17th November 1996 Hunters 1 - 2 Esprit [Wanstead Flats : Aldersbrook Road]
This classic match was a shock victory over one of the favourites for the league. Hunters were an established team and our paths would cross several times over the years but on this occasion Esprit recorded their first ever win and chalked up 3 points in the league table. The referee had arrived 15 minutes late for kick off and by the time he did finally arrive Esprit were a goal down. This was Esprit's 8th ever match and they were not expecting to win this one as they had lost the previous seven and it looked over before they had even got started. However they rode our luck until half-time and remained a goal down until this point.
Goalkeeper Lee Merry was outstanding and pulled off some great saves and then we created some chances at the other end. With less than a quarter of an hour left Olgun put Lee Brown through who went around their keeper and rolled the ball into the net to make in one all. At this point Esprit were happy just to draw and collect their first point of the season, but with 10 minutes left Ritesh got injured and substitute Kyle Owens came on. He had been signed only on the morning of the match and no-one had seen him play apart from Matt Reynolds who recommended him. With barely 2 minutes left Hunters hit the post at our end and from there we went up the pitch and won a corner. The result of this corner ended up with the ball being pushed out to the edge of the box when Mr. Owen decided to volley the ball into the bottom corner and enter folklore.
The Esprit boys went mad and everyone did a Klinsmann dive into the mud. A minute later and the match was won. Esprit has done it. Hunters went to the changing rooms a broken team and Esprit carried on dancing in the mud. It was a glorious occasion for everyone involved. And what became of Mr. Owen? No-one knows, he just disappeared back to Wales and we never saw him again. If you are out there Kyle, thanks!
Man of the Match: Lee Merry
1. Lee Merry
2. Sagheer Deleel
3. Ritesh Bhuwanee
4. Matt Reynolds
5. Rob Hurst
6. Ricky Blanks
7. Onur Gokdemir (C)
8. Neg Dupree
9. Olgun Gokdemir
10. Lee Brown
11. Simon Parsons
Subs: > 12. Kyle Owens < 3. Ritesh Bhuwanee
29th February 2004 Esprit 3 - 1 May and Bakers [Hainault Rec]
It was the 29th of February, Leap Year Day and Esprit played some mesmerizing football ( this also only happens once every four years.) Esprit were five points off second place currently held by May and Bakers with a game in hand so it was a must win if the promotion dream was to continue for the season. Earlier in the season, Esprit had a poor game against their opponents, defending too deep, so it was a shock for the team when the news was announced that they would play a 3-5-2 formation on the day.
It proved to be the right call as it took May and Baker by suprise and put them on the back foot. Within 5 minutes Alan played a perfect through ball for Wale to stroke home and cause panic amongst the M&B back line. The midfield quartet held onto the ball well with attacking midfielder Tolga running around like a madman on a mission. It wasnt too long before the extra numbers in the box lead to a penalty and Wale stepped up to double his and the club's tally. For the remainder of the half, Esprit pinned their opponents into their own half.
The second half was much of the same as supersub John Taylor came on and set up Wale for his hattrick to put the game beyond reach and send the fans into euphoria. Esprit's promotional run would continue for another month at least. However the team did relax and concentration cost them a goal as near the end of the match Hakeem Kuku gave away a clumsy penalty which was converted. It was tough on the hard working 3 man defence and the goalkeeper but 3 points was the main objective.
After the match the girlfriends of the players crowded round to cheer on their heros, and a few proposals could be heard around the ground. However one lady was to be disappointed, as when tactician guru Runo was asked his reply was "Later, ask me again in 4 years time....Esprit comes first ! "
Man of the Match: Alan Hollick
1. Andy Hollick
2. Ben Lloyd
3. Hakeem Kuku
4. Phil Lewis
5. Alan Hollick (C)
6. Phil Urubusi
7. Olgun Gokdemir
8. Tolga Kulahcigil
9. Wale Oshiyemi
10. Darren Bull
11. David Alexander
Subs:
> 12. John Taylor < 8. Tolga Kulahcigil
> 14. Neg Dupree <
7. Olgun Gokdemir
>
15. Michael Harrigan < 10. Darren Bull
|
8th September 1996 Brookfield 3 - 0 Esprit [Wanstead Flats : Harrow Road]
Esprit kicked off their first match in their history in a game that they could have actually won. The club had only been established during that summer and had entered the league weeks before this league fixture. The club had no time to prepare for pre-season friendly matches and were thrown in the deep end. The team was not even ready and did not have enough players and needed some outside help but there were 13 players by the morning of the match. From the original 13 that played that day, 3 of them never played again and 3 are still with us.
