Chelsea Lions Football Club
AFCO FC have been expelled from the C & G Sunday League and their records has been expunged from the league table. The Lions beat them twice, 5-1 and 3-1, and these goals and points have now been stricken from the the record. Defender, Dave Mollison was devastated with the news as his only goal of the season, against AFCO, has now been removed. Hard luck Dave, just make sure you get at least 2 next season!!
The last game of the season versus Mirror Images was called off at the last moment when Mirror contacted manager Tom Hewitt and informed him that they would not be playing. The Lions made use of the available time and held an impromptu training session instead.
After consultation with the league, the Lions were told that the points would be awarded to them, so that's that for our first season. Just the awards ceremony and the end of season tour to go!
Chelsea Lions have done it. In their first season, they have achieved an incredible feat. They have secured their 2nd position in the league and their promotion up the C & G Cheltenham Sunday League. Many, many congratulations to all involved. Please feel free to add your good wishes and congratulations to the message board. The lads would love to read them.
They say these things happen in threes. After Martin Bailey's broken foot and Phil Byers' broken collar-bone, it's been confirmed that Lee Townson has broken his ankle in the game versus CT Outcast. Again, everyone at Chelsea Lions FC wishes Lee a quick recovery. If you would like to add your good wishes to Lee, do so on the message board.
Chelsea Lions produced a great performance on Easter Sunday morning to despatch CT Outcast (Res) with a comfortable 6-0 win at Newlands Park
On a glouriously sunny morning, the Lions knew that 3 points would guarantee their 2nd place in the league and they started brightly, with Whittle and Townson going close. The Lions feel they might have had a penalty when Chris Whittle was bundled over in the penalty area, but the referee saw nothing wrong. Outcast could have opened the scoring themselves when an attacker broke the offside trap, ran to the edge of the box and fired in a shot, but he was denied by a fine save from Tom Hewitt. Barnfield broke the deadlock soon after, and the result never looked in doubt following this. He added his, and the Lions' second goal soon after, which was the Chelsea Lions' 100th league goal. There was even a hint of a celebration in the usually quiet man! Just before half time, Barnfield completed his hat-trick and the Lions were starting to enjoy the sunshine.
The second half brought more of the same attacking football from the Lions which soon brought a 4th goal, when an Adam Dodsworth shot seemed to go in through the goalkeeper's legs. It was to get worse for Outcast, when a James Slevin cross, looking for Matt Brisley was turned into the net by a defender past his helpless goalkeeper. Try as he might, Slevin cannot claim that one! Slevin was to get on the scoresheet though. His thundering free kick from 25 yards out, gave the goalkeeper no chance.
The only blot on the day was when Lee Townson appeared to tread on the ball and hurt his ankle. With the Lions already suffering injuries to Bailey, Byers and Williams, Townson's injury will force team changes for next week's final game.
Chelsea Lions' medical staff have confimed that Phil Byers suffered a broken collar-bone during the Team Umbrella game. All the players, staff and supporters of the Lions wish Phil a speedy recovery. If you would like to wish Phil a good recovery too, let him know on the message board!
The Lions moved a step closer to claiming second spot in the league with a 3-1 win at King George V over Team Umbrella. Wind conditions did not help either team and made life difficult for both goalkeepers. However, goals from Dodsworth, Barnfield and Slevin, ensured the Lions went away with the points.
The Lions started the game in bright fashion and their first attack saw Phil Byers set clean through on the goalkeeper. As he attempted to make his clearance, he accidentally caught Byers' legs causing him to land very awkwardly on his shoulder. Byers was carried off with an injury that ended his season. Soon after, a long punt upfield by Umbrella took a hideous bounce over 'keeper Tom Hewitt, who did very well to tip the ball over the crossbar. Dodsworth then made the Lions' pressure pay with a well taken finish across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.
The second half was more of the same with both teams battling the wind conditions. The game looked safe when Barnfield's 30th goal of the season, made it 2-0 but Umbrella were soon back into the game, when a cross/shot got caught in the wind and sailed over Hewitt's head and into the far top right hand corner. However, James Slevin restored the Lions' two-goal advantage when his drilled shot from range, found the bottom corner of the net.
The result leaves the Lions needing just 3 points from the last 2 games to be sure of finishing in 2nd place.
Chelsea Lions' unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday morning as Prince of Wales Old Boys crusied to a comfortable 5-2 win at Prestbury Rec. The Lions fought hard, and came off the pitch with their heads held high, but the Old Boys were, in the end, just too good.
