[Thomas]

Like Phil said, there aren't enough threads about this. I think perhaps we should spread into the other Forum Topics too, just for maximum readership.

Whilst I'm here, I'd just like to say as Captain of Team north I'm truly proud of everyone's efforts this year. The ladies and gents on the pitch all put on a hell of a show, and both teams played their hearts out for the whole ninety minutes.

Special praise should go to those who stepped in last minute to play. It takes a lot of courage to play against a big clumsy person like me wearing only trainers and no shinnies!

Off pitch, the supporters did an amazing job of keeping us entertained for the whole game. There's nothing more encouraging than hearing the crowd chanting and singing away, even if you can't hear anything of what they're actually saying because of the howling wind!

As I said after the match, huge applause should go to Ben, who did a fantastic job getting us kitted up and creating programmes, as well as raising £200 in the process. Also, on the note of money, thanks to anyone who bought my CD. I don't know how many were sold, as Emily was dealing with this, but we made some good cash there too!

Tigger truly deserved the "Man" of the Match award, but there wasn't a single person on that pitch yesterday who didn't deserve praise for turning up and playing fantastic football in such awful conditions. I eagerly await 2009's match, which is only thirteen months away, and hope to see you all there.

Thomas

[Joinee Varwell]

Rah!

[GJ Michelle P]

Congratulations!

[Thomas]

As an additional note, hats off to the team south tactician who decided to play a pretty girl up front (not you Stooz). That's my excuse for not playing as well as last year...

This post has been edited by Thomas: 23 March 2008 - 04:03 PM

[SJ Del (The Train Man)]

Thomas, on 23 Mar 2008, 03:59 PM, said:

As an additional note, hats off to the team south tactician who decided to play a pretty girl up front (not you Stooz). That's my excuse for not playing as we'll as last year...

It was actually Stooz's tactic...

[HJCotW Spacemonkey]

Damn it, I forgot to get my CD! I want one!

Hey Warren...did you see my goal?

MoT

[GJ Dandy David]

Congratulations!

Being a good sport never hurts (not strictly true, but you know)

[Pud]

Congratulations, it was a fantastic game.

[SJ Del (The Train Man)]

I've heard from two spectators (one North and one South) that the second half lasted EIGHTY minutes!
And they only blew the car horn just to see if we'd stop.

[Mr Phil]

I was timing it. It didn't. It was supposed to last 50, but lasted about 57 because of Atkinson's injury.

[SJ Del (The Train Man)]

Mr Hatchard, on 23 Mar 2008, 08:26 PM, said:

I was timing it. It didn't. It was supposed to last 50, but lasted about 57 because of Atkinson's injury.

Well, I must admit it did sound unlikely. But they were impeccable sources and unbiased...

[Joinee Bonathan]

All i know is that I'm still suffering...

[Joinee Smith]

Joinee Bonathan, on 23 Mar 2008, 08:27 PM, said:

All i know is that I'm still suffering...

And will do for some time...



Jason

[PJ Stevie G]

Mr Hatchard, on 23 Mar 2008, 08:26 PM, said:

I was timing it. It didn't. It was supposed to last 50, but lasted about 57 because of Atkinson's injury.

It only felt like a half hour. Possibly because we were running riot...



Anyway, I'm very happy with my assist.
And the whole team completely outplayed the south in the second half.

Back to back wins on the cards?

[Thomas]

Hell yes. We're building on this so that upon the Ginger Kaiser's return in 2010 we'll be on for a consecutive hat-trick. We have things to work on, but the main components are there. I really hope everyone who played this year will be there April 2009!

[Joinee Varwell]

I just remembered, I assisted one of Phil's goals. Can't remember which one.

And did anyone notice or photograph my quite spectacular but utterly irrelevant-to-the-overall-game over-head kick early in the first half?

This post has been edited by 2. Varwell: 23 March 2008 - 10:17 PM

[Joinee Parkin]

I'm confused.
Was there a broken ball and table football involved or was that just an elaborate tale?

[Joinee Varwell]

SRJ Parkin, on 24 Mar 2008, 12:31 AM, said:

I'm confused.
Was there a broken ball and table football involved or was that just an elaborate tale?