The club colours had been set as purple as it was a rare colour amongst Sunday league football clubs and it happened to be the chairman's favourite colour. But as fate would have it the opposition that day also wore purple so there was a mad rush to organise the kit at the last minute. Eventually Esprit swapped their shirts with a neighbouring club and wore red shirts for this match. The game was a much hyped game due to its historic occasion and the team started strongly, but found themselves a goal down by half time through a headed corner. The second half brought more misery with Brookfield scoring two quick goals, but goalkeeper for the day Ahtaf Akram was unlucky with both, as he only had one glove at the time (apparently the other glove was lost in the changing room).
Esprit having now lost the game stepped up a gear and started to play some good football. Rob Hurst had a solid debut, with captain Onur and Neg holding the midfield well. They created chances for Olgun who forced a good save from the goalkeeper, and Dave Zarcaro who managed to hit the post, but then we realised that we were not destined to score when Faraz was put through with a clear one on one situation and blasted the ball well over the bar claiming that he was planning his celebrations and was put off by thinking about it. It was a comedy of errors and with an average age of just 18, this was a good lesson for the Esprit boys as was the whole season and the long task of rebuilding the squad had just started. Still a classic match for the wrong reasons but the shear fact we can now look back and see how far we have come.
Man of the Match: Rob Hurst
1.
Ahtaf Akram
2. Ugur Baser
3. Aaron Mahedeo
4. Tony Strickley
5. Rob Hurst
6. Ricky Blanks
7. Onur Gokdemir (C)
8. Neg Dupree
9. Olgun Gokdemir
10. Dave Zarcaro
11. Faraz Fooker
Subs:
>
12. Noel Merrins < 2. Ugur Baser
> 14. Balal Akram < 8. Neg Dupree
20th April 1997 Walthamstow Panthers 3 - 4 Esprit [Kingfishers Sports Ground]
This was the final match from our first season and has to go down as one of the most entertaining matches ever witnessed. Walthamstow Panthers needed a draw to get promoted and Esprit needed a win to avoid relegation. The rest of the league had completed their fixtures and there was a small crowd gathered to watch this match. The Panthers came to the match with champagne in a bucket of ice, preparing for what they thought would be an easy win. Unfortunately for them Esprit gave the performance of the season and came away with a classic victory.
Ricky Blanks scored his first goal for the club to give us the lead and then Lee Brown scored a brace in quick succession and Esprit raced into a 3 - 0 lead and that is the way it stayed until half time. The defence was rock solid up until that point, but the Panthers threw everything that they had in their arsenal in the second half in order to get that point that they needed for promotion. They managed to claw two back and in the 90th minute they were awarded a penalty for what was a dive in the box. Olgun Gokdemir saved the penalty by diving full stretch and pushing it out wide around the post but the Esprit boys were too busy praising him for his heroics and the Panthers equalised from the rebound. It looked like the match would end in a 3 -3 draw and that the Panthers would get promoted. The champagne corks started to pop and the Panthers were celebrating. However deep into injury time, from a long ball, Daniel Wilde ran onto a no-hoper of a ball and slotted it into the net to give Esprit a famous victory and avoid relegation. The champagne was put on hold and must have tasted bitter from our rivals and we got off the foot of the table for the first time that season and lived to fight another day.
Man of the Match: Andres Salinero
1. Olgun Gokdemir
2. Derek Sabaroche
3. Phil Lewis
4. Andres Salinero
5. Rob Hurst
6. Daniel Wilde
7. Onur Gokdemir (C)
8. Neg Dupree
9. Ricky Blanks
10. Lee Brown
11. Simon Parsons
Subs: > 12. Lee Merry < 4. Onur Gokdemir
28th September 1997 F.C Artois 1 - 3 Esprit [Salisbury Hall Gardens]
This was a solid performance by the boys in purple as they progressed into the next round of the cup. It was a tough fixture as Esprit faced a team away from a higher division. It could have gone so horribly wrong as in the very first minute Artois went a goal up when a long ball into the area found one of their players who headed it in at the far post. Rather than looking down and out, the Esprit boys rolled up their sleeves and went for the jugular. Having got a grip on the game we equallised just before half time with a well taken team goal. Good work from the midfield presented an opportunity for Ricky Blanks to steer the ball into the roof of the net, and Esprit gained momentum and got stronger and stronger.
After the interval the defence got tighter and more solid and restricted all opportunities for the opposition to get in the area giving the goalie a quiet day. Esprit started to attack more fluently and Olgun Gokdemir gifted Ray Caldwell with two goals after some fine runs into the box. At the final whistle Esprit were in the second round of the cup for the first time and fully deserved their win.