The Old Boys started in impressive style and opened the scoring very early on when a corner found it's way to the far post and the header was steered beyond Tom Hewitt, deputising in the Lions goal. Soon after, it got worse for the Lions as after heavy pressure, the Old Boys extended their lead through a deflected shot, giving 'keeper Hewitt, no chance. It could have been worse for the Lions as, just before half time, another header from a corner was clawed out by the keeper in the top corner. The Old Boys were convinced that the ball had crossed the line, but the referee could not see from the angle he was at, and therefore, gave no goal.
The second half started as brightly for the Old Boys as the first, when yet again, their crossing proved too good and a far post header again found the corner. James Slevin then scored, what must be a contender for Goal of the Season. His 30 yard swerving, dipping drive smashed the post in the very top right hand corner and flew into the net. It was a strike of pure quality that surely even David Beckham would have been proud of. Prince of Wales were soon back into the game, when they scored their fourth of the game after a defensive error by captain Alex Whelpdale and things were rounded off when another deflected shot beat the 'keeper. Ian Barnfield got in on the action with the last kick of the game, when a long kick from Hewitt was flicked on by Bodley to Barnfield, who controlled well and smashed home from the edge of the box.
The result left the Lions needing 6 points from thair last 3 games to secure 2nd place in the league. With fixtures against Umbrella, Outcast and Mirror to come, the end is in sight of a very successful first ever season for the Chelsea Lions. Bring on Edinburgh!
Lions goalkeeper, Martin Bailey has been cruelly ruled out of action for the remainder of the season with a broken foot. He was playing 5 a side when the injury happened. Most of the squad are shocked and saddened by the news and all wish Bailey-Ray a very speedy recovery. We know you're an avid reader, so GET WELL SOON MATE!
The Lions "home" game with Team Umbrella was moved to King George V playing fields and were made to fight very hard for the points by a spirited Team Umbrella side.
Umbrella took the lead midway through the first half, when a poor kick from goalkeeper Martin Bailey fell at the feet of an Umbrella striker. He powered through the Lions defence and powered a finish low into the bottom corner of the net.
Despite heavy pressure, the Lions withstood and grabbed an equaliser through top scorer, Ian Barnfield when he took a beautiful through ball from newly appointed vice-captain James Slevin down and into the box and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. After the break, the Lions attempted to go and win the game, but Umbrella fought back and the game developed into a very close encounter. Dave Mollison went close when his cross hit the top of the crossbar and Ian Barnfield, Lee Townson and Adam Dodsworth were denied by fine saves from the Umbrella goalkeeper.
The Lions got their noses in front when Adam Dodsworth's shot bobbled horribly over the Umbrella keeper's outstretched hand and into the back of the net. The Lions never looked like conceding another goal and held on to tighten their grip on a promotion place.
With Wade Ridsdale's injury meaning he has played his last game for the Lions this season, James Slevin has been appointed as Chelsea Lions vice captain for the remainder of the season. Congratulations and Good Luck to James.
Chelsea Lions 'home' game against St. James' Hotel was moved to King George V playing fields. The Lions started very brightly and raced into a 4-0 lead. St. James' rallied and got a goal back before half time, and scored in the opening few moments of the second half. The Lions were made to defend for large periods but the back-four and goalkeeper held firm for an important 3 points.
Lee Townson bagged his 4th hat-trick of the season and Chris Whittle added another. Adrian Scotney was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside but St. James' were not about to lie down. A defensive mix-up allowed them back into the game. Their second goal gave them a glimmer of hope, but the Lions were in no mood to give up their 13 league game winning streak, and held on for a deserved victory.
Chelsea Lions' influential central midfielder, Matt Elson will play his last game for the club on Sunday before he completes his transfer to Coventry. He's the second player to leave the Lions this season after Gareth Beck's move to Slovakia. We all wish Matt every success with his move.
With the Prince of Wales Old Boys still on County Cup duty, Chelsea Lions moved to the top of the league this Sunday with a victory over 9 man Bellec United at the Burrows.
