TEAM GRYPHON FC - MatcH Reports 2007/2008

Sunday 11 May 2008 - Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Charity Cup 2008 at Bishops Caundle Recreational Ground

THE FINAL - BISHOPS CAUNDLE COLTS ( 2 ) 5 - 0 ( 0 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC

Team - SMITH. PERRY. NEWTON. PEIRSON. NOYCE. PARTRIDGE. C.OSMENT. BREWER. MABEY. COOPER. TREBBLE Sub - TAYLOR

Team Gryphon ran out of steam, in the boiling heat as the home side were victors in the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Charity Cup Final, after the 3rd place play off was won on penalties by Ivel FM it was the turn of the two football teams to battle it out for the trophy, Bishops Caundle buoyed by the news that they had gained promotion to Division One as runners up started the quickest and proved to good on the day for TGFC. Once the second goal was scored, trying to get a positive result proved even harder as Team Gryphon. But at the end of a very good day, which was all about raising money for charity, Bishops were worthy winners in the end.

Team Gryphon and the Gryphon Leisure Centre would like to thank all the staff and helpers at Bishops Caundle Sports Club, Referees Ian Bolton, Dave Mountain, and West Dorset District Council Chairman Ron Coatsworth for presenting the trophy and all four teams, Bishops Caundle Colts (1st), Team Gryphon (2nd), Ivel FM (3rd), and Orchard FM Allstars (4th) who made the tournament.

SEMI-FINAL - TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 2 - 2 ( 1 ) ORCHARD FM ALLSTARS FC (TGFC win 4-3 on sudden death penalties) - Partridge, Mabey

Team - SMITH. PERRY. NEWTON. PEIRSON. NOYCE. PARTRIDGE. C.OSMENT. BREWER. MABEY. COOPER. TREBBLE Sub - TAYLOR

The semi-finals paired a football team verses a radio station, the opening semi-final saw Bishops Caundle Colts overcome Ivel FM, 4-2, although as with last years final, in which Ivel came back from 3-0 down, they just couldn’t do enough to beat the Blackmore Vale Division Two runners up. The second semi-final, with the winners meeting the Colts saw Team Gryphon against Orchard FM Allstars, who took the lead in the opening seconds / minute, the goal came from a corner and it took TGFC quite a while to get back into the game, they didn’t though, a Marcus Partridge goal, and Rhys Mabey doubled TGFC lead and what should have been a comfortable win? Orchard kept going and got their reward in the closing minutes with an equaliser. The tie moved into penalties with Gaz Peirson, Mark Brewer and Rhys Mabey all slotting home their effort, as did though Orchard FM, so it was down to sudden death penalties, Peirson scored again, but the Orchard penalty taker hit the upright and out!

Thursday 8 May 2008 – Aaron Harcom Select Charity Match at Bishops Caundle Recreational Ground

DYNAMO KEBAB FC ( 2 ) 4 - 5 ( 2 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – Ford, Rowe, Shaw, Trim, Haynes

Team - SMITH. PERRY. WISDOM. NEWTON. D.BEATON. FORD. C.OSMENT. PEIRSON. LANNING. COOPER. ROWE Subs – NOYCE. TRIM. O.BEATON. JAMIE HAYNES. PARTRIDGE. BREWER. SHAW. R.OSMENT. DAISH

In the build up to the Charity Cup on Sunday in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Team Gryphon were invited to play Dynamo Kebab in the Aaron Harcom Select Charity Match, a bringing together of players for charity in the build to Sundays Tournament. TGFC with the bulk of the team who played against Palace Court back in April took the lead early on though Jordan Ford, and said lead was doubled when Darren Rowe scored. As the game progressed Dynamo Kebab were allowed back in to the fixture and finished the half much the stronger side having crawled back the two goal deficit to go into the break at 2-2.

With nine substitutions during the break TGFC took to the field with a mixture of squad players, trialists, U18’s plus a couple of 1st team players, the only players to stay on for the second half was captain Gaz Peirson and Darren Rowe who went in goal for the injured Lee Smith, in fact after conceding two goals, Rowe pulled of a string of saves to keep the away side in the match. This was before Martyn Shaw scored, Simon Trim, went on a Darren Rowe, lung busting run from defence to score the equaliser, before U18’s captain Jamie Haynes scored the winner!

Sunday 20 April 2008 - End of Season Friendly at Marnhull Sports Ground

PALACE COURT FC ( 3 ) 4 - 3 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Brewer x2, C.Osment

Team - SMITH. FORD. BASTABLE. ROWE. JAMIE HAYNES. NOYCE. C.OSMENT. PEIRSON. MABEY. COOPER. BREWER

With our league campaign over and in the hands of others, TGFC travelled to Marnhull for an end of season friendly against league leaders Palace Court, last time we played here we enjoyed the comeback of the season drawing five each after being 5-2 down…but today was different, a friendly? Thanks to Brian Webber for refereeing the game, which started very evenly for both teams, as the half progressed Palace Court took advantage of a series of free-kicks and corners to score the opener, a second goal dully came, again from a corner. The improving Lee Smith got a hand to it, but the Palace Court forward managed to squeeze the ball over the line to give the home side the lead, worse was to come as another attack saw Smith pick the ball from the net a third time to give them a comfortable half-time lead as the half was drawing to a close. But Team Gryphon needed to score before the break to give them selves a chance in the second half, and it came as Mark Brewer broke though the defence and latched onto the ball to loop it past the stranded goalkeeper. Again TGFC needed to score, and first to give themselves a chance to get some reward, which was due, as the team played very well, especially since it had a few players making only their third or fourth start of the season, and some their debuts. TGFC went close a couple of times, testing the goalkeeper and the defence before falling to a sucker punch and a Palace Court fourth goal. Team Gryphon upped its game and started to find their feet as the game progressed, chances started to come their way, especially after Craig Osment picked up the ball from a clearance and his volley come shot from outside the box gave us hope, then when Mark Brewer added a second, and our third a draw looked like it could be on the cards? It wasn’t but it was a good game and result and the players all did well, especially in the second half as we started to gain the upper hand and started to frustrate the home side, but our never say die attitude got us nearly got us to the finishing line! Well done to debuts Carl Noyce and Jamie Haynes who look to be useful additions to the team for next season, both fitted in very well.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match - Carl NOYCE & Jamie HAYNES

Sunday 13 April 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at Bishops Caundle Recreational Ground Nr Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 2 - 2 ( 1 ) SHERBORNE WEST END FC - Cooper, Ford

Team - HASTED. PERRY. TRIM. ROWE. BASTABLE. FORD. BREWER. PEIRSON. MABEY. COOPER. PLOWMAN Subs - SMITH. JAMIE HAYNES. TAYLOR (NU-Injured)

Team Gryphon secured the points that will hopefully keep them above the relegation drop zone as they move up to 8th, with a fantastic result at Bishops Caundle (TGFC temporary home as ‘The Park’ under goes renovation) against title favourites Sherborne West End. It was a great game evenly contested by both teams, each looking to bounce back from recent defeats, and keen to get back on track to end the season on a high! Joint Manager Tristan Cooper gave Team Gryphon a deserved lead as he beat a crowd of players to poke home the ball past the advancing keeper to give us hope that a shock could be on the cards? Unfortunately Sherborne West End equalised a few minutes later as what looked like the SWE striker turned a foul into his advantage to score their equaliser, especially as our defence had stopped expected the play to be stopped, but we should all learn to play to the whistle in this and any game. But SWE where unlucky not to go into the break a goal up as they had another effort disallowed for off-side, although Plowman had gone close for the home side testing the keeper on more than one occasion.