Man of the Match: Olgun Gokdemir
1. Lee Merry
2. Jeremy Issacs
3. Phil Lewis
4. Onur Gokdemir (C)
5. Rob Hurst
6. David Kaizer
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Ray Caldwell
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Simon Parsons
Subs:
> 12. Neg Dupree <
7. Wayne Brewster
22nd March 1998 Romford Jets 3 - 3 Esprit [Central Park, Dagenham]
Esprit fought a great game against a very strong Romford Jets side who were near the top of the league and in the cup semi-final. This was an great encounter to the credit to both teams, as it produced a good and tight football match. Simon Parsons gave Esprit an early lead in our final away fixture of the season, but the Jets replied with two quick goals and added a third before half time from a harsh penalty. Esprit responded with Ricky Blanks becoming the first player in our history to convert a penalty in a league match once Wayne Brewster had been brought down in the box.
The fight back continued in the second half as the defence played the offside trap successfully frustrating the Jets before man of the match Phil Lewis set up a 60th minute equaliser for Ray Caldwell who scored with a thunderbolt from outside the box. It was his 15th of the season, which was also a new record. For the last half -hour, Esprit kept the ball and was eventually unlucky not to get a winner. It was truly a great come back against good opposition.
Man of the Match: Phil Lewis
1. Lee Merry
2. Balal Akram
3. Phil Lewis
4. Onur Gokdemir (C)
5. Angelo Crusco
6. Neg Dupree
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Ray Caldwell
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Simon Parsons
Subs: > 12. Matt Fordham < 4. Onur Gokdemir
18th October 1998 Esprit 2 -1 Spartans [Hainualt Rec]
Esprit knocked out Spartans from the Premier League in giant killing fashion. Esprit were serious underdogs as Spartans were crowned Division One Champions in May 1998 and Esprit has finished in the bottom half of Division Three. After 20 minutes Esprit against the run of play scored through Neg Dupree who volleyed a goal home from a corner to give Esprit a shock lead. This lifted the boys and gave them belief that they could get something from the game. However 10 minutes later Spartans were awarded a penalty after Neg had apparently saved the ball off the line with his hand. It was a case of more ball to hand but the protests were to no avail and the referee was adamant and the decision stood. Justice took its course as Lee Merry was in fine form to dive to his left and save the penalty. This was the turning point of the match and it ensured that Esprit went into the break leading 1-0.
After the interval Esprit played as if they were in the same
division as the Spartans and started to dominate the game. Chance after chance
went begging with the best chance a Ricky Blanks' free kick which cannoned
back off the bar, but no-one was there for the rebound. It proved to be costly
as on the 70 minute mark, Spartans equalised after a fine set piece. It looked
like the match would go to extra time, and Esprit looked tired having controlled
the game for so long. An extra half an hour could have been the end of the
road, but four minutes from time, Ricky Blanks broke free from a counter attack
and found the net to ensure the safe passage through to the next round.
Man
of the Match:
Ricky Blanks
1. Lee Merry
2. David Kaizer
3. Phil Lewis
4. Onur Gokdemir (C)
5. Ivo Di-Menno
6. Neg Dupree
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Josh Redland
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Simon Parsons
12th September 1999 Doors Athletic 3 - 3 Esprit [Parsloes Park, Dagenham]
For the first game of the season this friendly match was anything but a friendly. Esprit played a make shift side experimenting with the squad. Daniel Forster, John Hassan and Derhan Icel were all making their debuts with Derhan being a young 16 year old at the time and setting a record for being the youngest player to put on an Esprit shirt. However his performance in goal was overwhelming as he pulled in save after save from the Doors. He was never scared and was a true warrior on the pitch.
However this all occurred in the second half as the Doors raced into a 3 -0 lead and the difference of two division was apparent to see. After an inspiring half time team talk it was all about Esprit in the second half. Doors did put Esprit under pressure but Esprit used a great counter attack tactic to work their way up the field. The players had a point to prove and Gareth Foot who was playing centre half for the day, rose the highest from a corner to plant a header into the net. The comeback had started. Esprit continued to fight on and with 10 minutes remaining Dave Alexander ran onto a through ball and blasted the ball to cut the deficit. With moments left before the final whistle Daniel Forster put another ball through to get his hat trick of assists for Olgun to run onto. He ploughed his way past the defenders and slid the ball home past the goalkeeper.
The Doors realising that they had let the game sip from their hands to a team a few division below, and started to argue and resulted it two of their players being sent off for swearing at the referee. Unfortunately for the Esprit boys the referee blew the whistle straight afterwards so they never got the chance to exploit their nine men. Nevertheless it was a great comeback and set the standards for the upcoming season.
