of substitutions and a change in formation from 3-4-3, then 3-5-2 and then back to 3-4-3 made to accommodate the lack of defenders the game become a little disjointed for Team Gryphon and we began to lose our shape. Team Gryphon conceded another two as the game ended 5-1 to Sherborne Town, a good performance by everyone, especially with all the chopping and changing that was made in the second half, but another lesson on the learning curve which is our first as a club!

Sunday 14 January 2007 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ The Gryphon Leisure Centre

SPURTY CERANICS FC (2) 4 - 2 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Matt Plowman x 2

Team -HASTED, PLOWMAN, BASTABLE, T BEATON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, BARKER, BREWER, WELLS, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – ROSE, DAN BEATON, RYAN OSMENT

With the weather, and a waterlogged pitch threatening to cancel the game for Spurty Ceramics, it was agreed that the game would be reversed and played at the home of football, the Gryphon Leisure Centre! With both teams having not played since mid December, the game started with both teams seeming a little rusty, but Spurty soon took the upper hand scoring the opener, a long throw in, wasn’t cleared and the forward rounded TGFC’s new number one (Simon Hasted) to make it 1-0 to the home side. During the first half Team Gryphon conceded again, this time though a header, 2-0 and a mountain to climb, Team Gryphon never gave up and kept trying to force a way though the solid home defence as the game came to close. Not long into the second Team Gryphon conceded a third and it was game over, with Bastable scoring an own goal, substitutions were made and the formation changed, noticeably left back, Matt Plowman moving forward into a three pronged attack, mainly to try and get something out of the remaining quarter? Plowman’s first came after he rounded the keeper and slotted home to give us hope, unfortunately Spurty Ceramics scored another, a scrambled goal with our defence failing to clear its lines, but Plowman wasn’t done. He scored his second and the final goal of the game, after good build up from the left hand side, by unleashing a drive that sailed into the net to end the game 4-2 to the home side.

Matt Plowman collected his second ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for his two goals, and a match winning performance, both at left back and up front, his favoured position.

Sunday 17 December 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Bruton Recreation Ground 'Jubilee Park'

BRUTON TOWN FC (1) 1 - 4 (2) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Mark Clements, Mark Brewer x 2, Matt Plowman

Team -MACINNES, MABEY, BASTABLE, T BEATON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, BARKER, RYAN, WELLS, PLOWMAN, BREWER - Subs – LANNING, WISDOM, ROSE

Team Gryphon finally got back to winning ways as they completed the double over Bruton Town, in a heated fixture that threaten to boil over with every challenge. Bruton Town took a surprising lead as their shot lobbed our keeper and put us on the back foot. It took TGFC a while to get into the game and the early set back didn’t improve our performance. That was saved for Mark ‘The Colonel’ Clements 35-yarder that sailed into the top left hand corner; his shot really cut the mustard! This spurred on the team and we were soon in front, a right wing cross from Stuart Wells, flicked on by Matt Plowman, and Mark Brewer did the rest, he chest controlled the ball and hit a half volley to give the away team a deserved lead. The second half was all Team Gryphon as they pushed on for more goals, both strikers had a couple of efforts and Clements also tried to add to his total, but Brewer did as he lobbed the keeper to give TGFC the points. The game was wrapped up when Plowman was put though and finished neatly to move Team Gryphon up a place and further away from the drop zone.

Mark Brewer was awarded the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ award for his two goals, and a match winning performance, as he set up the other two goals and could have added a couple more to his tally.

Sunday 10 December 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Marnhall Cricket Club

PALACE COURT FC (2) 4 -1 (1) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Stuart Wells

Team - HASTED, MABEY, RYAN, NEWTON, ROSE, CLEMENTS, PLOWMAN, BREWER, WELLS, LANNING, WISDOM - Subs - STUBBERT, DAN BEATON, TONY BEATON

Palace Court were fastest out of the blocks and raced into a 2-0 lead within minutes of the game starting, Team Gryphon got themselves back in the game after Stuart Wells had reduced the deficit, all within the opening five minutes. The remaining 40 minutes of the first half were pretty even, end-to-end Sunday morning football, just how the game should have been. However hard we tried we just couldn’t stop the Palace Court midfield from dominating the play, but what we did do was stop them from adding to their total.The second half was a different story, as our injury jinx, when playing Palace Court stuck again. First right-back Steve Rose went down with an illness and then his cover Rob Newton went off with an ankle injury, but their replacements James Stubbert and man of the match Tony Beaton steady the ship. Palace Court scored two more as we pushed for a way back into the match and a chance to move ourselves out of the bottom three and the possible relegation places. This is the third time we have played Palace Court and have been beaten by four goals each time, next time we face them hopefully our luck will change?