SWE did take the lead in the second half though and were then made to fight to hang on for the points as TGFC upped the tempo and went for the goal needed to get them back in the game, they were rewarded with a little bit of luck of their own as the ball was played forward, by a Brilliant Mark Brewer pass, Sherborne stopped for off-side, it wasn’t given, the West End player who reacted first wasn’t quick enough to stop Jordan Ford as he powered forward into the box, before shooting low to score the equaliser. The final minutes saw both teams go for the win, but the final whistle came and signalled an end to the game, and a share of the points in what was properly one of TGFC’s best games of the season? Excellent performance by all, and the point now moves us up the table, but we still have to look over our shoulder as both Sturminster Rovers and Milborne Port have games in hand.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match - Tristan COOPER

Sunday 6 April 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Blandford School, Mildown Road, Blandford

BLANDFORD TOWN FC ( 0 ) 2 - 1 ( 0 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Brewer

Team - HASTED. PERRY. TRIM. ROWE. BASTABLE. TAYLOR. PLOWMAN. PEIRSON. FORD. COOPER. BREWER Subs - WELLS

The big match ended in disappointment as far as the result is concerned but not in performance as Team Gryphon pulled out all the stops in their attempt to win this match and with it their place in the Blackmore Vale top flight? In a very even first half in terms of goals scored TGFC dominated for large periods of the game, going close on a number of occasions, noticeable strikers Mark Brewer, and Tristan Cooper who both went close, our midfield also had chances that where either saved by the keeper or hit the post or just went wide, Jordan Ford was one such player. With honours even the first goal scored in the second half would properly decide it as it turned out Blandford scored from a header to give themselves the lead, very much against the run of play. But this goal spurred on Town and they seemed to gain the momentum needed, and with it went and scored a second to by the looks of it secure the points that will see them finish mid table. Team Gryphon will have to rely on other results to determine its fate, as we really needed to get something out of today’s match to give us a fighting chance going into our final league fixture next week at home to Sherborne West End. But with the clock ticking down Mark Brewer broke free from a very organised and determined Blandford defence who had restricted the away side to long range shooting and set plays, as the half drew on as its main chance of goals, suffered a temporary moment of lack of concentration to allow Brewer to round the keeper and score to give TGFC hope and a little consolation, in a game which we could have done better as we lost count of the number of chances we created and had, and we would have won if it wasn’t for the outstanding form of the Blandford Town keeper, as we really only allowed Blandford three real efforts on goal, two they scored and the third was disallowed!

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match - Mark BREWER

Sunday 30 March 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Terrace Playing Fields, Sherborne

SHERBORNE WEST END FC ( 1 ) 3 - 1 ( 0 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Trebble

Team - T.BEATON. NEWTON. TRIM. ROWE. MABEY. BREWER. COOPER. PLOWMAN. CLEMENTS. TREBBLE. LANNING Subs - TAYLOR

As our second season in the league and as a team comes to a close, we are left to reflex at what could have been today, despite the score line, we played well, controlled play and had Sherborne on the back foot for parts of the game and at one stage we did have a chance of getting something out of this fixture, especially since after 40 minutes or so the scores were level. The game was tight at times and was mostly controlled in midfield with both team cancelling each other out, TGFC did well especially in this department with skipper Mark Brewer, who range of short passing continued to find its targets setting the pace, but unfortunately we could not break down the Sherborne West End re-guard and were reduced to long range shooting, with Trebble and Plowman going close. We looked solid at the back with Simon Trim making his first start of the season, paired with the impressive Darren Rowe, and with Assistant Manager Tony Beaton donning the gloves in the absence of a goalkeeper? We looked good! But we were un-done, as the half came to a close, the opening goal came as our defensive line held firm, but was judged to have played the SWE attacker on side, and his goal bound header sneaked into the net to give the hosts an undeserved lead.

The second half started poorly for TGFC as we conceded a second and decisive goal from a shot outside the 18-yard box within minutes of the restart. This really affected the team as we tried to get ourselves back in the match, our play became disjointed and we started to lose our shape and focus which lead to a third goal. This was scored after Trim, Rowe and Beaton all made saves or blocks but eventually the ball ended up in the net to give West End the points, which will help them as they push for the title with South Cheriton and Palace Court. Although with 10 minutes to go Team Gryphon finally got there act together, started playing like a team and got its just rewards. The ball broke out on the wing which was collected by subsistute Jonathan Taylor who’s determination while under pressure resulted into the ball being crossed in to the box for James Trebble to score his six of the season and give TGFC some consolation for their efforts. Next up for Team Gryphon is the re-arranged trip to Blandford Town and a vital six-pointer!

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Tony BEATON, who just edged out Mark Brewer for the award

Sunday 02 March 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at The Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 0 – 3 ( 1 ) SOUTH CHERITON UTD FC

Team – HASTED. FORD. ROWE. PEIRSON. BASTABLE. D.BEATON. DAISH. BREWER. PLOWMAN. MABEY. LANNING Subs O.BEATON. TAYLOR & COOPER (Not used)

Another defeat for Team Gryphon moves us every closer to the relegation trap down, but at least the game was 1000 times better than the shambles that was last weeks defeat, the team have moved on from that and its performance gives us hope that TGFC can get themselves the points they need to maintain its place in Division One for next season, especially with the relegation six-pointer against Blandford Town our next league fixture.

The opening exchanges barred no malice or aggressions experienced by TGFC in its most recent fixture, the challenges were strong but an experienced referee handled the situation perfectly. South Cheriton took the lead after 30 minutes of end-2-end football that saw both teams create and defend a number of good goal scoring opportunities. With Gareth Peirson moved back into defence to partner Darren Rowe, after the absence of Chris Barker, they marshalled the defence, aided by the return of Simon Hasted, and supported by Dan Beaton playing in the ‘Gazza P’ role. The opening goal came as the home side moved up for offside but were caught out by the lack of flag and the Cheriton player duly slotted home. The second and decisive goal was another blobby goal; coming off Jordan Ford, deflecting in from a goal bound shot. TGFC did concede another as we changed formation, brought on substitutes, all aimed at giving ourselves a chance, to get a foot in the door and try and score the goals needed to give us a fighting chance, but alias a third was scored to condemn us to another three lost points, that at the start of play we had every chance of at least gaining a share of the spoils?

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Jordan FORD

Sunday 24 February 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division Oneat the Memorial Playing Fields, Milborne Port

MILBORNE PORT FC ( 4 ) 9 - 3 ( 2 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Peirson x3

Team – HAYNES. NEWTON. PERRY. ROWE. D.BEATON. LANNING. PEIRSON. MABEY. FORD. COOPER. CLEMENTS Subs O.BEATON. DAISH & WELLS (Not used)

Today’s local derby was a disappointing affair all-round, given that the fixture had no BVFL appointed official, due to the late withdrawal of said referee, Milborne Port appointed their own, which I am sorry to say was not a wise move by the league given the history between the two teams. The match exploded into life with a few late tackles and questionable offside decisions, as the opening twenty minutes saw four goals hit the net. The home side opened the scoring, with a goal from 25 yards, Gareth Peirson equalised from a shot driven into the bottom corner, which evaded the keeper and the defence. It wasn’t long though before Milborne restored their lead, but the hard working Peirson scored his second and our second equaliser with a half volley that gave the keeper no chance. As the half come to a close we conceded two, as it was our turn to concede though goalkeeping and defensive errors, even at 4-2 down we had a good chance to turn things around in the second half.