Man of the Match: Daniel Forster
1. Derhan Icel
2. Daniel Forster
3. Gareth Foot
4. Onur Gokdemir (C)
5. Tony Strickley
6. John Hassan
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Daniel Gorden
9. Olgun Gokdemir
10. Dave Alexander
11. Tolga Kuhahcigil
18th October 1999 Esprit 3 - 1 Gold [Hainualt Rec]
This was the big one and the hype behind this game was amazing as Gold had several Esprit old boys and this game had been talked about since the end of the last season. Gold had eight former Esprit players and were at full strength but simply were not strong enough .This was the first encounter between the two sides and was the grudge match the whole league had been talking about. From the old boys the ones worth mentioning were Lee Merry, Simon Parsons and David Kaizer, whilst the rest never made a real impact with Esprit and were regarded in the reserves.
This was Esprit's first home fixture in the Corinthian Sunday League Programme and it started with a bang. Within the first five minutes both teams where flying in with tackles and hard challenges and the crowd gathered round could feel the tension between the two sides. First blood fell to Esprit as Ricky Blanks crossed a peach of a cross from the right wing for Gareth Foot to place a bullet header into the top corner to put Esprit ahead. Soon afterwards Wayne Brewster was tacked down and had to go off the field for treatment. Gold took advantage of this and Esprit concerned for their team mate went asleep and a poor back pass allowed Simon Parsons with a simple goal against his old club. Wayne was in bad shape and had to be substituted and taken to hospital by player-manager Onur Gokdemir and they missed the rest of the match.
However when asked apparently they missed the best goal of all time as Gareth Foot in a moment of sheer genius flicked a ball over a gold defender "Gascoigne" style and volleyed the ball into the corner of the net to send the home crowd crazy. In the second half Gareth Foot completed his hat trick when Ricky Blanks flicked the ball on from a Josh Redland corner and Gold fell apart. From then on Esprit toyed with the opposition and collected the points and a famous win against the old enemy. Never has a victory tasted so sweet and I only wish I was there at the final whistle to see them golden tears.
Man of the Match: Gareth Foot
1. Olgun Gokdemir
2. Daniel Forster
3. Ivo DI-Menno
4. Phil Lewis (C)
5. Tony Strickley
6. Alan Bray
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Daniel Gorden
9. Gareth Foot
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Josh Redland
Subs:
> 12. John Hassan <
7. Wayne Brewster
> 14.Dave Alexander <
11. Josh Redland
16th April 2000 Esprit 3 - 1 Hive Monarchs [Hainualt Rec]
The final game of the season with the rest of the league having completed their matches and Esprit were in fourth place going into this match. A victory and Esprit would finish third in the table and above the old enemy Gold. Injuries over the season had taken its toll and there was a bare eleven for this match. The whole squad however where there to watch this match against our good friends the Hive Monarchs.
The match started slowly and Esprit were nervous and played cautiously whilst the Monarchs played their usual off side trap and used their vast experience to frustrate the boys in purple. The first half was goal less but the second half was explosive stuff. Gareth Foot opened up the scoring with a fierce shot just inside the box to the opposite side of the goal leaving their keeper without a chance to move. Esprit started to buzz sensing victory. However the boys got complacent and allowed the Monarchs back into the game and a lapse of concentration gifted them a goal from a quick throw-in. At one all the game was tense again and Esprit started to pile forward searching for that all important winner.
Tony Strickley hit the crossbar with a 30 yard rocket and Phil Lewis repeated the feat a few minutes later. Finally nerves were settled when Wayne Brewster who had played out of his skin found Gareth unmarked from the right and allowed him the chance to grab his 27th goal of the season with a side foot slot into the near side of the post. Esprit had done it but they were not finished yet. Anchorman Lea Portelli sent a ball deep from midfield to David Alexander who was to the left side of the goal area. Instead of looking up and searching for a pass David decided to launch his left peg and acrobatically volleyed the ball towards the goal. The keeper could forget about it. It was one of the best goals of the season.
At the end of the match Esprit finished third in the league and had just completed their most successful season since establishment. Long live Esprit !
Man of the Match: Wayne Brewster
1. Olgun Gokdemir
2. John Hassan
3. Phil Lewis
4. Onur Gokdemir (C)
5. Tony Strickley
6. Lea Portelli
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Daniel Gorden
9. Gareth Foot
10. Dave Alexander
11. Josh Redland
23rd September 2001 Larron 0 - 7 Esprit [West Ham Park , Beckton]
This was Esprit's best performance of the season where everything just went right. Take nothing away from Larron, who despite the score line showed that they were a class side, as shown by the fact that they walked away with the League and Cup double at the end of the season. Dave Miller gave the performance of his life in goal, which he will find hard to better. From the first minute to the last he pulled of saves that no-one never knew that he was capable of. The back four were instrumental and marshalled by Phil Lewis.