Tony ‘Double D’ Beaton was awarded the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ award on his debut for Team Gryphon, coming on and shoring up the defence and playing with the experience required to push us on for the remainder of the season.

Sunday 19 November 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 1 vs. 5 (3) BLANDFORD TOWN FC - Mark Clements

Team - MACINNES, MABEY, BASTABLE, NEWTON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, RYAN, BARKER, BREWER, LANNING, PLOWMAN - Subs - BEATON, KELLY, ROSE

Team Gryphon entertained another top three side, this time at home and against Blandford Town, but the game ended with another disappointing result where the team was not necessary better than us, but mistakes cost us dear? Blandford Town raced into a 2-0 lead before Team Gryphon knew what had hit them, TGFC did create some attacking plays, but every time we fought forward, the play broke down and we were put on the back foot, with most of Blandford Town’s goals coming from these situations, or from our defence pushing up to high and the ball being played route one, over the top and chased down. The third came from a well-worked play by Blandford and the fourth in the second half was the pick of the bunch. The second half was a better one for Team Gryphon, with strike partnership of Plowman and Lanning working well, but failing to result in a end product, our goal did however come from Mark Clements who shot though a crowded defence to give us a little credibility, when we deserved much more. Todays game has taught us a few valuable lessons as we head to Blandford School and the return fixture, aiming to do better, and make the fixture more of a game!

Scott Lanning was awarded the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ award for a faultless display up front, working hard, battling for every ball, and doing everything asked of him, only thing missing was a goal, but his performance was equal to a goal.

Blandford Town's version as printed in 24 November's edition of the Blackmore Vale Magazine

Town take five - Blandford travelled to Sherborne knowing a win was vital to stay in touch at the top of the league. Early exchanges were even but it was leading scorer Steve Smith who broke the dead-lock midway through the first half. He added another after latching on to a clearance from stand-in keeper Mike Coombes and the result wasn't in much doubt from then. Before half time, a Steve Smith shot hit Luke Goddard and found its way slowly over the line. The Sky Blues allowed Gryphon more possession but the home team couldn't find a way past Coombes, with the town defence looking solid also. Steve Smith added a spectacular goal for his hat-trick, volleying home from the edge of the area. Luke Goddard then set up Phil Watkins for town's fifth, although Gryphon managed a consolation goal when a corner wasn't cleared. All in all, a decent performance without hitting top gear, played in a good atmosphere and well refereed by Tony Hart. The teams meet again this Sunday at the Blandford School. (pg70 BMV)

Sunday 12 November 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Wincanton Sports Ground, Somerset

K&S EaAGLES FC (2) 4 -1 (1) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Mark Ryan

Team – MACINNES, PLOWMAN, BASTABLE, BARKER, NEWTON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, BREWER, FORD, LANNING, WISDOM - Subs – BEATON, WELLS, ROSE

As Team Gryphon continued its mini tour of the south coast, having been to North Dorset and Weymouth in the past few weeks TGFC made its way to Somerset and Wincanton’s Sports Ground to play league leaders and a team who beat us 9-0 back in October, K&S Eagles. The game started well for Team Gryphon as we held our own, created a few good chances and defended well, then we opening the scoring, with skipper Mark Ryan scoring from just outside the 18-yard box with a free-kick, 1-0 up and rolling. Unfortunately this spurred on the Eagles and before the half was out they had equalised and taken the advantage, the first from a close range shot that had started on the right and the second from a rebound. Team Gryphon pushed on for the equaliser but it wasn’t forthcoming, however hard we tried. K&S Eagles extended their advantage in the second half as a third lobbed our keeper and fourth and final goal coming from the right as the forward beat our right back for pace. Losing 4-1 is disappointing but the lads can be pleased with their performance as we were not out played, but matched the home side, and with a little more precision in our shooting the score line could have been different as Scott Lanning and strike partner Matt Wisdom both had a few good chances to score as did Mark Clements and Matt Plowman who both shot from long range, but with a avail. All three subsistute played their part in what despite the result was a good game, with no one letting down the side.

Skipper Mark Ryan collected the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for his goal and tireless display in centre midfield.