Unfortunately Milborne scored first and basically sealed our fate and a battle for survival begins as only a few points separate the bottom five, which we now find ourselves in, after the last few defeats to K&S Eagles and Palace Court, we now sit in 8th, with a couple of teams having games in hand on us. But back to the disgrace that this game was turning out to be, the referee, seem unable to control the high, studs up, late challenges from the Milborne players, who’s physical and dominating attitude and performance as a whole had the desired affect on our young and still inexperienced team, especially when 7-2 up the tackling become even later and a number of players started ‘showboating’ with our opponents cheering and laughing our every attempt at a tackle and try that was to win the ball fairly. Captain Gareth Peirson who had a great game in midfield, battling hard and doing his best to get the team going scored his hat trick, from a corner he rose above the defence to score with a header.

On a different day, with a league official perhaps the game could have been the close affair it should have been, although on Sunday Milborne Ports team was possibly stronger than ours in terms of experience and the standard achieved, as they had quite a few players who have turned out for Sherborne Town and even a Gillingham Town player in their ranks! We could and should have done better, but I, the team, and the club feel that the attitude shown yet again by Milborne Port effected the referee, and stopped our own team from performing to its best, or at least making a fair contest of the fixture, but this is football and fortunately we all survived, although with our egos dented and bruised, but our legs intact, to fight another day, and with South Cheriton Utd at home next Sunday followed by a vital six-point with Blandford Town away before back-2-back games against Sherborne West End, we really need to step up a gear, and get some points on the board before its to late!

Sunday 10 February 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 1 - 5 ( 3 ) PALACE COURT FC - Taylor

Team - SMITH. PERRY. BASTABLE. BARKER. D.BEATON. LANNING. ROWE. PEIRSON. FORD. PLOWMAN. O.BEATON Subs TAYLOR. DAISH (& T.BEATON Not Used)

Back to league action after the last gasp disappointment of last weeks quarterfinal defeat, and the visit of Palace Court to ‘The Park’. Back in September TGFC produced a super-human effort to come back from 4-1 down, then 5-2 down to draw the fixture 5-5. Today we were hoping of more of the same, even with a very different team, but footballs a squad game even in the lower leagues of English football. The opening ten minutes went by in a blur of attacking white, the red shirts as each team pushed for an opening and an advantage, Matt Plowman and Ollie Beaton combined well, supported by Jordan Ford and Scott Lanning on the flanks, but ours and their chances just fell short of the mark. Chris Barker got dragged out wide and was out turned giving Palace Court the opportunity to shoot low across the box, resulting in the opening goal. Palace Court then with only ten minutes remaining of the half scored two goals in the space of as many minutes, the third was though good persistence by the attacker, who went one on one with new goalkeeper Lee Smith, (returning to the goals after an injury ruled him out for the last three weeks) who closed him down, narrowing his angles, but as he finally went to ground the striker took his chance and scored.

Three down, but not as big a mountain to climb as before at Marnhull, but we needed to score first to given ourselves any chance today, unfortunately Palace Court got their fourth and it was game over, our visitors seemed to have the knack when it came to scoring as the final score line of 5-1 does flatter them, we had a couple of great chances to score, Trevor Perry with a curling free-kick, Plowman with a couple of good efforts and Darren Rowe’s surging run that could have resulted in a goal, we were just a little bit unlucky. At five nil down, our luck changed and for the remaining ten minutes of the second half we set about the Palace Court goal, especially after a great cross from Scott Lanning, that evaded everyone on the goal line, apart from substitute Jonathan Taylor, who’s kneeling header right on the line, gave him his first for the club and a little bit of consolation for all our hard work.

The Mermaid ‘Chris Barker’ sponsored Man of the Match – Gareth PEIRSON

Sunday 3 February 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals, at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 2 - 3 ( 0 ) SHERBORNE WEST END FC - Plowman x2

Team - HAYNES. PERRY. ROWE. BARKER. BASTABLE. LANNING. BREWER. PEIRSON. MABEY. FORD. CLEMENTS Subs PLOWMAN. (COOPER. T.BEATON & O.BEATON - Not Used)

Unfortunately its Sherborne West End joining Kings Arms, Athletico Shaftesbury, and Cary Swans in the semi-final draw of the BVFL Challenge Cup later this month, after Team Gryphon lost in sensational style this Sunday. The game itself was a very good one, with both teams aiming to get one over their Sherborne rivals, the first half was a calculated one, one which the home side enjoy much of the lions share of the attacking opportunities and possession. Sherborne West End though enjoyed a number of corners that they should have done much better with, and also seemed to catch us on the break, but we held strong and finished the half all square, although we could have snatched a lead as Jordan Ford found himself one-on-one with the keeper, but the keeper saved and was that are chance gone?

The second half came alive when SWE took the lead; against the run of play we conceded a header, after a high ball was delivered into the box. A second duly came again a sloppy goal which we should have done better, but if after going one nil down our heads dropped a little, two down spurred us on, from a Trevor Perry free-kick, aimed to the far post, resulting in Gareth Peirson’s bullet header which was just tipped over the bar, and then…. Matt Plowman came on and the game changed, his first gave us hope, but his second shooting across the goal and the keeper to sneak into the net, gave us the belief that we could do something here and reach the semi-final? But with minutes if not seconds left we conceded the killer blow, an un-challenged header gave Sherborne West End passage into the next round.

But we should be proud, two down and out, we showed sprit and passion, we gave it a go and had SWE on the ropes, we got back in the fixture and could have taken it into extra time, ad who knows what could have happened!

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match - Chris BARKER

Sunday 27 January 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 0 – 3 ( 1 ) K&S EAGLES FC

Team – HAYNES. FORD. ROWE. BARKER. NEWTON. LANNING. PLOWMAN. PEIRSON. MABEY. COOPER. CLEMENTS Subs PERRY. BASTABLE & TAYLOR

A lot of positives to take out of today’s defeat against K&S Eagles, none more than the adaptability of a number of players to play in a position different than what they are used to, plus the continued improvement of Scott Lanning and the guidance of Chris Barker.

As we continue to play a series of games at home, today’s game gave us the chance to build on last weeks win over Cary Swans, and start to put a little bit of light between the two teams as we chase third place. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as we lost by three clear goals, we just couldn’t seem to score we had a number of half chances, dominated for periods of the game, put the Eagles under pressure and controlled the play, but just couldn’t break though and never really tested the keeper, yes he had saves to make, but nothing out of the ordinary, basically we lacked a cutting edge! The opening and only goal of the half came from a flick on in the goalmouth which came off a couple of defenders and finally hit centre back Darren Rowe and ended up in the net, there was not a lot anyone could do!