Bellec were not at full strength and could only start the game with 9 players and the Lions took full advantage. Veteran Pete Styman put the Lions ahead, tapping in from a corner. It was his first of the season, and was clearly delighted with his goal. Barnfield's record of scoring in every game for the Lions continued as he slotted his 20th of the season. Byers added a third soon after, but there was controversy over the goal as the ball didn't appear to have crossed the line before the defender attempted a clearance, but could only smash the ball into the roof of his own net. The "Funboy" made such a scene, that we had to credit him with the goal to appease him! A couple from Lee Townson before half time put the game beyond doubt
The second half was more of the same, with Lee Townson in prolific form, scoring freely. Barnfield added another one for the scrapbook for his second of the game but the plaudits all went to Townson. He finished the game with an impressive haul of five goals and has now scored hat-tricks in each of his last 3 games. He was presented with a signed ball for his efforts and long may it continue.
Another mention must be given to Martin Bailey, whose performace in goal ensured his second clean sheet in as many games. He may not have had much to do, but he kept his concentration well to do what was needed, when it was needed.
King George V playing fields were deemed unplayable by League Secretary Pete Langley on Sunday morning, thus denying Chelsea Lions an oppurtunity to go top. With the Prince of Wales Old Boys on County Cup duty, 3 points would have seen Chelsea Lions move a point clear though having played 3 games more. The decision left the Lions feeling deflated but were cheered up by watching goalkeeper, Mike Page, trying to get his car out of the mud assisted by vice-captain Wade Ridsdale. The video will be published here shortly!!
The Chelsea Lions kept their impressive run going with a 5-0 win over a Cheltenham Auto side which held the Lions to a 3-3 draw last time they met.
The Lions opened the scoring when Ian Barnfield notched his 19th goal of the season after a brilliant run and shot. Gareth Williams then added to the scoring when he scored with an audacious shot from just inside the Cheltenham Auto half which the goalkeeper misjudged and allowed it to dip underneath the bar. Phil "Funboy" Byers added a third with a well taken header and shortly before half time, Adam Dodsworth made it 4-0 with a similar goal to Barnfield's but from the other side. After the break, James Slevin headed in from a corner to seal a 5-0 victory.
Cheltenham Auto could have got back into the game on a few occasions but for some excellent goalkeeping from Martin Bailey. The former Lions central defender turned out in goal for this game and has staked a massive claim to replace Gareth Beck as the Lions' goalkeeper as he dealt with countless crosses and made some fine saves throughout the game.
With heavy overnight rain, the pitches at Swindon Village were deemed unfit for play after an early pitch inspection by the referee and Chelsea Lions' rearranged game with AFCO was postponed. It was the second fixture to fall victim to the elements in the Lions' season so far, and it left the squad hoping for mild winter!!
Having thought they had a free weekend on the 3rd December after Greet United pulled out of the league, the AFCO FC Away game, origianlly scheduled for 28th January 2007, has been re-arranged for this weekend.
Chelsea Lions and Sporting Dynamo braved the mud at Priors Farm on Sunday morning following the recent rain and it was the Lions who seemed more suited to the conditions as they eased to a 10-2 victory. Goals from Ian Barnfield (five) and birthday boy Lee Townson (four) added to an owl goal, to give the Lions their biggest goals haul of the season so far.
Uncharacteristically for the Lions, they got off to a great start, when after only 3 minutes, Ian Barnfield volleyed in his opening goal of the day. The right winger has scored in every Chelsea Lions appearance so far and was set to enjoy his day. An owl goal from a corner increased the Lions' lead moments later. The third goal had an element of farce about it as a ball was fizzed into the box, the goalkeeper dived to intercept only to see the ball stick in the mud, leaving an open net for Lee Townson who made no mistake. Goals flowed before the break with Townson and Barnfield sharing the spoils, the latter completing a first-half hat-trick. The 6-0 half-time scoreline was not at all flattering to the Lions.
Goals continued to flow after the break with Townson completing a birthday hat-trick and Barfield ensuring he takes the honour of being the Lions' top goalscorer. Although he did almost suffer the shame of missing an open goal from 6 yards, however the ball hit the inside of the post and found the net. His claims of "I meant that" weren't exactly believed by his team-mates!
Sporting Dynamo got a couple of goals of their own when a free kick managed to evade Harvey to slip into the net through the mud, and also scored when a Harbey was stranded off his line and the ball was lobbed into the far post from a tight angle for a lovely goal, but is was scant consolation for what must have been a very disappointing morning for Dynamo.
Goalkeeper Gareth 'Bestie' Beck has played his last game for the Chelsea Lions (making a cameo appearance as a striker against Sporting Dynamo) as he is leaving the country to live in Slovakia. Good Luck Bestie, we'll miss ya!!