Sunday 05 November 2006 - Dorset Sunday Junior Cup – Round 2 @ Redlands Sports Ground, Weymouth

CLEAN CONNECTIONS UTD FC (2) 2 -1 (0) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Andy Bastable

Team – MACINNES, MABEY, BASTABLE, NEWTON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, ,BARKER, TREBBLE, BREWER, LANNING, WELLS - Subs – BEATON, FORD, J.STUBBART

Team Gryphon travelled to Weymouth to play their Round 2 fixture of the Dorset Sunday Junior Cup, but lady luck never travelled with us as we were taken to the cleaners by the home side! The game started well for Team Gryphon mopping up everything Clean Connections or CC as they liked to be called threw at us, even a first minute scare for CC as their forward bust down the wing and crossed just over the bar, didn’t really trouble us, as Team Gryphon were comfortable, and looking to build on last weeks away win. Then the unthinkable happen, a few of our Halloween ghosts reappeared and we conceded two goals that can only really be put down to individually errors. The first came from a poor clearance that hit the upright bounced on the line, and the advancing forward pounced to score. The second was from one of our defenders who had too much time on the ball, the ball hit the United forward and it ended up in the back of the net as our player tried to clear the ball, 2-0 down and a mountain to climb as we entered the second half. A few changes and a renewed effort saw Team Gryphon claim the lions share of the remaining 45 minutes, but we couldn’t breakdown Clean Connections Utd, chance after chance fell our way, but the Utd Goalkeeper had his game of the season, as ever effort was made to score and force extra-time as it was the least we deserved. Andrew Bastable rose like a salmon to give us a chance with only a few minutes remaining, but the home side contained our attacking threat and saw out the game to put themselves into the hat for the 3rd draw.

Matt Plowman collected the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for never say die attitude in centre midfield. 

Sunday 29 October 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One @ Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground

STURMINSTER ROVERS FC (0) 1 vs. 3 (2) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Chris Barker, Matt Wisdom, Jordan Ford

Team – MACINNES, MABEY, BASTABLE, NEWTON, TRIM, CLEMENTS, BARKER, PLOWMAN, BREWER, WISDOM, WELLS - Subs – FORD, J.STUBBART

Team Gryphon finally picked up three points, and a much deserved win as the team travelled to Sturminster Newton for an away fixture, after playing at home for the last two months, an away day was a much needed change. The Management changed the starting 11, bringing in a few new faces and changing the positions of a few more, and these changes brought their rewards within minutes of the game starting. Skipper Chris Barker headed home the opener after a great corner from Mark Clements; this was a much-needed tonic as the team has failed to score for the last two games. A second was needed to secure the three points and it proved difficult to obtain, as Sturminster Rovers proved to be difficult opponents. But a second did come from Matt Wisdom who slotted home to give us a 2-0 lead going into the break.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure and put our defence on the back foot a number of times, but as the game wore on our midfield proved to be the strongest and cut out any real threat of Sturminster getting back into the game, even when they scored with twenty minutes to go. This made the last quarter of the game a nervous one, but Team Gryphon held on as substitute Jordan Ford seal all three points for a confident, and improving Team Gryphon as he followed instructions and followed up his initial shot to slot home the third and take home all three points. This win keeps us in 6th place, in the Division One table, and closes the gap on the teams above us as we chase a top half finishes, but also gives us that much needed breathing space, from the relegation spots. Next week Team Gryphon travel to Weymouth in the Dorset Sunday Junior Cup, as we aim to continue are away day progress and a possible chance of glory?

Paul Macinnes collected the ‘Chris Barker - A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for a solid and confident display between the sticks.

Sunday 22 October 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 9 (4) K&S EAGLES FC

Team – MACINNES, BASTABLE, BARKER, NEWTON, WELLS, BEATON, TOM COOPER, RYAN, TRIM, WISDOM, CLEMENTS - Subs – KELLY, TRISTAN COOPER