The second half saw TGFC push on, and try and find a way back in the match but we conceded further goals to put a dent in our hopes of moving up the league, as it was we dropped to 5th with this defeat. K&S Eagles second goal came from a though ball, that the Eagles attacker collected and thus rounded the keeper to score, the third and decisive goal was from good build up on the right, the ball was pushed past our right back and hit with pace into the top corner to collect all three points.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Scott LANNING & Chris BARKER

Sunday 20 January 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 2 ) 3 - 1 ( 0 ) CARY SWANS FC

Team - HAYNES. FORD. BARKER. ROWE. BASTABLE. LANNING. PEIRSON. PLOWMAN. MABEY. COOPER. BREWER Subs PERRY. D.BEATON & TAYLOR

As requested in last week’s reports, Team Gryphon needed to get back into the winning habit soon! And it certainly came soon enough, as soon as seven days since the cup defeat; you are now reading about a TGFC win, and a good win it was too, against opposition that have been improving of late, but TGFC proved to be to quick out of the blocks for them, Cary Swans. Early in the first half a Mark Brewer corner was deflected in off a Swans defender and goal, one nil. The game progressed nicely for the home side and after a period of domination that saw them put together 10-15 passes Jordan Ford found himself with the ball just outside the 18-yard box. He pushed forward as the defenders stepped back, and hit a shot that was just out of reach of the goalkeeper, two nil and half-time. In the first minute of the second half, the ball passed out to the left, where Rhys Mabey took off on a run, beating defenders as he went, and tucked the ball into the corner of the goal to win the game for Team Gryphon. The remaining 44 minutes of the half saw TGFC come under some intense pressure but we stayed strong, as the game turned very much like the previous encounter at Queen Camel, where we forced the play, looking for an opening that wouldn’t come, and only collapsing once for Cary Swans to score a late consolation goal, but stayed strong to hold on, and move up into 4th place in the league ladder!

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Jordan FORD

Sunday 13 January 2008 - BVFL, Division One McCreery Cup at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 0 - 4 ( 3 ) SOUTH CHERITON UTD FC

Team - HAYNES. PERRY. T.BEATON. ROWE. D.BEATON. FORD. BREWER. PEIRSON. PLOWMAN. LANNING. CLEMENTS Subs O.BEATON & TAYLOR

Out of the McCreery Cup at the first attempt, beaten by league leaders South Cheriton Utd at a windy Gryphon Park. We had a good team out, one that should have been able to match Cheriton, even with its regulation senior players! A win for the home side would see them entertain Blandford Town at home in February but it wasn’t to be as Cheriton caught us on the break for the opening two goals, with the Gryphon defence too high, the offside trap was easily broken and the pace of the forwards soon out striped ours and 2-0 down. The third Utd goal was a lovely strike from distance that gave TGFC no chance. With the half coming to an end Team Gryphon were made to reflect on a game that should and could have been in with a chance of winning, but we were left cursing our luck and lack of goal scoring opportunities. The second half was a much better one as we started to match them and we started to create some chances going forward, twice in the second period we hit the cross bar! Unfortunately South Cheriton scored a fourth, a shot/cross from just inside our half, caught everyone on the back foot, as the wind caught the ball and claimed an assist! Game over, however much TGFC tried to get into the game in the final moments. We must get back into a winning habit as we have some important league games before we entertain Sherborne West End in the Quarterfinals of the Challenge Cup on Sunday 3 February.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Darren ROWE & Gareth PEIRSON

Sunday 6 January 2008 - Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton

STURMINSTER ROVERS FC ( 3 ) 4 - 1 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Clements

Team - HAYNES. PERRY. NEWTON. ROWE. D.BEATON. LANNING. BREWER. BARKER. PLOWMAN. BASTABLE. CLEMENTS Subs FORD. T.BEATON & O.BEATON

Team Gryphon suffered a disappointing defeat away at Sturminster Newton as the league returned to action for 2008. TGFC had beaten Sturminster Rovers three times before this morning’s game, but that statistic came unstuck as early as the tenth minute. As after a period of dominated TGFC conceded though a goalmouth scramble that we failed to clear, at least twice! Mark Clements equalised, Trevor Perry sent a long ball though midfield, which Clements latched onto, to fire home, which should have set TGFC up for the win, but it didn’t, and instead we should have conceded a few more as Rovers hit the post, the upright and goalkeeper Johnny Haynes making a number of saves to deny the home side. They got their breakthrough though, from a penalty as Darren Rowe was alleged to have brought down the forward on the edge of the penalty box, being 2-1 down got even worse as it become 3-1 minutes before the break. TGFC needed to score first to give them selves a chance of getting back into this fixture, but within minutes Sturminster Rovers had wrapped up the game with their fourth. The remaining minutes of the second half saw Team Gryphon try very hard to get back into the game, with substitutions and a change in formation still couldn’t save the day. Rovers seemed to adapt to the difficult, sticky conditions of the Recreation Ground pitch better than Team Gryphon, which prevented us from playing our normal quick passing game.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Scott LANNING

Tuesday 18 December 2007, on the Gryphon Leisure Centre's, ATP

TEAM GRYPHON FC 5 – 1 TEAM GRYPHON U18’s - 1st Team - Lanning, Clements, Brewer, Perry, own goal - U18's - Mottram

TGFC 1st Team – MACINNES. PERRY. T.BEATON. NEWTON. BASTABLE. MAYBE. BREWER. PLOWMAN. COPPER. LANNING. CLEMENTS Subs – D.BEATON. O.BEATON. BARKER & TAYLOR

TGFC U18's Team – BROWN. KINDER. TRIM. AUSTIN. GRIFFITHS. A.WALLBRIDGE. CHALIS. JOHN. ATHINSON. ALIVIN. S.WALLBRIDGE - Subs – MOTTRAM & MILLES

As a welcome to the club, and as a end of year Christmas treat the 1st team entertained Compton Rovers who are shortly to become Team Gryphon U18’s in the new year. The game was only a training exercise and appearances and goals don’t count to the seasons total, but according to both managers both teams played well in this training match. Scott Lanning opened the scoring, which came from a though ball, which he hit on the half volley. The U18’s equalised though Oliver Mottram and at this point the U18’s were holding the more established players, unfortunately playing at 100 miles an hour soon wore out the U18’s and the 1st team took control with Clements, Brewer and Trevor Perry all scoring free-kicks and an own goal thrown in for luck the 1st team ended up winning comfortably in the end 5-1. Well done to all the players and welcome to the club Compton Rovers and we look forward to you joining us full time in the new year and congratulations on reaching the semi-finals of the U16’s Dorset Cup!