Tolga Kulahcigil opened up the scoring and indeed his Esprit account with a quick turn and shot across the face of goal. The keeper watched it sail in as there was nothing that he could do about it. It remained 1 - 0 going into the break, but in true honesty, Larron were putting Esprit under pressure but to no avail. Miller was in fine form to block out the shots. The start of the second half was more of the same with fingertip saves and off the goal line clearances from Gary Murphy and later by Andy Hollick. Then the turning point of the match came when Ricky Blanks sent a long ball forward and as the Larron defenders watched the ball, Tolga was alert enough to sprint onto the ball and slot it home. A fine move to a fine goal. Larron heads dropped and Esprit took advantage and the goals started to rain in.
With 20 minutes to go the subs came on and the fresh legs
proved vital as David Alexander scored with almost his first touch and Greg
Houlton gaining a brace as he hounded the defence. Josh Redland got into the
act with a fine solo effort and Dave Zarcaro who had narrowly missed after
beating 3 players moments earlier got a goal before the final whistle by rolling
the ball under the goalkeeper's body. All in all a fine Esprit team performance
and a great spectacle to watch as it was a championship performance against
the eventual champions that season.
Man
of the Match: Dave
Miller
1. Dave Miller
2. Gary Murphy
3. Andy Hollick
4. Phil Lewis (C)
5. Rob Hurst
6. John Hassan
7. Wayne Brewster
8. Tolga Kulahcigil
9. Dave Zarcaro
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Josh Redland
Subs:
> 12. David Alexander < 7. Wayne Brewster
> 14. Alex Dehayen <
3. Andy Hollick
> 15. Greg Houlton <
8. Tolga Kulahcigil
10th November 2002 Gardener's Arms 1 - 5 Esprit [Hackney Marches South]
This win came at a very important time in the season as Esprit were sitting second from bottom in the league and it seemed that the cup was the only competition worth playing for, and thankfully they delivered. The first few minutes was explosive as Gardener's pressed early on and forced Andy Hollick to pull of a fantastic save from a header and a sliding tackle from Gary Murphy kept Esprit in the game. A long goal kick fell to Greg Houlton who bared down onto their keeper before rounding him to grab his first in the match. A few minutes later Greg grabbed a second out of nothing, as he hassled a defender who had the ball, won it off him and then slotted the ball past a helpless keeper. Esprit went into the break two goals to the good.
The second half also started brightly, when Greg got his hat trick after some good link up play with his striking partner Dave Alexander. The result was virtually over but there was still some action left in this encounter, as Josh Redland grabbed another Esprit goal from a direct free kick. He was not finished there either and he got his second after winning the ball near the half way line, he jinxed past a couple of defenders before chipping the goalkeeper from about 30 yards out. Esprit put up an excellent proficient performance, worthy to grace any football field. However they were unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as the Gardener's scored from an unstoppable rocket in the last few minutes, but the job had already been done and Esprit were through to the next round.
Man of the Match: Greg Houlton
1. Andy Hollick
2. Gary Murphy
3. Tolga Kulahcigil
4. Alan Hollick
5. John Hassan
6. Neg Dupree
7. Dave Alexander (C)
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Greg Houlton
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Josh Redland
Subs: > 12. Rob Hurst < 5. John Hassan
2nd February 2003 F.C. Vallacano 1 - 1 Esprit [Savage Gardens, Beckton]
Esprit went into this match as underdogs and managed to creep into the semi-finals of the cup. However it looked like it would be one way traffic at the start as Esprit were behind as early as the fifth minute when their right midfielder put a ball into the box which was cut in and finished by another player who ran in from deep. Vallacano ran through the midfield like butter on a knife and bombarded the defence and only some top quality defending keep Esprit in the game. Phil Lewis was in fine form in his first match at left back and Andy Hollick managed to save some shots from almost point blank. Esprit had a couple of half chances, but they could not really put Vallacano under any pressure.
The second half was a different story. Esprit managed to play better and started to pass the ball around more accurately. Gary Murphy started to carry the ball more into the midfield, and Dave Alexander and Dave Zarcaro started to sit a bit deeper than normal, making it harder for the Vallacano boys to penetrate the defence. The forwards had more space than normal and when the ball was played to them, they had time to turn and attack the defence. This is exactly what happened when captain Tolga Kulahcigil won the ball, spun the ball past the last defender and slotted the ball under the body of the keeper. Esprit had battled and drawn back with less than 10 minutes remaining of normal time. The belief was there again and just before the completion of the match, Vallacano had a chance to wrap up the game, only for goalkeeper Andy Hollick to push the ball round the post at full stretch.