Today’s result doesn’t do Team Gryphon justice, as K&S Eagles were not nine goals better than us, their movement on and off the ball, their attacking play and their final ball was! In what was another awful morning at the Gryphon Leisure Centre, Team Gryphon kicked off with real promise, hoping to build on their second half performance of a few weeks ago. And the first twenty minutes showed that commitment and Team Gryphon played with a determination, that should be wining us games? Bastable and Newton cleared two separate goal bound efforts of the line, saving Team Gryphons blushes. It was then that the heavens opening and so did the floodgates, Team Gryphon conceded four first half goals without reply, well goal scoring reply. Man of the Match Mark Clements did have a couple of good efforts saved or just wide. K&S Eagles upped their game, as Team Gryphon went in search of a couple of goals to give us a chance. Kelly replaced Beaton up front to give us another attacking option, and Joint Team Manager Tristan Cooper came on for the injured Andy Bastable who took a knee to the back of the head. Team Gryphon conceded five more second half goals, as every time K&S Eagles pushed forward they seemed to score and score good goals. K&S Eagles at the end of the day won comfortably and showed why they are top of the Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One. And if any excuses where needed, we were missing a couple of our normal eleven…but well done to the away team on a well-deserved win.

Mark Clements collected the ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for a tireless performance up front and back in his usual left midfield slot in the second half.

Sunday 8 October 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 0 - 4 (3) SPURTY CERAMICS FC

Team – MACINNES, WELLS, BARKER, CUTTER, NEWTON, CLEMENTS, PLOWMAN, BREWER, FORD, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – BEATON, KELLY, DIFFEY

Team Gryphon suffered another disappointing defeat against a team who Team Gryphon should have matched although not necessary won! This time at the feet of Spurty Ceramics from Shafesbury who during a pretty even first half raced into a two nil lead as Team Gryphons old habits of failing to deal with goalmouth scrabbles reared its ugly head again. The second was also though a lapse in concentration as the defence thought the ball was out but it wasn’t. Newton went off injured and Dan Kelly slotted in a full-back, Team Gryphon where put under the cosh again and again by the away side and conceded another, again though a player mistake, which left us fighting an uphill battle if we had any hope or chance in the second half. And battle, they did as Team Gryphon but up the shutters and defended, and defended with all the heart of a team holding a one nil lead not a team who were three nil down. Beaton replaced Ford with Lanning moving back into midfield as Gryphon pushed on for a consolation goal. Another injury, this time to centre back Lee Cutter enabled Team Gryphon Football Club Director of Football and Joint Manager, Peter Diffey to make his debut, Diffey slotted into a holding role, just above a five man defence witch had done so well to keep out Spurty Ceramics for most of the second half. With the clock ticking down to full-time, Team Gryphon conceded another, to lose the match four nil, but our heads were raised by a spirited and battle hardened second half performance, as well as the first which saw us play some good pass and move football, its just the result that went against us!

Chris Barker collected his second ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for another award winning performance at the heart of the Team Gryphon defence.

Sunday 1 October 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (2) 2 - 3 (2) GEORGE HOTEL FC - Matthew Wisdom x 2

Team – MACINNES, WELLS, NEWTON, , CUTTER, BARKER, CLEMENTS, PLOWMAN, BREWER, FORD, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – BEATON, BASTABLE T.COOPER

Another close game which Team Gryphon should have won, and won comfortably ended in another closely fought defeat for the home side. Our first goal come from a tremendous amount of good luck, for once ours, the George goalkeeper pushed the ball onto his bar, and his defence failed to clear it, the ball fell to Jordan Ford who delivered the ball back into the box and Matt Wisdom headed home to give us a much deserved lead. The George Hotel equalised by rounding our returning goalkeeper (Macinnes) to give themselves a shout and a chance of all three points. But Team Gryphon were soon back in front and on the hunt for all the points, Brewer put though the advancing Wisdom for him to score ours and his second of the morning, 2-1. Just before the break one of our defenders gave the ball away cheaply for the George forward to slot the ball past Macinnes and equalise again for the away team, against the run of play, after we had, had them on the back foot and pushing for a winner, a costly mistake.

The second half saw Team Gryphon push on for the winner, with Brewer, Lanning, Plowman and Wisdom aiming for his hat trick all having good shots saved or just wide of the post, but then the heavens open, and it put paid to any chance Gryphon had of winning the match as we failed to deal with a high cross in the swirling wind, the goalkeeper dropped it and its 3-2 to the George and game over? As hard as we might try Team Gryphon just couldn’t score to give themselves a well deserved point, but we should have had three, its just that we were unlucky again, and lack of concentration cost us dear!

Matthew Wisdom collected the ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for scoring two fine goals, and should have had a third, as well as for his link up play with strike partner Lanning.