Half-right! The ball burst just short of half-time, so we just took our break while folk headed off to buy a ball. In the end we just borrowed one off the neighbouring group who had lots of balls (so to speak). Our half-time break was something in the region of 45 minutes!

[GJ Claire]

Definitely only 57? Because the Hags on the Hill sat in that car for a VERY long time and yes we blew the horn because we were bored and it worked

[Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz]

Stalker Joinee Stevie G, on 23 Mar 2008, 11:11 PM, said:

And the whole team completely outplayed the south in the second half.

Back to back wins on the cards?

As Team South captain, I have to ensure you don't get carried away with this! The victory was truly well deserved, as by the time you equalised we had been holding on for a good 10 minutes at least. But outplayed is too strong. You had the wind (as we did first half) and we were still 1-0 up until Rich went off injured. But for some terrible finishing on my part, we could have had the game sewn up by then. And if a referee was there, the rugby tackles you were all pulling out would never have been allowed.

And back to back wins? Nah. Team South are simply too strong when at full strength. We'll be back next year.

[Joinee Smith]

Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz, on 23 Mar 2008, 11:07 PM, said:

As Team South captain, I have to ensure you don't get carried away with this! The victory was truly well deserved, as by the time you equalised we had been holding on for a good 10 minutes at least. But outplayed is too strong. You had the wind (as we did first half) and we were still 1-0 up until Rich went off injured. But for some terrible finishing on my part, we could have had the game sewn up by then. And if a referee was there, the rugby tackles you were all pulling out would never have been allowed.

And back to back wins? Nah. Team South are simply too strong when at full strength. We'll be back next year.

We are best in the world! We are best in the world! We have beaten The South 4-1 in football!! It is completely predictable! We have beaten The South! The South, birthplace of nancys. Steve Phillips, Delboy, Shiny, Stooz, Both the Knellers, Warren, Lady Scotty--we have beaten them all. We have beaten them all. Dan Gates can you hear me?

Dan Gates, I have a message to you during your footballing campaign. I have a message to you: We have knocked the South out of the Join Me World Cup of football. Dan Gates, as they say in your language in boxing bars around Madison Square Garden in New York: Your boys took a hell of a beating! Your boys took a hell of a beating!



Jason

[HJCotW Spacemonkey]

This is why Stooz has to remain Captain forever - that's the sort of banter we need. Starting the build up to next year already? Brilliant!

I had no concept of time while on the pitch, I don't think any of us did, but if we played nearly an hour in the second half, that's incredible. And we all thought we were unfit, eh?

MoT

[Captain K]

My goodness, if only I'd been there to physically prise apart these scrummages.

Next year, next year...*

* If there are bleedin' goalposts...

[Mr Phil]

2. Varwell, on 23 Mar 2008, 10:16 PM, said:

I just remembered, I assisted one of Phil's goals. Can't remember which one.

And did anyone notice or photograph my quite spectacular but utterly irrelevant-to-the-overall-game over-head kick early in the first half?

Goal 3 (my second).

I'm so playing up front again next year.

Should I start my campaign for the captaincy now?

[Joinee Varwell]

Ole Gunnar Hatchard, on 24 Mar 2008, 10:47 AM, said:

Goal 3 (my second).

I'm so playing up front again next year.

Should I start my campaign for the captaincy now?

Yes and no, I reckon. You should be up front without doubt, but you shouldn't be captain - no striker should. It should be someone at the back. That's just my view.

[PJ Stevie G]

I think it's necessary to have a rundown of how each of us performed on match day, in the words of our no.4, sean

Quote

#!$&ING HAVE IT!

Sterling work boys, it's difficult to single out any single person for praise, but it's what I do, so there you go.

Worm, other than a freak goal, never looked less than comfortable. No less an authority than Mr Thomas Ru5ton (see how I avoid Google's evil machinations!) said that he was happy to let Stooz go when he was 5 yards offside, just because he knew there was no chance he'd score.

SiVar, immaculate, maruading and solid.

Rothwell, shored up the back line, and gave us an extra attacking element, skipping down the right wing.

Rem bossed the midfield, winning the balls and allowing...

...Matt Bee to indulge in his favourite game: Skin The Southerner. I also feel it would be remiss of me not to mention his invention of the cry 'I'll get Tits!' at every corner.

Stevie G did his adopted homeland proud. He truly must be Northern, as no self-respecting Northerner would EVER turn his back on his people.