The match finished 1-1, but a winner had to be decided, so
there was a penalty shoot out. The nerves of the Vallacano boys were apparent,
as Esprit had already won the battle of the mind games with their performance.
Esprit went up first and Ricky Blanks had no problem with his penalty, nor
did Greg Houlton when it was his turn. At two penalties a piece, Dave Zarcaro
powered his effort into the top corner giving their keeper no chance. Then
came the man of the moment, Andy Hollick to save the next penalty, to put
Esprit into the lead. Tolga put the ball past their keeper for the second
time that day, to put Esprit into a commanding lead at 4-2. Vallcano had to
score so it was fitting that man of the match, Andy Hollick saved the penalty
to put Esprit into the semi finals for the second successive season.
Man
of the Match: Andy
Hollick
1. Andy Hollick
2. Gary Murphy
3. Phil Lewis
4. Alan Hollick
5. Rob Hurst
6. John Hassan
7. Dave Zarcaro
8. Tolga Kulahcigil (C)
9. Greg Houlton
10. Ricky Blanks
11. Josh Redland
Subs: > 12. Dave Alexander < 6. John Hassan
30th March 2003 Esprit 2 - 0 Hammers [Hainault Rec]
Both these clubs had reached the semi finals of the cup which was to be played over the next fortnight or so, therefore this encounter was a fairly tense affair especially as it could have been a potential cup final. It was a hot day considering it was the end of March and the ground had dried up and was fairly hard, making it harder than normal to control the ball.
Esprit started well with their 4-5-1 formation and dictated the midfield for large periods of the game and with it the game. Hammers were restricted to few chances as Esprit kept control of the tempo in the match. Esprit scored with their first attempt on goal in the 20th minute when Greg Houlton was sent clean through after a great ball from Dave Zarcaro and the young striker made no mistake as he scored his 50th goal for the club, a great milestone in just under three seasons.
Five minutes later the ball fell to Rob Hurst after a superb switch in play from Dave Alexander but with only the goalkeeper to beat Rob rushed his shot and hit it wide of the target, but at least Esprit were creating chances. Olgun Gokdemir gave a fantastic man of the match performance in the middle and won nearly every ball imaginable and it was his winning tackle at the edge of his own box and push up field which led to Esprit's second goal. Once outside the Hammer's area he slid the ball to Zarcaro, who calmly chipped the ball into the far corner of the net.
The second half was just as impressive, as Esprit sat back on their lead and shut up shop to gain their first win over their opposition. They showed great character, blended as a team and at times frustrated the Hammers, much to the delight of everyone involved.
Man of the Match: Olgun Gokdemir
1. Andy Hollick
2. Gary Murphy
3. Phil Lewis
4. Alan Hollick
5. Rob Hurst
6. John Hassan
7. Jerarrd Curtis
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Greg Houlton
10. Dave Zarcaro
11. Dave Alexander (C)
Subs: > 12. Dave Miller < 5. Rob Hurst
4th April 2004 Ashton Park 0 - 4 Esprit [Avondale Drive, Loughton]
The penultimate game of another long season and Esprit had to win both away games to have any chance of promotion. It was Ashton's last ever game and they wanted to go out with a bang, and they did as Esprit shot them down. There were a few nerves but they didnt last long as Olgun Gokdemir scored after a mere 10 seconds to dictate the flow of the game. Amazingly it was Ashton's kick off. Olgun flew in from the kick off, won the ball dribbled past two defenders and shot from the edge of the box. Their keeper managed to parry it, straight back to Olgun who slotted the rebound in and all this in 10 seconds, a new Esprit record.
Ashton were never in the game as Esprit pilled on the pressure with Taylor and Oshiyemi coming close. The second went in on the half hour mark as Darren Bull won the ball on the wide left and darted past a defender and curled the ball beyond the reach of the goal keeper for a fine solo goal. Esprit went into the interval 2 goals to the good.
In the second half, a fine team move starting from the back carved open the Ashton team and Olgun raced through to grab his brace with a splendid finish from an acute angle into the bottom corner of the goal. Not to be out done, his defensive midfield partner Phil Urubusi had a rare run from deep twisting and turning his way into the box, leaving broken bodies in his wake until he was one on one with the keeper and he lost his nerve to blast the ball over the bar. We never saw that ball again !
The rout was finally completed when Bully held the ball up
and lay it on for Dave Alexander who picked his spot and chipped the ball
over the keeper into the top corner. It was a fine team performance and a
clean sheet pleased the manager. It set the season up nicely as the promotional
race had gone down to the wire with the final game against arch rivals Woodford
Hammers. But the Esprit boys were full of confidence......same time next week....same
ground....same result.....promotion?