Sunday 24 September 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League Challenge Cup, Round One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 3 - 4 (2) PALACE COURT FC - Mark Ryan, Gareth Pierson, Scott Lanning

Team – HASTED, PLOWMAN, BASTABLE, BARKER, PIERSON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, TREBBLE, BREWER, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – WELLS, FORD, D.BEATON

Our first cup game as a team, the BVFL Challenge Cup, saw us take on Palace Court and a chance to gain revenge for the defeat we suffered against them a few weeks ago, and as before the opening exchanges saw Team Gryphon gave a good account of themselves, controlling and conducting the play, but all our good work was undone in the space of sixty crazy seconds. Our player was robbed on the edge of the 18-yard box, and the Palace Court striker took a pot shot, which bobbled under our keeper, Simon Hasted, one nil down, then from the restart, we lost procession, were caught knapping on the left hand side and bang two-nil down and out of the cup?

The second half was much better as we attacked Palace Court with all we had and were soon rewarded when a goalkeeping error aloud skipper Mark Ryan to give us a chance, we weathered the storm and were soon on level terms, this time Gareth Pierson rose above the defence to smash the ball into the back of the net, game on. Stuart Wells came on for the injured Matt Plowman and within minutes we were in front and heading for the next round of the cup, Scott Lanning latched on to a header from Mark Clements and scored for the second game in a row. With a win on the cards and the clock ticking down to full time and the draw for the next round, Team Gryphons game plan came undone, by the oh so familiar story of failing to deal with set plays, the first a free kick and the second a corner. Jordan Ford came on for Lanning as we rolled one last throw of the dice, but that was it, game over and Team Gryphon were out of the Blackmore Vale Football League Challenge Cup.

Andrew Bastable collected the ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for another astute performance in the heart of the Team Gryphon defence.

Sunday 17 September 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 1 - 5 (2) SHERBORNE WEST END FC - Scott Lanning

Team – HASTED, WELLS, BASTABLE, BARKER, BEATON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, TH.COOPER, BREWER, KELLY, LANNING - Subs – ROSE, MACINNES, TRISTAN COOPER

Three games played, and now two defeats and a growing injury list, but Team Gryphon still sit mid table in Division One of The Blackmore Vale Football League, and were given a lesson on Division One football by local rivals Sherborne West End. Before kick off Team Gryphon had 10 players unavailable for selection for one reason or another, thus meaning four players made their debuts in today’s game which started badly for the home side, conceding the first from a corner witch was originally saved by keeper Simon Hasted, but not cleared by our make shift defence. Sherborne’s second also come from a blocked shot that was not cleared, giving the West End a 2-0 half time lead.

Before Team Gryphon could stage any sort of come back, Stuart Wells gave away a penalty and Sherborne scored a third, their fourth and fifth came from free-kicks. Five down and out of contention Scott Lanning scored a consolation goal for Team Gryphon before the injuries kicked in Tristan Cooper came on for Wells and his debut, and Macinnes (who still isn’t 100%) replaced the injured Ryan for the last 10 minutes.

Chris Barker collected the ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for another excellent game in centre defence as well as for his all-round performance, filling in both in attack and midfield when needed.

Sunday 10 September 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 5 - 0 (0) BRUTON TOWN FC - Matthew Wisdom, Mark Clements, Mark Jerzykowski x 2, Jordan Ford

Team – HASTED, PLOWMAN, BASTABLE, BARKER, PIERSON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, TREBBLE, BREWER, JERZYKOWSKI, LANNING - Subs – WISDOM, FORD, WELLS

Team Gryphon celebrated its first league victory of what promises to be an exciting season with a hard fought win over Bruton Town. Team Gryphon soaked up all of Bruton Town’s early pressure, created a few opportunities of their own, with top marksmen Mark Jerzykowski hitting the bar, this coupled with Team Gryphon playing some attractive attacking football, went into the break with the scores level in what was a scoreless first half. The second half kicked into life with subsistute Matt Wisdom scoring with a close range shot after Mark Brewer assisted with an excellent pull back. Team Gryphon pushed on for more goals, and another arrived, when the ball was played in from the right wing and Mark Clements drove the ball across the keeper and into the net. Mark Jerzykowski scored the third with a trademark goal; lobbing the keeper and then the fourth, again from another Mark Brewer assist, this time Jerzykowski rounded the keeper and scored to give us a 4-0 lead. Jordan Ford rounded off the win with the fifth from a powerful drive to give Team Gryphon three well-deserved points.

Simon Hasted making his debut in goal for Team Gryphon collected the ‘A Touch of Glass’ man of the match award for his astute performance between the sticks.