Jase held the line brilliantly incisively carving open the Southern defence with majestic passes.

Supersub Phil 'Ole-Gunnar' Hatchard turned the game. Granted, the first goal wasn't really in, but screw it - if the Southerners weren't too stingy to offer to pay for posts, maybe they'd have got the decision, eh?

Andrew, strong as an ox, and fully adept up front or at the back. Absolutely invaluable.

Craig Drought once again showed that you don't have to know a thing about the game to be a nuisance. Much to his surprise, Team South singled him out as a major danger at eery turn, and his indefatiguable spirit lifted us all.

Zena marked Tits out of the game, and gave Stooz food for thought. Exce-ma-llent.

Spaca. Well, obviously, I don't like to blow my own trumept, but I will. I was like Jesus out there. But prettier obviously. And I scored more than he did.

And of course, our inspirational Caption, Mr Rushton. The song, the geeing up, the wanton disregard for manners in the pre-match baiting the defensive might truly unstoppable. Who needs Phil Cooke, eh?

Big props go to Richard, for not giving up with the yelling the whole way through, Ben, for stupendous organisation, unrivalled excitemenet, and volunteering to go with Team South to the hospital (spot a Frenchie doing that for us!), and of course our brilliant supporters, for braving gale force winds, snow, hail, rain and all manner of crap to cheer us on. We couldn't have done it without you...

...Well, we could, obviously, cos we're that good, but you have to be nice, don't you?

And my final thought:

There are about 15,000 Joinees worldwide. Of those, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers, were selected to face down the evil of Team South. And, as mighty Northern warriors always do, we prevailed. Which makes us the greatest team ever to grace the Join Me ranks. Congratulations boys.

This post has been edited by Stalker Joinee Stevie G: 24 March 2008 - 01:07 PM

[HJCotW Spacemonkey]

Facebook Thief!

MoT

[Mr Phil]

Quote

And, as mighty Northern warriors always do (except in odd-numbered years), we prevailed.

There, that's better.

[Gold Joinee Cooke]

It would have been a seven goal margin with me in the side.

GJC
CTID

[Gold Joinee Cooke]

and before any comedian says anything, seven goal margin TO THE NORTH.

GJC
CTID

[Worm]

For all those who played and are now feeling withdrawal symptoms

It is now snowing in my garden



I feel like having a kickabout...

[Thomas]

It's snowing here too. I have the window open and the heating off. It feels like Saturday- I'm even smoking a cigar, like when I subbed back on at the end of the match!

[GJ Claire]

Quote

It was a great game of skin the southerner, I feel next year I want to do it even more (if the game suits it) of course...

Gatesy, Steve, Shiny... where are you?

Said Matt




Log out when using my computer, wench!!

This post has been edited by GJ Claire: 24 March 2008 - 06:34 PM

[Joinee Kebab]

Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz, on 23 Mar 2008, 11:07 PM, said:

As Team South captain, I have to ensure you don't get carried away with this! The victory was truly well deserved, as by the time you equalised we had been holding on for a good 10 minutes at least. But outplayed is too strong. You had the wind (as we did first half) and we were still 1-0 up until Rich went off injured. But for some terrible finishing on my part, we could have had the game sewn up by then. And if a referee was there, the rugby tackles you were all pulling out would never have been allowed.

And back to back wins? Nah. Team South are simply too strong when at full strength. We'll be back next year.

I have to second my Captain on this. Even North's manager admitted, about 25 mins out from the finish whistle, that South were the stronger team. I really do think that had the teams been evenly matched in terms of numbers - so that we could have subbed a few of the players who were obviously knackered, not to mention carted off due to injury - the outcome could have been quite different. It would also be nice if next year we have a ball that works, so people don't end up playing hour long halves!

[Thomas]

Spacalicious Joinee Kebab, on 24 Mar 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

That's all I ever hear from southerners.

[Chairman 'Jamin]

Spacalicious Joinee Kebab, on 24 Mar 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

I have to second my Captain on this. Even North's manager admitted, about 25 mins out from the finish whistle, that South were the stronger team. I really do think that had the teams been evenly matched in terms of numbers - so that we could have subbed a few of the players who were obviously knackered, not to mention carted off due to injury - the outcome could have been quite different. It would also be nice if next year we have a ball that works, so people don't end up playing hour long halves!

