IPA Dolphin Results and Reports

Our first game in Division 3 was against Wycombe Hermits who had just come down from Division 2. In sweltering conditions we started slowly and in the first half we hardly got our game going at all. We did however break the deadlock midway through the first half when after a determined run from Richard Thompson the ball fell kindly to Phil Sears who gleefully smashed it home.

The second half was slightly better but we could not get the second goal to calm everybody down. We did have enough chances but inspired goalkeeping and poor finishing meant the final score was 1-0.

Kingston 2 IPA Dolphin 1

With an under strength side we knew this was going to be a tough battle and so it proved. We started extremely slowly and could of conceeded in the first minute if Levon had not made a magnificant save. We however did fall behind shortly after when a slick move opened us up. However we fought back brilliantly to create some great chances which unfortunately we failed to convert.

The second half started in similar fashion with us creating numerous chances. Then came the moment that changed the course of the match, the referee adjudged Chris's tackle to be illegal and gave them the chance to double their lead which they did. To our credit we never gave up and still created chances before Andy Harker scored a great solo goal. However try as we might we could not get the equaliser.

IPA Dolphin 3 Black Boy 99 0

We knew this was going to be a tough battle as Black Boy had drawn with Kingston in their first game and came into the game unbeaten after they had won at Lacey Green. However we started very brightly creating some good chances which unfortunately we failed to take. Levon only had one save to make and that was a mis hit cross. We were therefore slightly disappointed to go in at half time at 0-0.

To our credit despite all our pressure with no reward we never panicked and kept playing our football. The breakthrough came when a Phil Sears corner flew straight in. It was just the litle bit off luck we needed to get our season going and we proceeded to play some sparkling football culminating in two goals from Paul Schrieber. The first a neat finish after Nick had put him through and the second a clinical finish after a brilliant ball from Lee. Again our defence looked solid meaning including friendlies we have only let in 2 goals in 5 matches.

IPA Dolphin 8 Lacey Green 1

Before this clash Lacey Green had lost all three of their fixtures but we were in no way complacent as regular keeper Levon was sunnying himself on a Greek island so for the second time in his IPA career Chris went in goal. We started slowly but surely as we had made a few tactical changes to the side and these took to time to bed down. However we took the lead after 10 mins when after an excellent cross from Paul, Phil expertly slotted home. we doubled our lead when after being freed by Nick Paul cross shot went in. Despite now being in total command we did look a bit shaky at the back with Chris having to charge out of his goal on several occasions. It was on one of these occasions that Chris was harshly judged to off fouled the onrushing striker. He went the wrong way from the penalty so we were back to 2-1. the killer third goal came from some excellent hassling of their keeper forcing him to kick it straight at Nick who made no mistake for his first of the season.

the second half started to go stale as they seemed intent on not letting in any more. however once Paul had squared for Nick to grab his second the floodgates opened. Further goals from Nick and Paul (2) secured our 8-1 victory that pushed us to second in the league.

IPA Dolphin 3 Micklefield Inn 3

For the sixth game in a row we were forced into changes as our injury crisis deepened. Nick Palin missed the whole game with an ankle injury and Jon Moore was unable to start with knee ligament damage. Despite that we started really quickly and Phil had three excellent chances in the first 10 minutes. However as we have done so often this season we were unable to take our chances.We then suffered a major blow as David Higham in his first game of the season went off with a serious concusion problem. Jon then went to get changed so we were down to 10 men for quite while in which time they gained some control. Levon however was up to everything that was thrown at him. Once Jon started we regained the control and went in at half time at 0-0.

The second half again started very bitty with neither team really passing it too well but we managed the breakthrough when Thomos header was first cleared and then his over head kick was parried to Mark Hedges who gleefully smashed home his second of the season. We then increased our advantage when after a long punt forward the defender headed over his keeper. However after a clumsy Chris Moore tackle they were awarded a penalty which they converted to make it 2-1. Almost immediately we restored our 2 goal cushion when Phil scored his 5th in 5 games. We then should of gone on to win the game but we let score straight from the kick off to make it 3-2 and in the dying seconds they scored again to make the final score 3-3.

IPA Dolphin 2 Eldorado Diamonds Res 4

This was our first ever game in the Berks & Bucks Cup and it turned into a knightmare. Our weakened squad was strengthened by the return of Lee Duncan and we also had his Uncle Martin in the squad for the first time. Again as in previous weeks we started brightly enough carving out some decent chances but once again we failed to capitilise on any and were made to pay as from 2 mistakes they scored 2 excellent goals. To our credit we did play some excellent football but lacked the end product.