Sunday 3 September 2006 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One

TEAM GRYPHON FC (1) 2 - 4 (1) PALACE COURT FC - Mark Ryan, Mark Jerzykowski

Team – MACINNES, OSMENT, BASTABLE, NEWTON, PIERSON, CLEMENTS, RYAN, TREBBLE, PLOWMAN, JERZYKOWSKI, WISDOM - Subs – BARKER, LANNING, WELLS

Team Gryphon’s opening fixture in the Blackmore Vale Football League ended in a disappointing home defeat to Palace Court, with a mini injury crisis thrown in for bad luck. Centre Back Lee Cutter was injured in the warm up, meaning a reshuffle of the defence even before we kicked off, then twenty minutes in; Craig Osment was injured meaning another reshuffle of the defence. During this skipper Mark Ryan scored from a corner to give Team Gryphon a well-deserved lead, Palace Court equalised with a volley from 18 yards out to level the scores and to end the first half all square. The second half started superbly for Team Gryphon with Mark Jerzykowski scoring his 5th goal from four games. This one coming from a close range volley, after a great attacking corner form the home side, it was then that things started to go wrong for Team Gryphon, Palace Court equalised and from a corner a recurring weakness for Team Gryphon, then Goalkeeper Paul Macinnes went off injured, and then Palace Court took the lead for the first time in the match and then went further ahead after midfielder Matt Plowman who went in goal for the injured Macinnes, was harshly judged to have committed a foul, which resulted in a penalty, which was dually scored, thus wrapping up the points for the away side.

Wednesday 30 August 2006 - Pre-Season Friendly @ Hardings Lane, Gillingham

GILLINGHAM TOWN FC - U18’s (2) 4 - 4 (1) TEAM GRYPHON FC- Mark Jerzykowski, Matt Plowman, Gareth Pierson, Matt Wisdom

Team – MACINNES, BASTABLE, NEWTON, CUTTER, WELLS, CLEMENTS, PLOWMAN, TREBBLE, PIERSON, JERZYKOWSKI, LANNING - Subs – OSMENT, WISDOM & BEATON

Wednesday nights friendly saw Team Gryphon travelled to Gillingham to play under the Gillingham Town floodlights and complete their pre-season program in the process. In what turned out to be quite a physical game, the spoils were shared in the early exchanges, with both teams having a few efforts on goal and a share of the play, that was until Gillingham took the lead and held onto it for most of the 1st half. Jerzykowski equalised for Team Gryphon driving a low shot into the bottom corner of the goal, after a great flick on by the midfield. Unfortunately Gillingham took the lead again just before the half time whistle to take the upper hand going into the changing rooms.

Team Gryphon pushed on and dominated the opening twenty minutes of the second half, so much so that they equalised, this time though a ‘scorcher’ from Matt Plowman, who had early hit the cross bar with a powerful strike, this goal came after the ball had rebounded out to him on the edge of the 18 yard box, from a cleared corner. Gillingham refused to lie down and took the lead again, scoring from a free kick some twenty yards out. Gareth Pierson scored another equaliser for Team Gryphon, 3-3 with the clock ticking down. With the scores now level, the Gryphon Management made a few changes, those changes resulting in another wonder goal for Team Gryphon, this time from sub Matt Wisdom as Team Gryphon finally took the lead in this end-to-end game. Wisdom’s goal came from the ball being cleared by the Gillingham defence, and with Wisdom running onto the loose ball and striking home, what he hoped would be the winner. This time Gillingham equalised with a scrappy goal and the last kick off the game, to round of a great and exciting game of football for both teams as they look forward to their respective league campaigns.

Sunday 27 August 2006 - Pre-Season Friendly

TEAM GRYPHON FC (2) 4 - 5 (1) STOUR PROVOST FC - Gareth Pierson, Mark Jerzykowski x 2, Scott Lanning

Team – MACINNES, PLOWMAN, BASTABLE, RYAN, WELLS, PIERSON, CLEMENTS, TREBBLE, LANNING, WISDOMJERZYKOWSKI - Subs – FORD, ROSE & OSMENT