1. Sort your squad out
2. Stop Moaning and take it
3. When you play at home you can show us how its done. Until then, can it.

[HJCotW Spacemonkey]

Spacalicious Joinee Kebab, on 24 Mar 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

I have to second my Captain on this. Even North's manager admitted, about 25 mins out from the finish whistle, that South were the stronger team. I really do think that had the teams been evenly matched in terms of numbers - so that we could have subbed a few of the players who were obviously knackered, not to mention carted off due to injury - the outcome could have been quite different. It would also be nice if next year we have a ball that works, so people don't end up playing hour long halves!

Team North's manager probably had ulterior motives for saying that, if indeed he ever did. It'd be tantamount to treason if it's true.

South weren't the stronger team. All banter aside, I don't think anyone can suggest that Team South had a consecutive five minute period in the second half where they were better than us. They defended like lions for much of the second half, and there was a period where I was worried we might not break through the 7 men they had behind the ball, but that in no way means they were stronger.

The idea that, had teams been evenly matched in numbers, the score might have been different, is an entirely moot one. After all, it's not like we stopped you having the same number of players as us, or more. It was just the fact that a lot of your players decided, for various reasons (including illness, which isn't a decision, but you know what I mean), that they weren't going to be there to play. Actually, screw the illness thing - Hatchard felt like crap, and scored twice. Hell, if the South had anything like the level of regional pride the North has, maybe more of your fans would have donned the black and red - and massive kudos to Sarah and Tigger for doing just that.

We kept the sides equal at all times, out of an inate sense of fairness. We were offered the option of playing 11 throughout, even when you only had 9 at the start, and turned it down to stop just this kind of talk - we didn't win because of uneven sides, we won because, on the day, we played better, just as, on the day last year, the South were better. When, incidentally, we also had more players, and were able to make subs when you couldn't. Didn't hurt then, did it?

And finally, I played the full match. Worm played the full match. As did, I believe, and I might be wrong, so feel free, Northerners, to correct me, Andy Bear, Matt Bee and Stevie G. Possibly SiVar as well, I can't remember. I found it easier this year than last year, for some reason, and was actually glad to have played the full game rather than being forced to stand still in the freezing cold, as our subs were.

We dealt with the conditions better. We played better. We deserved the win. Next year might be your turn (although I am using my one yearly 'ignore what I just said' request on that phrase for any future banter ), and if it is, it'll probably be because you play better and deserve it. End of.

So yeah, I have to second my captain on this. And chairman.

Oh, and very finally, re: the ball. Team North provided said ball. Team North went and fetched another. If both sides brought one, there'd be no question of 'hour long halves' would there?

Gosh, don't I sound all ranty?

MoT

[Joinee Varwell]

Yup, I indeed play the full match.

South did, I must admit, defend brilliantly, and it was only when we realised that trying to run the ball past the defence wasn't working, that things began to shift.

It was a balanced match for most of the time, and a well-fought one, and I imagine I'd have enjoyed watching from the sidelines.

I think on our favour was a mix of the worst elements of the weather being in our favour, our shift to the long ball over the defence, fear of being 3-1 down in the series, and above all pure northern grit.

[Thomas]

Very well said Sean. The balls situation is an excellent point, given I was in town buying one at 9 on Saturday when many would still have been asleep. I've also played every second of the two Nvs matches I've entered before this year, and wouldn't have subbed off so late on had I not been crippled with cramp as a result of being the only one willing to go and get another ball. Oh and I'm ill too, suffering from some kind of chest infection, but y'know, maybe we should save our excuses for if we lose too.

[DG Joinee NEMESIS]

Spacalicious Joinee Kebab, on 24 Mar 2008, 07:20 PM, said:

I have to second my Captain on this. Even North's manager admitted, about 25 mins out from the finish whistle, that South were the stronger team. I really do think that had the teams been evenly matched in terms of numbers - so that we could have subbed a few of the players who were obviously knackered, not to mention carted off due to injury - the outcome could have been quite different. It would also be nice if next year we have a ball that works, so people don't end up playing hour long halves!

That's rubbish and quite literally a reversion of what i said.