The second half was completely different as we raised our tempo however almost immediately we made our task even more difficult by conceading a soft third goal. Again our response was excellent as we continued to make more chances. Then our task was made near impossible as after about the 100th bad decision Paul lost his temper and swore in frustration. To our disbelief the referee sent him off. Our spirit then shone through as we won a penalty which Chris converted and then amazingly scored straight away when after good work from Lee and Damian Daniel Cavender smashed home his first ever goal for us. Just as we looked like we could force the game into extra time the referee again came to their rescue awarding them a dubious free kick on the edge of the box which they scored from making the final score 4-2 so we are out but by no means disgraced.

IPA Dolphin 0 Chinnor Exiles Res 1

For the second match in a row we bowed out of a cup competition disapointingly losing to Division 4 side Chinnor Exiles Res 1-0. Again as our season has been we failed to take some good early chances when we were on top. We always had to be sharp at the back though as one of their strikers was extremely quick and was causing our defence some problems. We went in at half time 0-0 knowing we really should of been at least 2 goals up.

The second half was a similar story with us piling on the pressure searching for the breakthrough, Jon put Lee through who was thwarted at the last and some more good chances went begging before they caught us with a sucker punch punch 5 minutes from time. It was an excellent goal but our defence was a bit static.However to our credit we still tried to play football but you sensed if we had played all night we would not of scored and so it proved as we lost 1-0. Still as they say we can now concentrate on the league.

IPA Dolphin 1 Parklife 2

This match became of massive importance for us as we had lost twice in cup games and also we had a week off after it. So it was important for us to win.We started brilliantly and opened the scoring deservedly so after 10 minutes when a long kick from Levon was pounced upon by Paul who expertly chipped home. Again we were on top and again we failed to go on from there and kill the game off so at half time they were relieved to go off only 1-0 down.

In the second half they had the wind in their favour which helped with their long ball game however we still had the best of the chances and we looked comfortable at the back with Richard Johnson and Mark Whybrow in their first games impressing with excellent defending.We then went to sleep for a few seconds allowing them to get a corner they did not deserve which they scored a scrappy equaliser from and from then they gaines heart.We still created some more chances as Mark Hedges headed straight at the keeper . But then 10 minutes from time all our good work went unrewarded as they scored a second goal. Again our spirit was excellent as we throw everything at them and we should of equalised right at the end when Paul headed down a Thomo cross, but to sum up our day and possibly season it bounced over the empty net and to safety. We have now lost 3 in a row and we need to stop the trend soon.

Longwick Sports Club 1 IPA Dolphin 0

For only the fourth time in our league history we failed to score but it was not for the want off trying. We totally dominated the entire match from the start and could easily of been three up before Longwick had an attempt on goal. Phil missed a header after an excellent Dan Cav cross and also was thwarted by the keeper when clean through. Thomo also had a goal bound effort cleared. Then with their first shot of the match they took the lead with a shot from 35 yards which flew in off the top of the bar. After that we piled on the pressure but all our shots seemed to either be blocked or deflected wide.

The second half was even more one sided as we played with only 2 defenders at times. But still despite all our pressure we failed to breakthrough against 10 well organised defenders. We had about 20 corners in the game and numerous chances but in the end we knew it was not going to be our day. Our worst ever run is now being extended it is 6 games since our last win.Our next league game is against Black Boy 99 a team we have already beaten this year.

Black Boy 99 1 IPA Dolphin 5

We broke our worst ever run with an emphatic display against a team who have only lost to us this season. We started well with our new pairing of Mark Whybrow and Paul Schrieber up front combining well early on. In fact it was Mark who opened the scoring for us with his first ever goal for us. the sense of relief was almost felt in Colin Moore's sick bed and you could visible see our confidence come flooding back. Phil then went on one of his trademark runs before cutting the ball back for Paul to fire home. Just when it seemed we were cruising the referee came to their rescue by giving them a dubious free kick which they scored from to make it 2-1. Just 60 secs later though we were 2 goals up again as Mark expertly set up Paul who clinically finished with his left foot.