Team Gryphon started the game well, controlling the football and playing some attractive football, also mopping up everything Stour Provost throw at us, so much so that we took the lead from a corner within the opening minutes of the game. Pierson rose above the defence to head home the opener, but with Stour Provost first attack they equalised, Ryan was fouled but the kick went the other way, and from the resulting free kick Provost were back in the game. Thankfully Jerzykowski scored in his second consecutive game to give us a 2-1 lead going into the second half. The second half started with Stour Provost scoring another equaliser, after our defence failed to clear the ball again, Jerzykowski scored his second of the match, rounding the keeper and slotting home to give Team Gryphon a 3-2 lead. But again Stour Provost equalised from another set play which we failed to clear, with Team Gryphon looking to take the lead again, Sour Provost took the advantage and pushed on to score a couple of goals and take the lead for the first time in the game. Both goals coming after Stour Provost had put us under an immense amount of pressure, the fourth coming from a good effort on goal, and the winner from a break away. Lanning scored his third in three games, cutting across the keeper to end the game on the losing side for the second game in a week.On a positive note, this is only our third game of football and we are developing nicely as a team, we now have a few things to work on in training, and a few basics to re-enforce before the league kicks off on Sunday 3 September.

Wednesday 23 August 2006 - Pre-Season Friendly 

TEAM GRYPHON FC (0) 2 - 3 (1) TWO SWANS FC - Mark Jerzykowski, Scott Lanning

Team – MACINNES, ROSE, CUTTER, NEWTON, WELLS, CLEMENTS, BREWER, RYAN, PIERSON, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – BASTABLE, PLOWMAN, TREBBLE, JERZYKOWSKI

Our second pre-season friendly kicked off just as the rain, thunder and lighting hit the Leisure Centre as the teams walked out to start the match. Next up for Team Gryphon was the Two Swans of the Blackmore Vale Division Two. The game started well with Team Gryphon playing attacking football from the off, soon Lanning was brought down in the box, and the shout went up for a penalty but the referee waved play on, after that Team Gryphon were camped in their own half, and were forced to soak up the pressure of the Two Swans attack as well as the rain. Minutes before the half time whistle, disaster stuck as we failed to clear our lines and the Two Swans made us pay to take the lead going into the second half. For the first twenty minutes of the second half Team Gryphon played some great attacking football, really putting the visitors under pressure. Unfortunately though from a corner, the Two Swans scored again to give us a mountain to climb. After a change in personnel Team Gryphon got back in the game, Jerzykowski scored a great goal lobbing the keeper to give us a shout, the shouting got louder as Jerzykowski had a certain headed equaliser disallowed for offside, and then Team Gryphon got hit on the counterattack and conceded another goal to give Two Swans a 3-1 lead. Lanning made it two in two games to give us hope when he was played in and slotted the ball home past the advancing goalkeeper who had previously pulled off a couple of great saves to deny the home side at least a share of the spoils.

Sunday 20 August 2006 - 1st EVER Team Gryphon FC Match - Pre-Season Friendly @ Kingsbury Episcopi Recreation Ground

RUSTY AXE FC (2) 3 - 6 (3) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Matt Wisdom (1st ever goal scorer for TGFC), Lee Cutter x 2, Mark Clements, Mark Brewer, Scott Lanning

Team – 4-4-2 MACINNES, ROSE, CUTTER, BASTABLE, PEIRSON, CLEMENTS, BREWER, OSMENT, FORD, WISDOM, LANNING - Subs – WELLS & RYAN

Team Gryphon entered the realms of Sunday morning football with a friendly match away at Kingsbury Episcopi, against worthy opposition from the Taunton Sunday League namely the Rusty Axe Football Club. The Rusty Axe proved to be useful opponents and a good first game warm up for the lads, especially since they took the lead with their first effort on goal, Team Gryphon’s defence was caught sleeping and before we knew it we were one nil down! Team Gryphon put the scores level with the very next attack though, when Wisdom was played though and slotted the ball home. With the game no more than ten minutes old Cutter rose above the Rusty Axe defence to give Team Gryphon a 2-1 lead, Clements made it three, with another header, before the Rusty Axe caught us out again to reduce the defect and finish the first half still in the game, at 3-2. The second half saw Team Gryphon push on and win the game comfortably, Cutter got his second latching onto a great free kick, to give us a 4-2 lead, the Rusty Axe then scored their final / consolation goal of the game from a corner and goal mouth scrabble, and from that moment on, it was all Team Gryphon…. Brewer scored a screamer from 25 yards out and Lanning got on the act to give Team Gryphon a fantastic start to pre-season, with three games to come before the first league game, things are looking good for Team Gryphon, we still need to work on a few things in training, but the team is gelling well, and confidence is high!