The match report for the Cheltenham Saints game (where the Lions won 5-0) has been eaten by the gaffer's dog. Apologies to those who were looking forward to it, like Chris Whittle who was hoping to see the write up of his magnificent chipped goal. Or Ian Barnfield who scored, yet again. Normal service will hopefully be resumed from hereon in!!
Chelsea Lions returned to 2nd in the league table with a 3-1 victory over struggling Benhall Rangers. The result was sweet revenge for the Lions having been on the receiving end of Benhall's only victory this term in the 2nd game of the season. Goals from James Slevin, Adam Kelly and yet another from Ian Barnfield, ensured the points. However, in truth, the Lions should have scored more and will feel disappointed not to have improved their goal difference.
The first half was scrappy to start with and the Lions soon took control and opened their account for the day when Adrian Scotney was fouled 25 yards from goal. James Slevin confidently took the ball and, having picked his spot, drove the free-kick powerfully, low into the bottom left hand corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Early on in the second half, left-back Adam Kelly tried his luck from 35 yards with a lofted shot. His luck was in, as the shot beat the goalkeeper, clipping the crossbar on it's way into the net. His celebration is one that will be talked about for weeks to come, as he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate with the corner flag! The Lions were dominant throughout the game and Barnfield kept up his marvellous record of scoring in every game he's played this season, by brilliantly taking a ball out of the air and rounding the goalkeeper to score. Benhall hit back, when Whelpdale gave the ball away on the edge of his own box and let the attacker in to score. However, Ridsdale appeared to have been fouled in the build up.
Gloucester Eagles are through to the next round of the County Cup at the expense of the Chelsea Lions. It wasn't the best of performances from the Cheltenham side as they crashed out by 3 goals to 2
The Lions didn't start well and Gloucester Eagles soon took control and went ahead with a nice move, ended by a cool finish. Soon after, Wade Ridsdale's rash challenge in the area led to a penalty for the home side, which was converted by the Eagles. The Lions managed to hit back when they were awarded a penalty of their own. Ian Barnfield stepped up to take it, but his effort was superbly saved by the Eagles keeper. However, he could only push the ball back out to Barnfield, who followed up his own penalty and headed the ball into the net. The Eagles pushed forward and restored their 2 goal cushion moments before half time when a shot deflected off the underside of Alex Whelpdale's boot, looping the ball over a helpless Harvey in the Lions goal. But there was still time for a Barnfield masterpiece, Elliott collected the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and threaded a perfect pass to Barnfield on the right wing. The winger spotted the goalkeeper off his line and quite magnificently lobbed the goalkeeper from fully 30 yards for a glorious goal.
After the break, the game was scrappy with very few chances at either end as both defences took control of the game. The best chance of the half came a few seconds before the full time whistle as Barnfield squandered a great opportunity to score, and force extra time, when his attempted finish floated just over the bar.
Chelsea Lions are through to the next round of the Intermediate shield with a comprehensive victory over Division 2 side Kings Cuckoo's. The Lions played some great football for large parts of the game and eventually ran out winners by 8 goals to 1.
It only took Lee Townson a couple of minutes to find his touch, as in the first chance of the game, he took a ball down in the penalty area and cooly finished for his 3rd goal in as many games. It was to get better for the Lions when after only 10 minutes, Chris Whittle's run left him clear of the defence and he rounded the goalkeeper to score. The Cuckoo's were briefly back into the game when a mistake by the largely untroubled Gareth Beck in the Lions goal, allowed an easy goal for the visitors. Ian Barnfield continued to impress the Lions supporters as he added to his tally to restore the 2 goal cushion, before Townson again, coolly chipped in a 4th for the Lions. Moments before half time, Lee Townson was up-ended in the box and a penalty was awarded. James Slevin confidently took the ball, but his spot-kick was well saved by the Cuckoo's 'keeper. Slevin, however, put the incident out of his mind, when his header from the resulting corner, flew into the top corner of the net.
Cuckoo's made a better start to the second half but their chances were limited by a solid Lions defence. Their best effort was a cracking 30 yard free kick which smashed off the top of Gareth Beck's crossbar and over to safety. Chris Whittle added to his tally when his speculative effort was mishandled by the Cuckoo's 'keeper and the ball crept under his body and tricked into the net. Barnfield then, scored moments later and soon, completed his hat-trick for a man of the match performance from the new signing. Adam Kelly thought he had doubled his tally for the season late on, but his close range finish was ruled out by the referee for an earlier foul by Townson in the build up.