We relaxed more in the second half and played some good football, we scored two more goals firstly after Dave had put Paul through he completed his hat trick with a cool finish and then Dan scored a spectacular goal from 30 yards to make it 5-1 and signal to the rest of the league that we are back.

Flackwell Tips 1 IPA Dolphin 2

This game was played in very blustery conditions on an uneven pitch so we knew we were in for a tough battle against a physical Flackwell Tips side. Battle we did with a weakened side(again!) and to our credit we snatched the lead in a fairly even first half just before half time. Paul hassled their centre back and won the ball before curling an exquisite finish over the stranded keeper.

In the second half we were playing into a stiff breeze and were soon under pressure, however we defended really well and doubled our lead on the break. Mark Hedges went on a great run before crossing for Paul to control and smash home. We then played our best football of the match and created three great chances all falling to Mark Whybrow. He hit the target with all 3 but their keeper made 3 great saves. Just when we were at our most comfortable the ref gave them a dubious penalty(He had already missed 1 for them)which they scored from to make it 2-1. We were then put under emense pressure as they pushed for an equaliser but our defence and man of the match Levon held firm.

Barn Club 0 IPA Dolphin 2

This was our first game for nearly a month and it showed. In difficult conditions we struggled to play any football, despite that we took a 2 goal lead in the first half thanks to 2 well taken goals from Paul Schrieber who is on a great goalscoring run having scored 7 in his last 3 games.

In the second half we were put under tremendous pressure but held out due to a solid rear guard action mainly from our back 5 with Levon especially outstanding. We are now on another good run having won our last 3 games.

IPA Dolphin 1 Flackwell Tips 0

We completed the double over Flackwell Tips with a hard earned 1-0 win. We started well enough with us hitting the post twice, first through Phil's excellent shot and then from a long range effort from the returning Lee Duncan. We continued to create half chances before taking the lead through Richard Thompson's 1st goal of the season from a close range header from a Phil corner.

In the second half for the third game running we were under emmense pressure but held out due to another excellent defensive display from the back 4 and a wonderful performance from man of the match(again) Levon Litster.We are now up to 3rd with a genuine chance of league glory again.

IPA Dolphin 0 Barn Club 2

We lost our winning streak against a determined Barn Club side. They also became the first team in history to beat us by more than 1 goal in a league game. It was a scrappy 1st half with us playing uphill and against the wind and we were put under a lot of pressure early on which we repelled brilliantly with our defence and Levon once again in splendid form.

In the second half we had the adavantages of the wind and slope but despite a lot of pressure particulary from corners we never broke through. It looked like being 0-0 until they scored 2 late goals to effectively end our championship hopes although we still have a chance of promotion.

Rifle Butts 1 IPA Dolphin 2

This was our first game against the quarter finalist in the Combination Cup Rifle Butts so we knew it would be tough. However we started excellently playing some neat football and threatening at the end of it. We had a make shift forward line of David Higham and Phil Sears but they both linked and worked hard. After about 10 mins Mark Whybrow played it through to Simon who's excellent shot was parried into the path of David Higham who slotted home. We continued to dominate the rest of the half without adding to our score.

The second half was a simialr story with us dominating possesion but without getting the crucial goal and it looked like proving our undoing when with 5 mins to go they equalised however our spirit was excellent and we forced several late corners which from 1 we Richard Thompson headed home to ensure a vital victory.

IPA Dolphin 3 Longwick Sports Club 1

We desperately wanted and needed to win this one as we had felt hard done by in losing the first game 1-0 to them. We started brilliantly playing some excellent football despite being weakened by injuries and other absentees. Davie Higham went on a brilliant run only narrowly failing to match his approach play when he hit a post. However they rallied well and hit the woodwork themselves before they took the lead slightly against the run of play midway through the first half. We then lost Mark Whybrow after a bad challenge and Arran also picked up a knock that he tried to run off but later forced him to also retire. So it was to our credit that we managed to equalise on the stroke of half time when after a good pass from Mark Hedges and a little touch from new boy Dave Twitchin Phil gleefully smashed home.

In the second half we were playing with the slope but against a stiff breeze. We defended much better in the second half and started to heavily pressurise them culminating in a 2nd goal from Phil after Davie Higham's header had fallen perfectly for him. We even had the luxury of having a relaxing final 5 minutes after we were awarded a penalty that Chris tucked home.