I pointed out that Team South had been "playing strongly" and that our lads were holding up well in the conditions that were far far worse for a longer period of time in the first half.
I think you'll find that we agreed on the way to the station that for most of the match we were balanced and that until i moved a few people about and plugged a few holes your goal hanging sister was creating, you may have held on at 2-1 or there was even a danger that stooz would capatalise on sarah's permanent offside position to then score.

Bottom line is that both teams played well but there was no back up in the south and we did - VERY sportingly - drop to 9 men for you when you didn't have a full team.

The second half the north played better in the last 20 mins. That's it. Not massively - but enough.


treason indeed! as if i'd say you played better for 90 mins! Cos you didn't.

I did enjoy the balance of the match though as Stooz and Scotty especially did a hell of a lot of solo attacks in the last 35 mins that had me a bit worried from the sidelines - as you could see what they were trying to do.

They just didn't...


that's it.

4 - 1 for a reason - not for all the excuses and deliberation.
We played. we stopped a hell of a lot more of YOUR chances in the first half than the south did with us in the Second half and that's how games are won....

It's not like your defence had to run up and down the pitch like ours did....
cos they spent most of the second half around their ten yard box

[Joinee Smith]

I'm just a poor old man. I have no time for law- breakers. My legs are grey. My ears are gnarled. My eyes are old and bent.



Jason

[Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz]

Ahem, you all seem to be forgetting though that until Richard went off to make it 9 againt 8, we were still 1-0 up. So the sides weren't equal. Still, it's not an excuse. I know who the good footballers are and who are the lucky ones, and there were both on each side.

The most gutting thing for me at the moment is the realisation that I probably won't be there next year....

[SJ Del (The Train Man)]

Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz, on 25 Mar 2008, 09:33 AM, said:

The most gutting thing for me at the moment is the realisation that I probably won't be there next year....

WHAT! Why?

[DG Joinee NEMESIS]

Gold Double Pink Joinee Stooz, on 25 Mar 2008, 09:33 AM, said:

Ahem, you all seem to be forgetting though that until Richard went off to make it 9 againt 8, we were still 1-0 up.

Yeah i didn't see "The Wind" as an official player in your manifest by the way


.....you're JOKING right?!?!?! You told your "manager" yet?


are we gonna end up fielding a five-a-side team cos you southerners can't get your team to commit?
:-)

anyway

GREAT game i thought on both sides. It was much better to watch than last year - despite the weather. Much tighter teams on both sides and a hell of a lot more passing.

Loads of whys and wherefores about subs, and legs and men down etc. as well as our weather worse than yours and offside rule issues. Bottom line it was close for loads of the match. Even at the end it looked like the south COULD pull back another one or two - till Sean sured up his defensive line with aplomb (not to be confused with "a plumb") and he got the power of ANDY on his back right when I pulled him back.



well played everyone.....well played all.

This post has been edited by Silver Joinee 'The Daddy': 25 March 2008 - 01:16 PM

[Kneller2]

[DG Joinee NEMESIS]

Keneller2, on 25 Mar 2008, 02:59 PM, said:

what a rag tag bunch of hobo's
Shame your manager couldn't keep a full team playing, alert, motivated and organised....

...team north didn't have that problem....

[Joinee Smith]

Warren can't even afford a shirt!



Jason

[Thomas]

I expect he spent all of his money on repairs to his shoddy German car...

[7. Rem]

just to clear things up:
year1: 5-1 (to the south)
year2: 2-2 (5-4 to the north AET)
year3: 3-2 (to the south)
year4: 4-1 (to the north)

I only scored in the first year, but put in a cross for the first goal in year 2 gresham scored it
northern scorers are as follows:
Hatchard: 3
Gresh: 2
Matty bee: 2
Spaca: 1
that bloke from GGF3: 1
Rem: 1
the other Cooke: 1
Drought: 1

dunno the sourthern scorer stats, but i think the fairness league has north on top due to gatesys red card
Gatesy: 1 RED
Rem: 2 YELLOW (might've been a 3rd also. not sure)
Scotty: 1 YELLOW

think theres another yellow apiece, but not certain and dunno who they were given to.

[Thomas]

Thanks Rem, I'll update the league table. We could do with a run-down of the south's goals too for a top scorers table. Then again, I could just put our players on there, as we're better anyway.