Sunday 16 December 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at Jubilee Park, Bruton Somerset

BRUTON TOWN FC ( 0 ) 1 - 6 ( 2 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Rowe x3, Clements x2, T.Beaton

Team - FORD. PERRY. NEWTON. T.BEATON. D.BEATON. COOPER. PLOWMAN. ROWE. BARKER. BASTABLE. CLEMENTS Subs O.BEATON

Team Gryphon returned to winning ways with a comfortable win against Bruton Town at Jubilee Park. Bruton who started the game with only ten men and had to work really hard to keep a much changed TGFC at bay, who had lost Lanning, Trebble and Macinnes to illness in the last 24hrs, but the lads who stepped up played there part in an excellent win that moves us up into 4th place and a Uefa Cup spot? Mark Clements opening the scoring for the away side, and Darren Rowe added a second, which he won the ball in midfield and powered though the Bruton defence, before rounding the keeper and slotting home, in what really was a tightly contested first half. One in which Bruton made stand in Keeper Jordan Ford work really hard at times and the new centre back pairing of Newton and Beaton, helped to keep him away from any real trouble. Although we scored two it took us a while to really get into the groove offensively and it wasn’t until the second half that the goals really started to flow. Rowe got his second a volley, then Tony Beaton scored with an overhead kick, and then Rowe scored his hat trick with a brilliant goal from distance. This was andwiched in between a Chris Barker own-goal, which he deflected into the net, past the grounded Ford, who should have been celebrating a clean sheet, but this was the only thing that Barker did wrong as his tireless display in centre midfield, playing as the ‘magnet’ as the Bruton manager called him, earned him a much deserved man of the match award. Clements scored our 5th winning the ball from a corner, taking on a defender or two, who at this late stage had given up the ghost. Clements has now scored 15 goals, which is a great total for a lone forward! This game can also be noted for the introduction of a third Beaton to the team; Oliver Beaton came on late in the second half, as a strike partner to Clements. We could and should have scored more, but we achieved our goal of coming away safe and sound from Bruton, and with three points to end the year on a high!

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Chris BARKER

Sunday 9 December 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Gound

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 0 - 1 ( 0 ) MILBORNE PORT FC

Team - HAYNES. PERRY. ROWE. T.BEATON. BASTABLE. COOPER. BREWER. BARKER. MABEY. LANNING. PLOWMAN Subs D.BEATON

This disappointing result against local rivals, Milborne Port condemned TGFC to its fourth defeat of the season, and its third in four games, all by one goal, and all which we should have done better, gaining a point or if not better!

The game itself the only one to survive the weather in the Blackmore Vale Football League, was very much a game of two halves, the first was one which the home side should have done better, we were missing a couple of key players due to illness, but our squad is good enough to cope, we started well and had a couple of good efforts, namely by Scott Lanning and Tristan Cooper, who went close twice. Unfortunately our quick passing and effortless running was enough to give us a half-time lead. The second half was very much a better one for the away side, who took there time getting into the game, but came to the front in the second period. A though ball found the attacker, who took on the defender, turning him into space, and shooting past the advancing goalkeeper to give Milborne the lead and eventually the game. Team Gryphon tried, and worked tirelessly trying to find an equaliser, unfortunately our second half efforts where very limited and those we had just weren’t good enough?

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Darren ROWE

Sunday 25 November 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 2 ) 3 - 0 ( 0 ) STURMINSTER NEWTON FC - Plowman x2, Trebble

Team - HAYNES. PERRY. ROWE. BARKER. BASTABLE. FORD. PLOWMAN. PEIRSON. MABEY. LANNING. TREBBLE Subs D.BEATON. T.BEATON & NEWTON

Team Gryphon put paid to its recent run of defeats and put an end to the rumour that if they go one-nil up TGFC lose! Having lost the last three away games Team Gryphon returned to the sunny climates of Sherborne and the fortress ‘Gryphon Park’ for an encounter with Sturminster Rovers. With a few changes to the playing staff, the home side soon took the game by the scuff of its neck and took the lead, James Trebble was played though by Jordan Ford who shot down the middle giving the keeper no chance…soon after TGFC extinguished its ghosts and went two-nil in front, Matt Plowman’s 18 yard drive was deflected in off the defender. The game stayed this way for the rest of the first half and most of the second, with stand in keeper John Haynes making some outstanding saves, one that reminded me very much of the great Peter Schmeichel? But very much like Cary Swans last week the opposition excelled in the second half keeping us at bay. But with 15 minutes or so remaining Matt Plowman scored (Plowman also scored two against Rovers last season at home) this time from 35 yards to seal the win and three much needed points as we chase the top two?

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – John HAYNES

Sunday 18 November 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at Queen Camel Playing Fields, Englands Lane

CARY SWANS FC ( 1 ) 2 - 1 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Plowman

Team - MACINNES. D.BEATON. ROWE. T.BEATON. BASTABLE. TREBBLE. BREWER. PEIRSON. PLOWMAN. FORD. CLEMENTS Subs COOPER & PERRY

At a rain soaked Queen Camel, Team Gryphon played newly promoted Cary Swans, TGFC were aiming to put their season back on track, collect three points and cement third place, without getting too wet. Unfortunately none of that happened, the ice cold wind and down pour affected both teams as they struggled to gain a grip on the game, with both teams effectively cancelling each other out, a slice of luck came our way, one nil to the visitors, effectively an own goal, but Matt Plowman was the last TGFC player to get a touch as a cross evaded the defence and forward line only for Plowman to nudge it over with the aid of the Swans defender. Cary gained progression, played some nice inter-changing football, broke down the right, crossed and goal, an equaliser.

The second half was only five minutes old when a shot from 35 yards out on the right sailed over the back peddling goalkeeper and dipped under the cross bar to give Cary Swans the lead. Cary then battened down the hatches as Team Gryphon launched an onslaught as they peppered the Cary Swans goal trying to find the equaliser. Just about every offensive player had a shot, or effort saved, cleared, came off the post, upright and even Tristan Cooper went close, twice as time and time again we failed to find the goal which would have taken us on to win the game and take the points home. But it wasn’t to be, Cary Swans played an excellent second half, living on their luck at times but that sometimes wins football matches, and it did today.

Team Gryphon should not be too disappointed as it was a good game, enjoyed by all, played in the right spirit.

The Mermaid sponsored Man of the Match – Paul MACINNES

Sunday 11 November 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at St Margaret’s Recreational Ground, Horsington

SOUTH CHERITON UTD FC ( 1 ) 4 – 3 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – Clements, Brewer, D.Beaton

Team – HASTED. NEWTON. ROWE. T.BEATON. D.BEATON. COOPER. BREWER. PEIRSON. PLOWMAN. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs WELLS & PERRY

TGFC returned to league action after the last few weeks playing BVFL Challenge and Dorset Junior Cup football, (both with mixed results). This Division One encounter was a very tense affair with both teams working hard in midfield, but having to be careful of the counter attack and the long ball aided by the wind. South Cheriton took first blood scoring a header from a long throw in, but in what is turning out to be a pattern for the away side, Mark Clements latched onto a goal scoring opportunity after a Cheriton defender had by-passed the goalkeeper, and the ball hit the back of the net. As the rain re-appeared in the second half, as did Utd’s lead. Clements went one-on-one with the keeper only for the shot to be saved, the resulting clearance went over our backline and was scored by the advancing forward. Mark Brewer got Team Gryphon back in the game after another mistake by the South Cheriton keeper, with it now two-all, the next goal was very important for both teams, as whoever scored would more than likely win, unfortunately it fell to the home sided who scored their third from a goal mouth scramble and went further ahead when a goal kick got caught in the win, and the TGFC midfield were pushed up to far, game over at 4-2, but Man of the Match Dan Beaton scored his first for the club, poking the ball in from a short corner, consolation but draw would have been a fair result.