Man
of the Match: Olgun
Gokdemir
1. Andy Hollick
2. Ben Lloyd
3. Michael Harrigan
4. Phil Lewis
5. Alan Hollick (C)
6. Phil Urubusi
7. John Taylor
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Wale Oshiyemi
10. Darren Bull
11. Dave Alexander
Subs:
> 12. Hakeem Kuku < 9. Wale Oshiyemi
> 14. Neg Dupree <
6. Phil Urubusi
> 15. Ben Jeyifous <
10. Darren Bull
11th April 2004 Woodford Hammers 1- 6 Esprit [Avondale Drive, Loughton]
A match that had to be won by Esprit for them to be promoted at the first time of asking from the Essex Sunday Corinthian League and it boiled down to the final day of the season, on Easter Sunday against their bitter rivals, Woodford Hammers. There has been some bad blood between these two sides for many seasons, and this was the biggest game of the lot. Earlier in the season Esprit had drawn 1-1 with them and they had been cheated out of 2 points as two perfectly good goals had been chalked off and to add insult to injury Hammers were awarded a very dodgy last minute penalty.
Good things come to those who wait, and this was not one to be missed. Onur Gokdemir made sure that official linemen where called onto this game so there was no chance of foul play and it proved decisive as the gulf between the teams was evident to see as Esprit romped to a famous victory. Esprit came out of the blocks as if their lives depended on it and Hammers couldn't cope with the pressure as Darren Bull grabbed the first goal of the game with a great shot across goal after turning his defender inside out. Esprit sat on their lead and dictated the pace of the game until just before half time when winger Dave Alexander crossed the ball from one side of the park to the other and John Taylor rifled the ball home to get his first league goal for the club.
With a two goal lead going into half time, Esprit decided to set the men from the boys and stepped up a gear and tore Woodford Hammers apart with some slick football. Promotion was almost certainly secured as Wale Oshiyemi was the quickest to react to Dave Alexander's shot as the keeper fumbled the ball and Wale slotted it home from an acute angle for his 21st goal of the season. It was also Esprit's 500th goal and the goal that made Hammer hearts drop.They were distort and dirty tackles started to fly about. Esprit refused to bite and concentrated on the football. A perfect long ball from the back by Ben Lloyd fell to Darren Bull who hit a half volley which whizzed in for his second, and he later got his hattrick and his 18th of the campaign as Wale feed him through and he rounded the goalkeeper in style.
Hammers now embrassed as they were facing their worst result of the season got physical and conned the referee into believing Phil Urubusi headbutted one of their players as he fell over grabbing his face, and this poor sportsmanship got him sent off. It was a dirty tactic but Phil walked off to a hero's welcome as he posed showing off his 6-pack, much to the delight of the Hammer's back line. Still 10 man Esprit hit Hammers for six with minutes remaining as supersub Neg found Olgun from a corner who smashed the ball into the far top corner with a bullet header. That was 3 goals in 2 games for the Bogster....Talk about hitting form at the right time. Esprit were in euphoria, promoted and in dream land. Hammers did get a goal back with almost the last kick off the game but Esprit were already in the pub by then, celebrating their historic win.
ESPRIT FOREVER !!!
Man of the Match: John Taylor
1. Andy Hollick
2. Ben Lloyd
3. Michael Harrigan
4. Phil Lewis
5. Alan Hollick (C)
6. Phil Urubusi
7. John Taylor
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Wale Oshiyemi
10. Darren Bull
11. Dave Alexander
Subs:
> 12. Hakeem Kuku < 8. Olgun Gokdemir
> 14. Neg Dupree <
3. Michael Harrigan
3rd December 2000 Digtial Line 0 - 5 Esprit [Gooseleys Park, Beckton ]
This was Olgun Gokdemir's 100th game for the club and he was the first player to reach this accolade. The match was against Digitial Line and the final game before the Christmas break. Esprit were going through a rough period and the team needed shaking up as some players were not pulling their weight. The week before this game three players had been dismissed from the club for not attended training on a constant basis and the tension could be seen on every one facial expression. A win here was a must to boost morale. Starting with a 3-5-2 formation Esprit played well and dominated the game from start to finish.
Greg Houlton opened the scoring and Esprit never looked back after that. He grabbed another before half time and Esprit went into the interval with a comfortable lead. Daniel Gorden was the playmaker in midfield and played a majestic role in the game with Romain Mahadeo and Wayne Brewster working hard for the team. The back three were well organised and Gareth Foot must have been bored in goal due to the lack of action in the Esprit half. Ricky Blanks got the third from a great team move and Greg completed his hat trick by rounding the keeper. All that was left was for Olgun to cap of a great day for himself and the club by nut megging the keeper at the end to get the fifth goal.