The next round is to be played on Sunday 4th February 2007 and will be against FC Whaddon at Priors Farm
The C&G Sunday League takes a break this week as the knock-out shield, round 2 fixtures are played. Chelsea Lions welcome King's Cuckoos of Division 2 to Priors Farm on Sunday morning. The Cuckoos have only played 5 games this season, winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 3.
They currently sit 3rd from bottom of Division 2, but Lions manager, Tom Hewitt, still insisted his team must be regarded as the underdogs, despite being in great form. "King's Cuckoos are not a new team to this league and have the experience to hurt us." he said. "I expect the game to be a closely fought affair, but the simple fact that they were promoted last term, means they are a good football side." When asked about possible formations and line-ups, Hewitt kept his cards very close to his chest commenting that the 16 man squad had been named, but there was still no indication on who would start.
Chelsea Lions recorded their 3rd straight win and moved to 5 games unbeaten as AFCO FC left Priors Farm without anything to show for a spirited performance on Sunday morning. The Lions ran out 5-1 winners after going behind in the first few minutes, but a debut goal from Ian Barnfield, plus others from Mollison, Townson and Williams with two, ensured the 3 points.
The game was only 3 minutes old when right-back, Adam Kelly, brought an AFCO FC player down in the penalty area and referee, Mike Lytheer, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Goalkeeper Ben Harvey was helpless as the ball was hit, high into the net. AFCO pressured the Lions and were much the better side in the first 20 minutes and created many chances, without managing to score another past the excellent Harvey in the Lions' goal. Ian Barnfield, on his debut after his signing from Swat Athletic, levelled things with a well taken finish after a fine run down the right hand flank. Moments later, Lions were in the lead as Dave Mollison's cross found it's way into the net off the far post.
After the break, the Lions took control of the game and quickly scored another when captain Alex Whelpdale's searching ball was latched onto by Lee Townson and the striker calmly advanced into the area and smashed a shot beyond the replacement AFCO keeper. As AFCO tired and started to chase the game, Gareth Williams took advantage of the AFCO defence going walkabout to score 2 quickfire goals with well taken finishes.
AFCO perhaps should have scored again, but a combination of some poor finishing and a couple of excellent saves from Harvey, ensured it didn't happen.
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Midfielder Phil Byers this has reported to manager Tom Hewitt that he faces a lengthly spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in training on Thursday night. The "funboy", as he is affectionately know by his fellow players, appeared to stumble in a challenge with defender Ben Edge and had to be carried off for treatment. Although he was able to walk and drive home, his condition worsened overnight and has had to be ruled out for some time.
In their first home game since 10th September, Chelsea Lions this weekend face an AFCO FC side which are yet to win in this season's Sunday League. Tom Hewitt however, warned his players against complacency. "Although they have not won this seaon, we cannot assume that this win just continue on Sunday" he said. "We must be focused and keep playing like we have been in the last few weeks, with determination and spirit. I'm sure, it'll be another tough game for us." Kick-Off is at 10:30am at Priors Farm.
King George V playing fields, this morning saw the Chelsea Lions extend their unbeaten run to 4 games as the 3rd placed team took on the 5th. St. James' Hotel were the latest scalp in the Lions' recent run, although they were hard pushed for the full 90 minutes. Goals from strikers Williams and Townson, sealed a deserved 2-1 win after St. James' had taken the lead in the first half. Manager Tom Hewitt was delighted with the resolve the Lions had shown, never giving up and their sheer determination to get 3 points out of a hard fought game.
St. James' took the lead midway throught the first half from a corner that was not properly cleared by the Lions defence and the ball was smashed into the roof of the net. After the break, the Lions pressed forward and equalised through top scorer Williams after superb work down the right from substitute Matt Elson. Soon after, Lions took the lead when man of the match, Lee Townson broke clear of the defence, calmly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted a cool finish into the unguarded net. St. James' pressed for an equaliser but it never came as the Lion's defence held firm.
Chelsea Lions have been drawn away to Gloucester & District Sunday League Division 3 side, Gloucester Eagles. The Eagles have had a cracking start to the season, winning all of their 5 games so far. The game is scheduled for Sunday 5th November, Kick-Off 10:30am at Tuffley Park.
Chelsea Lions have been in good form recently, but their run will face a tough challenge on Sunday as they face a St. James' Hotel side who've posted 4 wins out of 5 this term, losing only to Prince of Wales Old Boys. After last week's washout, the Lions are keen to keep their unbeaten run going but they know, this will be the toughest game since their defeat at the hands of the Old Boys. The game is being played at King George V, Kick-Off 10:30am.