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Dan BEATON

Sunday 04 November 2007- Dorset Snday Junior Cup, Round Two at Budmouth Technology College, Weymouth

WELLWORTHY FC ( 3 ) 7 - 2 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – Plowman (Pen), Trebble

Team – MACINNES. NEWTON. BASTABLE. T.BEATON. D.BEATON. COOPER. TREBBLE. PERRY. PIERSON. LANNING. PLOWMAN Sub FORD

For the second year in a row, TGFC travelled to Weymouth to face a team from the Weymouth Sunday League in the second round of the Dorset Sunday Junior Cup, only to find themselves knocked out to a team on paper they should have won?

Wellworthy were a very good, organised side that used the resources available to them to the maximum effect. Were as Team Gryphon with at least seven players missing, gave its capable squad players a run out, who soon found themselves a goal down, as Wellworthy’s free kick evaded our makeshift defence. Minutes later order was restored as Matt Plowman slotted home a penalty kick to even the scores, having taken a second knock in as many minutes TGFC lost goalkeeper Paul Macinnes, who was replaced by sub Jordan Ford. As the first half drew to a close TGFC conceded two goals in the space of a minute, the first a free kick and the second from a defensive error, which gave the away team a mountain to climb in the second half.

Ford failed to hold goals four and five, as the rebounds were knocked into the net, and six was a own goal, before the seventh and fail nail in TGFC Dorset Cup coffin was scored. James Trebble staged a mini revival by hitting a cracker from 20 yards though a crowded defence but it wasn’t enough. Really with the team available to use, we should have done better, we are a league above Wellworthy and with last seasons game should have won, and won comfortably but congratulations to the home side and good luck ion the quarter-finals.

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Matt PLOWMAN

Sunday 28 October 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League Challenge Cup, Round Two at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 3 – 1 ( 1 ) K&S EAGLES FC – Clements x 2, Pierson

Team – MACINNES. NEWTON. ROWE. BACON. BASTABLE. TREBBLE. BREWER. PIERSON. PLOWMAN. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs D.BEATON

Team Gryphon continued its great start to the season, with a deserved victory over the champions K&S Eagles, gaining revenge for the only defeat TGFC has suffered so far, when they lost to K&S at the end of last month in the league.

In the driving rain the game started with both teams going for the win and a place in the quarter-finals come February, it was the visitors who gained the upper hand when they took the lead midway though the first half, the ball was played though the defence and the Eagles player slotted home past the advancing keeper, Paul Macinnes. One nil down, really spurred TGFC on and they then enjoyed a period of dominance, which resulted in a Mark Clements goal, and the equaliser.

The second half was all Team Gryphon, although not to do a deserve to K&S Eagles, who made it a great cup game, but TGFC were just to good for them, again after another period of sustained pressure, a corner was awarded, which Gareth Pierson headed home to give the home side the lead, minutes later Clements scored his second to wrap up the game, from a Mark Brewer assist, and a place in the draw for the next round.

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Mark CLEMENTS

EAGLES WINGS CLIPPED AS GRYPHON PROGRESS - Blackmore Vale League Challenge Cup

The tie of the Second Round took place at Sherborne, as Team Gryphon, who are going well in the league, took on a resurgent K&S Eagles. The away side took an early lead but a feature for Gryphon this season is their determination and refusal to give in, even after going behind. Sure enough, man of the match Mark Clements equalised with his first of the day soon after the second half saw Gryphon dominate proceedings. Further goals from Clements again and Gareth Pierson saw Eagles crash out and the home side reaching the Quarter Final draw to be made in November. (Western Gazette & Blackmore Vale Magazine)

Sunday 7 October 2007- Dorset Sunday Junior Cup, Round One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 2 – 1 ( 0 ) BRANKSOME CONSERVATIVE FC – Lanning x 2

Team – HAYNES. NEWTON. ROWE. BASTABLE. PERRY. FORD. TREBBLE. PIERSON. MABEY. LANNING. CLEMENTS Subs T.COOPER. D.BEATON. R.OSMENT

Dorset Cup time, and a chance at silverware, and a trip to the County Ground for the final come May? Last season TGFC travelled to Weymouth and were defeated by Clean Connections Utd, this season we were at home and against Branksome Conservative from the Bournemouth Haywood Sunday League, Division 6. The game started at a fantastic pace, with TGFC put under pressure in the opening minutes, but TGFC stayed strong and went down the other end and scored. Rhys Mabey treaded a though ball into the box for Scott Lanning to strike first blood. As with last week’s game the home side dominated without adding to their total, and the unenviable happened an equaliser. The ball was played into the box, and unfortunately James Trebble handled the ball, to give Branksome a penalty, which was duly scored. With Trebble sent off TGFC played out the remaining 10 minutes with 10 men, but held on.

The stain of playing the second half with only 10 men started to tell on Team Gryphon as substitutes were made and formations changed to try and get a winner? Clements went close, before Lanning got the winning, latching onto a stumble by the Branksome defender to slot home the winner and a place in the second round draw!

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Scott LANNING

Sunday 30 September 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at Wincanton Sports Ground

K&S EAGLES FC ( 0 ) 4 – 2 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – Clements, Trebble

Team – MACINNES. NEWTON. BACON. BARKER. PERRY. FORD. PLOWMAN. PIERSON. BREWER. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs TREBBLE. D.BEATON. HAYNES (not used)

After the turmoil of the last few weeks, Team Gryphon added to the pressure endured by K&S Eagles at the Wincanton Sports Ground, by taking an early lead, the goal coming from Matt Plowman’s left wing cross, which Mark Clements slotted home from close range. TGFC should have added to their lead as Jordan Ford’s shots hit just about everything bar the back of the net, unfortunately TGFC just couldn’t add to their total which in the end proved to be our downfall.

K&S Eagles came back strong in the second half, equalising from a corner, then in the space of ten second half minutes scored three more, another from a corner, the third from a goal mouth scrabble and the fourth from a one-on-one with TGFC keeper Paul Macinnes. James Trebble scored a consolation goal, shooting from long range. Well done to the reigning champions K&S Eagles for a spirited fight back, one that matches our own against Palace Court last week, although the result and the second half performance were disappointing its shows how far we have come this season, that a 4-2 defeat against one of the leagues top sides, should have been a win, and a comfortable win, but instead we are all disappointed to lose when they beat us 9-0 last season!

Sunday 23 September 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at Marnhull Recreation Ground

PALACE COURT FC ( 4 ) 5 – 5 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – R.Osment, Ford, Plowman x 2, Rowe

Team – MACINNES. D.BEATON. ROWE. BACON. BASTABLE. FORD. PLOWMAN. C.OSMENT. BREWER. LANNING. R.OSMENT Subs PERRY & DAISH

Team Gryphon continued its unbeaten start to the season, with a fantastic draw at Palace Court; the game was differently a game of two half’s.Palace Court took an early lead, and before we knew it they were two up, the second coming from a header after a long throw. Ryan Osment reduced the score line bundling the ball over the line, finishing off a great cross by Scott Lanning. Unfortunately Palace Court scored two more before the break, both coming from though balls played over and though the TGFC defence. The second half was much better for Team Gryphon, Jordan Ford started the come back, heading home from a long throw by Rowe, Palace Court stalled the fight back by scoring their fifth again from a throw in. Matt Plowman latched on to a mistake by the keeper to fire home a long drive to score TGFC third, Darren Rowe scored the fourth with a free kick from outside the box as striker Osment was fouled. Plowman completed the comeback scoring after another mistake by the goalkeeper and his defence. Five all, Palace Court should have won this game easily but Team Gryphon never gave up and should the determination, and the attitude that has served them so well this season.