IPA Dolphin 1 Kingston 6

This was our last chance of getting anywhere near Kingston in the league table and we failed miserably. the whole day was a disaster. We lost Levon just befor e the game which was to prove fatal, Damian went in goal. They started the game brilliantly and had us on the rack completely Damian had to make an excellent block in the first minute to deny them the lead. However then came the major turning point of the game, with our first attack Phil was halted by their keeper and we were awarded a penalty. If Chris had scored instead of their keeper saving it it could of been a completely different game as it was that was the last time we looked like troubling them. Soon after Damian dropped a cross and we were 1-0 down followed shortly by a second. When the third went in from 45 yards aided by a deflection everyone sensed it was not to be our day. However to our credit we continued to battle and we pulled a goal back from an excellent Phil shot and suddenly we sensed hope as they started to argue. Unfortunately we let a goal in right at the end of the half from a corner and so we went in 4-1 down at half time.

We played a lot better in the second half but let in two very soft goals early on but after that we were the better team and we could of scored some goals had it not been for the post and their keeper. It was our heaviest defeat in the league and Kingston became the first team to do the double over us. They are now the clear favourites to win the league.

Micklefield Inn 7 IPA Dolphin 2

For the second time in 2 games we got well and truly turned over but it never looked like happening. We started brilliantly and pinned them down early on but once again we couldn't get a goal and then with their first attack they scored with a well placed header. They then doubled their lead when after a dubious free kick award stand in keeper Chris got hid hands to but could not keep out the effort. Despite being two goals down we continued to carry the fight to them and we got our reward just before half time when Nick volleyed home.

We started the second half well and it was no surorise when we equalised after Mark Hedges quick throw and Phils explosive shot, he is defintely trying to hold on to the goal of the season award!!!!! However then came the moment that changed the course of the match, the ball was played through on their left and the flag went up, the referee ignored the falg and the ball was crossed to another player in an offside position who scored. The ref had given them the advantage, he then should of sent at least one of their players off but again took the easy option. After that the game became a kicking match which we have never been good at and the goals against us started to flow resulting in us conceading 7 for the first time ever, we had conceaded 6 for the first time ever the week before, the cries at the final whistlewere both sack the ref and Levon when are you back?

Holtfield 2 IPA Dolphin 1

In a game we felt we could win we performed terribly under par, we were woeful all over the pitch particulary in the first half. We did not mark, tackle or pass it well and as a result we gave away a sloppy goal and it could of been more. We did have our chances though Andy Harker was through twice but narrowly failed to convert.

The second half was marginally better but we lacked any real quality in our attacking play, they defended with all men behind the ball and tried to catch us on the break which they did extremely well. Our cause was not helped by an official who was taking the new Premier League referees leniancy a bit too far. With about 5 minutes to go one of their counter attacks resulted in us going 2-0 down but just when all seemed lost we pulled a goal back through Thomo after Chris shot had been spilled. But try as we might we could not get another one but then not allowing us to take free kicks and then blowing up for full time instead did not help us either, but the refs dispaly would take up another 50 lines.

IPA Dolphin 1 Rifle Butts 1

We really needed to get back to winning ways in the league as the race for finishing positions heated up. We started very slowly and we fell behind to a header after sloppy defensive work. To our credit we never gave up and we battled hard, we were not playing particulary good football but we kept trying. We equalised with our best move of the match when Richard Thompson played an excellent cross field ball(One of the few that were not intercepted!!!) to Phil Sears whose cross caused mayhem in the box before Nick brilliantly crashed home a left foot half volley.

The second half was completely different in that we totally dominated both territorially and possesion wise, the introduction as a half time substitute of Jon Moore helped as we looked a lot more dangerous. However we then started to get the feeling it was not going to be our day in front of goal as Jon missed a couple of chances. Paul came on and did likewise. We were cutting through them really easily and one attack led to a great chance for David Twitchin who somehow dragged his shot wide. The second half was summed up in the last minute when from a corner Paul made great contact with his shot only to see if come off a defender on the line and straight into their keepers arms.

IPA Dolphin 1 Lane End S & SC 2

We started this game with a little bit of fear especially as they were a Premiership side only 2 years previosly. We weathered the early storm with Levon making a fine save when he was faced with a one on one. Slowly but surely we started getting into the game playing some excellent fooball in the process. We should of gone in front when after a great Jon cross Phil close range efoort was blocked by their keeper into Pauls path but he blazed over. However we fell behind in controversial circumstances as Jon cleared a corner he was clatterred from behind, the ref waved play on for a left foot shot to whizz in the bottom corner.