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Darren ROWE

Sunday 16 September 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 2 – 1 ( 0 ) BRUTON TOWN FC – Clements x2

Team – MACINNES. NEWTON. BACON. ROWE. D.BEATON. PLOWMAN. BREWER. BARKER. TREBBLE. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs FORD, BASTABLE & LANNING

The first half passed with out too much incident, unlike Bruton Town’s previous game, were a goal was scored every five minutes? Instead the first half was a tense affair as Bruton’s hustle and bustle style of play was difficult to break down, although a few chances were created, namely to Trebble and Clements whose shots went wide every time. It wasn’t until the second half that the game really kicked off, when Bruton Town took the lead with their first real effort of the game, their striker hit it low, and the ball ended up in the net, 1-0 to the visitors. This pushed on TGFC and substitute and ‘The Mermaid Man of the Match’ Jordan Ford raced into the box and was brought down for a stonewall penalty, Mark Clements stepped forward and equalised. This really unsettled Bruton, spurring on Team Gryphon after good work from the midfield, the ball was spread out wide to Scott Lanning who crossed for Clements to score his second and the winner!, game over and another three points for TGFC. In what was a very difficult match, but the home side showed the character and practice to hold on and win the game!

The Mermaid, sponsored Man of the Match – Jordan FORD

Sunday 9 September 2007- Blackmore Vale Football League, Division One at the Gryphon Park Football Ground

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 2 – 1 ( 1 ) BLANDFORD TOWN FC – Peirson, Clements

Team – MACINNES. NEWTON. BACON. ROWE. D.BEATON. LANNING. PEIRSON. BREWER. TREBBLE. PLOWMAN. CLEMENTS Subs DAISH. FORD & BASTABLE

Team Gryphon opened their Division One account in sensational style, as they dominated and brushed aside a good Blandford Town. Blandford had beaten TGFC comfortably home and away last season, but it wasn’t to be this, Team Gryphon played very well for the opening 30 minutes of the match, but couldn’t find away though the suborn Blandford defence, and fell behind to a sucker punch. The Blandford attacker crossed to the back post, the forward beat the defender and volleyed home to take the lead. The home side were soon back in the game as Gareth Peirson latched on to a fumble by the keeper to knock home the equaliser. The second half saw both teams push on for the win, Blandford hit the upright with the keeper beaten, and created a few panicky moments, but the team held on, marshalled by Lewis Bacon and Darren Rowe. The winner and the prefect start for Team Gryphon came when sub Jordan Ford, raced into the box, and was lucky not to win a penalty, but his good work, fell to top goal scorer Mark Clements who scored from close range to win all three points for Team Gryphon Football Club.

A Touch of Glass, sponsored Man of the Match – Gareth PEIRSON

BLANDFORD TOWN FC's view - LATE INDECISION PROVES COSTLY FOR TOWN!

Blandford travelled to Sherborne for this Division One encounter hoping to secure their first three points of the season. Having beaten Gryphon home and away last year, even though nothing was being taken for granted, the team were still confident before kick off. For the first half an hour though, it was Gryphon who bossed the game, passing around nicely and leaving Town chasing shadows at times on the sloping pitch. Away keeper Banks was being protected well by the centre back pairing of Lamb and Drennan though so chances were at a premium. Town were finding it difficult to retain possession but from out of nowhere scored with a good team move. A period of good passing saw the ball knocked over the defence to Phi Watkins, who controlled the ball before hitting a left foot volley into the far corner. Soon after, the same player saw a20 yard shot come crashing back off the bar. Despite this purple patch, Gryphon look to be a more resilient side this season and drew level before the break. A shot was fumbled by keeper Banks and Gareth Peirson was on hand to knock home. The keeper made amends just after with a point blank save. Town came out with a game plan in the second half to try and keep the ball on the deck and pass it better and at times played some really attractive football. Gryphon weren’t far behind though and the second half was pretty even overall, both teams had chances and really a draw would have a pretty fair result. However, going into the last 10 minutes a good run down the right wing by a home player saw the ball reach the danger area, Gary Lamb made his only mistake in the game by not clearing and Mark Clements rifled home.

Blackmore Vale Magazine, Football Section (Pg 58 14.09.07)

Wednesday 5 September 2007- Pre-Season Friendly at Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset

GILLINGHAM TOWN FC U18's ( 2 ) 7 - 3 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC - Trebble, Mabey, Rowe

Team - FORD. R.OSMENT. BACON. BARKER. D.BEATON. LANNING. MABEY. BREWER. TREBBLE. DAISH. ROWE Sub T.COOPER

With Sundays game against Sturminster Rovers cancelled, Team Gryphon travelled to Gillingham as a favour to the North Dorset Club, the friendly was arranged at short notice as preparation for Gillingham Town, who’s game against Sherborne Town in the Somerset Floodlight League was cancelled and with the 1st Round of the FA Youth Cup against Hamworthy Utd to play at the weekend, so both teams needed games! Team Gryphon went 2-0 down, with one being a disputed penalty (Trebble was alleged to have handled in side the box) before James Trebble reduced the score line, which he flicked past the keeper from a cross on the left. In the second half Rhys Mabey equalised beating the keeper at his left hand post, Mark Brewer’s free kick was collected by Darren Rowe who drilled one in from 20 yards to give TGFC the lead. And then the heavens opened as the away side conceded five without reply to lose the game 7-3.

TGFC Assessment – disappointing to leave so heavily, but the game gave us a chance to give some squad players a game, and a run out for the returning Lewis Bacon and Chris Barker. Unfortunately we lost a few players as the game approached, and only having one sub, affected us as Gillingham were able to change as many as six! Next up for TGFC, home against Blandford Town.

Wednesday 29 August 2007- Pre-Season Friendly at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Gryphon Leisure Centre, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 2 ) 5 – 2 ( 2 ) BISHOPS CAUNDLE COLTS FC – Clements, Mabey, Lanning, Peirson x2

Team - FORD. D.BEATON. BASTABLE. ROWE. PERRY. LANNING. BREWER. PLOWMAN. PEIRSON. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs MACINNES. T.COOPER & DAISH

Bishops Caundle Colts from the BVFL, Division Two were the final opponents of TGFC’s pre-season programme and it couldn’t have started any better for the away team, who raced into a 2-0 lead very much against the run of play. Their first was a spot of controversy as Rowe was adjudged to have committed a foul, to earn a penalty and the second from normal play, fortunately for TGFC Rhys Mabey raced though the Colts defence and scored straight from the restart, and before Bishop Caundle could re-grouped Scott Lanning crossed for Gareth Peirson to equalise with a fine header.

Top goal scorer Mark Clements scored from the spot to give Team Gryphon the lead and it was down hill all the way for the Colts after that as the had a man sent off for a second yellow card, and then from having a 2-0 lead soon found themselves losing the game 5-2 as Lanning got on the goal scoring act, connecting on to a long throw to score the fourth and to wrap it all up, Peirson added his second with another header, to win the game comfortably for Team Gryphon.

TGFC Assessment – a great response from the team, from being 2-0 down, the lads showed great character to come back and win the game comfortably, that’s three games unbeaten now as we head into the league campaign.

Wednesday 22 August 2007 - Pre-Season Friendly at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Gryphon Leisure Centre, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 2 ) 2 – 1 ( 1 ) KINGS ARMS FC – Clements, Brewer

Team - CONWAY. PERRY. NEWTON. ROWE. D.BEATON. PEIRSON. T.COOPER. BREWER. TREBBLE. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs MACINNES & DAISH

Our second game in two days started much slower than the previous one, but much the same result was required if not better, which was duly achieved though another Clements goal and one from skipper Mark Brewer to win the game 2-1 verses Kings Arms from Charlton Hawthorne and Division Two of the Blackmore Vale Football League. Clements firth of the season came from a long throw by Rowe, which was knocked down by Brewer, and Clements went one-on-one with the keeper slotting home to his right. The winning goal came as Brewer chipped the keeper from 18 yards out; the ball hit the crossbar and bounced over the net. Kings Arms gave a spirited fight back in the second half and were rewarded with a goal as Macinnes was beaten by a penalty box scrabble. But Team Gryphon held on and won the game comfortably in the end.

TGFC Assessment - excellent progress from Tuesday’s game, the players all worked well and a win was a much-needed result. We could have scored a few more with the opportunities we created, but two were enough to win the game.

Tuesday 21 August 2007- Pre-Season Friendly at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Gryphon Leisure Centre, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 1 – 1 ( 1 ) STALBRIDGE RES. FC – Clements

Team - FORD. PERRY. NEWTON. BASTABLE. D.BEATON. WELLS. T.COOPER. ROWE. TREBBLE. MABEY. CLEMENTS Subs BREWER & DAISH

Team Gryphon entertained Stalbridge Reserves of the Dorset League at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, and after Sundays defeat we all hoped for a better result and to an extent a much-improved performance? With a number of changes to the line and three games in four days to contend with, a number of changes were made to the starting line up. The game started at a frenetic pace with both team going for the win, but first blood went to the away side who thought they had a penalty but then minutes later scored from a corner to take the lead. But leading goal scorer, so far Mark Clements scored to bring the scores level before half-time. The second half was a tense affair with both teams having excellent opportunities to win the game, but the Gryphon defence held on, and standing keeper Jordan Ford commanded his area, to the standards expected of him to hold on for a draw.

TGFC Assessment – a lot better than Sunday, the team put in a more determined performance and effort, even when they went one nil down, Team Gryphon showed the character to come back and get themselves back in the game, even against a team in a much higher league then them.

Sunday 19 August 2007- Pre-Season Friendly at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Gryphon Leisure Centre, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 1 ) 3 – 7 ( 4 ) PALACE COURT FC – Clements, Mabey, Trebble

Team - MACINNES. T.COOPER. ROWE. NEWTON. MABEY. LANNING. PERRY. TREBBLE. FORD. PLOWMAN. CLEMENTS Subs WELLS & D.BEATON

With just over two weeks till kick off, Team Gryphon entertained Palace Court, in what was expected to be a closely fought pre-season friendly not the walk over the final score line suggests.

Team Gryphon who also play Stalbridge Res. FC and Kings Arms FC in the next week started the game as they finished of the last, working well as a team, creating some good goal scoring opportunities and going for the win, within the opening ten minutes the opening goal duly came as Mark Clements won the ball from a poor clearance, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the net. Scott Lanning and Jordan Ford were working well out on the wings supplying some good cross for the attackers to score, and everything looked good for the home side. But before TGFC knew it was half time and Palace Court had scored four goals, without reply, coming from a corner, a couple of defensive error, and a save that wasn’t held, and with it, he lead and the game. The second half was much better, although we still conceded another three goals, Rhys Mabey scored his first for the club, and after Jordan Ford was fouled in the box, midfielder James Trebble scored for TGFC from the spot, which showed that once we put Palace Court under pressure we could score and bring the game to them, if we had done that sooner then possibly the game may have had a different result?

TGFC Assessment - Started well, but failed to capitalise on a number of chances to win the game, instead Palace Court who brought with the a very good, experienced and well organised side, dominated the game and won the game at a cantor. TGFC where missing a number of players but that should be the excuse for letting the game slip away.

Sunday 12 August 2007- Pre-Season Friendly at the Gryphon Park Football Ground, Gryphon Leisure Centre, Sherborne

TEAM GRYPHON FC ( 0 ) 2 - 2 ( 2) FC DERELICKT – Clements x 2

Team – FORD. PERRY. BASTABLE. ROWE. D.BEATON. MABEY. C.OSMENT. PLOWMAN. LANNING. BREWER. CLEMENTS Subs – T.COOPER. R.OSMENT

Team Gryphon’s second pre-season friendly saw them entertain FC Derelickt from Loughborough University, and as the previous weeks game the opposition started much the better side. The game played in the midday sun saw the University side race into a 2-0 lead, with both goals coming from goal mouth incidents, the first coming at the back post after it was to high for our keeper to save and the second from a re-bound after Jordan Ford deputising for the injured Paul Macinnes saved initially, but couldn't do anything about the re-bound. Two nil down, and Ryan Osment on for Scott Lanning, as the second half kicked off and with TGFC with a lot to do. Team Gryphon reduced the score, with Mark Clements scoring his first, coming from a long ball out of defence by Darren Rowe, Clements controlled, one on one with the keeper, goal. The equaliser came from Rowe’s throw in that evaded the defence for Clements to slot home.

TGFC Assessment – an improvement on the previous game still need to be more organised and start to take the game by the scruff and dominate, and start to test opposition keepers, instead of trying to score the prefect goal.

Friday 3 August 2007-Pre-Season Friendly at Harding’s Lane, Gillingham Dorset

GILLINGHAM TOWN U18’s ( 2 ) 4 – 3 ( 1 ) TEAM GRYPHON FC – Rowe, Plowman x 2

Team – MACINNES. BASTABLE. BACON. ROWE. D.BEATON. LANNING. C.OSMENT. TREBBLE. PEIRSON. PLOWMAN. BREWER Subs – T.COOPER. WISDOM. FORD. CLEMENTS. & MABEY

Team Gryphon opened the 2007/08 seasons proceedings in dramatic fashion, as the played away at Harding’s Lane, Gillingham in a highly competitive ‘pre-season’ friendly. Gillingham’s U18’s started the game with frighten pace and attacking prowess, which saw them go two nil up after only twenty minutes. As the half continued TGFC started to get into their stride and began to assert them selves into the game, Darren Rowe (a summer signing) reduced the score line with a cracking shoot from outside the box, which gave the goalkeeper no chance.Within five minutes of the re-start Matt Plowman had equalled the scores as he followed up his initial shot to knock in the re-bound. Minutes later though Gillingham put them selves back in front, again Plowman equalised for the away team. Unfortunately Gillingham scored the winner and this time Team Gryphon couldn’t find a replay, it was then in the closing minutes that the game erupted and became heated as Gillingham’s number 7 become involved in a heated exchange and was lucky to stay on the field and the game ended after TGFC’s goalkeeper was flatted by an advancing forward, which could see the keeper side lined for a couple of weeks?

TGFC Assessment – A good start to the season, although we lost, all the team played well, improvements are needed though if we are to progress this season. The new players did well and we deserved a draw at least from the game, Gillingham’s attacking and physical game took us a while to get used to, but especially in the second half we dominated more without seeing an end product, but it gives us something to work on for the next game.