If the first half was encouraging the second was near perfection, we played some scintilating football which resulted in us creating several great chances. Dave Twitchin should of scored but his right foot shot went agonisingly wide. Paul also had a great chance but again we failed to hit the target. However just when we thought it was not going to be our day a brilliant team move involving Jon, Phil and Nick with the latter supplying a brillaint cross field ball for Paul who brilliantly controlled it before cooly slotting home with his left foot. we then raised our tempo even further with Dave Higham having a header brillaintly tipped away and Paul had a left foot shot turned away. we then made a terrible error at the back when Andy Martin who had been magnificent all game let the ball run through for their sub to slam home. even after that setback we created more chances, Nick was thwarted late on by another great save. So our involvement in the Subsidiary Cup is over but at least we showed we can compete at a much higher level.

Wycombe Hermits 2 IPA Dolphin 7

We started this game like a train and we were awarded a penalty after 30 secs when David Twitchin was brought down, Paul duly despatched the penalty. Almost immediately we went 2-0 up when from a Nick Palin corner David Higham looped a header in. Then on 4 minutes David Higham headed forward for David Twitchin to score his first ever goal for us from an excellent shot. Then before we had played 5 minutes they had scored from a well struck shot from the edge of the box after we had failed to clear a corner. However we restored our 3 goal margin when Paul expertly smashed home from the edge of the box. Richard Johnson then scored hid first ever goal for us with an imperious header from another dangerous Nick Palin corner.

The second half was a bit flat considering the first half display and it needed a brilliant bit of determination from Damian who charged down an attempted clearance before clipping it into the top corner to get us going again. We then started to exert some pressure but our rush to score became obvios as we wasted good opportunities. We then consided a sloppy second goal before a massive Levon clearance gave Paul the chance to complete his hat trick which he did. this made the final score 7-2 which was our highest legal score of the season.

IPA Dolphin 2 Halfway 4

We were extremely under strength for our 3rd game in the subsidiary cup so improving on our record of played 4 lost 4 in cup competitions this year looked a forlorn hope especially against 4th in Division 1 Halfway. We started reasonably brightly playing some nice football until late tackles generally stopped us in our tracks. However we defended well playing a reasonably high line which resulted in many offsides which in turn meant a disjointed game. Just when it looked like we would get to half time at 0-0 we fell behind from a corner, we were not happy about it as we felt Thomo was impeded as he tried to clear.

The second half started badly for us as within 5 minutes of the restart Thomo was a fraction late and the penalty was given, it was dispatched clinically. we then fell further behind to the best goal from them of the match when a cut back from the bye linewas met by a midfield runner who smashed it into the bottom corner. We then started to fight back and play the best football of the match. We pulled a goal back when from Pauls flick Phil anticipated the back header to nip in and score. We then really applied some pressure and scored the best goal of the match, Damians excellent pass released Paul who in turn put in an excellent cross for Phil to slot home. We really had them on the back foot and were looking like getting an equaliser when the ref came to their rescue, a long ball forward was just about to be headed back to Levon when their forward barged Thomo to the ground and stab home, to everyones amazement he allowed the goal to stand. He further angered when he failed to spot a blatant handball which would of given us hope. So we did not improve our cup record which know reads this year played 5 lost 5.

Parklife 4 IPA Dolphin 0

We finished our season in disapointing style with a lacklustre performance as we were beating 4-0 by promotion chasing Parklife. We started reasonably well and had some pressure early on, however then came the moment that changed the match the referee had determined that Chris had deliberately handled the ball in the area and gave a penalty. Levon looked like he had rescued the situation but the ball ran under his body and into the net. This injustice sparked our best football of the half and both Phil and Dave Higham saw shots well saved. We should of equalised when Paul beat the keeper but blazed over the bar. It looked like the ref was going to even up the penalty count but he choked on his whistle and played on.

The second half was a similar story with us having loads of possesion without ever really looking like scoring and we were caught on the break several times. Firstly when a deep cross was met at the far post and then with 2 huge long balls which we failed to deal with resulting in us going 4-0 down. We did still play the better football but were toothless when infront of goal.So in the end we finish 5th which can be viewed as both disapointing as we are capable of much more but also excellent considering the injuries we have had, so overall a lot of hard work to do over the summer in time for the start of next year.