Man of the Match: Daniel Gorden
Subs:
> David Alexander < Daniel Gorden
> Ivo Di-Menno <
John Hassan
> Onur Gokdemir <
Wayne Brewster
9th September 2001 Partizan Wanstead 1 - 6 Esprit [Wanstead Flats]
The opening match for the 2001 / 02 season started with a cracker. The team had just been handed out their new football kits sponsored by our friends at the Carphone Warehouse and the team photo had been taken before the match. There was a buzz around the squad and a full attendance of Esprit players.Oh yes and it was Ricky Blanks' 100th game for the club and he led the side to victory on this special day.
Esprit played well and the excellent pre-season showed on this display. Neg Dupree gave a first class performance as the midfield dynamo. He got a first half hat-trick to send Esprit with a 3-0 lead at half time. His first was a rocket launcher into the roof of the net and the second was a great team move. From a throw in the ball never left the ground until it hit the back of the net. Ricky Blanks flicked the ball with his head and was helped on again by Greg Houlton and the final header was by Neg who sent the ball looping over the goalkeeper into the top corner. In the 33th minute, Neg was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Instead of Ricky taking it he graciously let man of the moment Neg grab his hat trick.
The second half continued pretty much the same as the first with Esprit in cruise control. From a corner the ball fell to Josh who shot from outside the area but it fell to Gary Murphy and the big centre half proceeded in volleying the ball beyond the reach of the Partizan Wanstead keeper. It was a great goal. Then the subs came on and carried on the good work, Dave Alexander with his first touch brought the ball down and with the same movement put the ball in the net. Alex Dehayen started a move from the heart of defence and passed the ball one-two all the way into the opposing box before laying up Ricky who had the simple task of putting the ball between the goalkeeper's legs for Esprit's sixth goal. He deserved to score on the day, having also earlier unselfishly given up to take the penalty. Partizan did manage a goal at the end but the job had already been done. Esprit were top of the league...for now.
Man of the Match: Neg Dupree
Subs:
> David Alexander <
Greg Houlton
> Alex Dehayen <
Rob Hurst
> Dave Zarcaro <
John Hassan
3rd November 2002 Spartans 1 - 2 Esprit [Clayhall Park]
Player-Manger Onur Gokdemir's 100th game for the club continued the winning ways for the club to make it six out of six victories in centenary matches. It was also the first match to feature two sets of brothers, the Hollicks and the Gokdemirs. The score line did not explain the full story as it was a match that Esprit should have comfortably wrapped up early on but left it until the dying seconds to claim a infamous victory. The match was against Spartans and marked the first points of the season for Esprit. Esprit were going through a dry patch and needed this win to spark morale which pushed them up the league table and was the begining of a good run into the New Year. Esprit dominated the game from start to finish, and just a lack of finishing stopped the team getting into double figures. Neil Parini was only playing his second game for the club having made his debut the week before and looked comfortable between the sticks.
The back four looked solid for the vast majority of the match and the midfield dominated the play of the match. However Spartans stuck to the long ball tactic which clearly restricted the level of good football played. Gary Murphy and Dave Alexander had good efforts blocked and Jerrard Curtis had a brave effort form 30 yards, which only just went over. However Spartans took the lead after half an hour when a long ball bounced over the defence and totally against the run of play they scored a soft goal. Esprit then took the bull by the horns and followed attack after attack, and the equaliser came shortly after when Greg Houlton drilled in a cross towards Dave Alexander but a Spartans defender under pressure hit the ball into his own net. The match went into the interval at one a piece.
Esprit however started the second half slowly and even though they had possession for large periods the final ball just did not work for them. Murphy hit another fine effort wide, Josh hit the side netting, even Onur had a great effort from the edge of the box go just inches over the top corner. However Alan Hollick was the closest wih a half volley which clipped the outside of the post.
Esprit were getting frustrated and brought on all three substitutions.
Again chance after chance went begging and it looked like the game was heading
for a draw when Olgun Gokdemir fed Ricky Blanks on the far right who smacked
the ball in from an acute angle. Even though it was a cross to the back post,
it found its way into the goal. No-one from Esprit were complaining as there
was a sigh of relief as it was virtually the last kick of the match. Esprit
made hard work of this match but it was definitely dramatic stuff.
Man
of the Match: Andy
Hollick
Subs:
> Matt Fordham < Onur Gokdemir
> Neg Dupree <
Jerrard Curtis
> Tolga Kulahcigil < Dave Alexander
19th February 2006 Esprit 2 - Lonsdale 1 [Hainault Rec]
It
took a spectacular van Basten-esque volley by player manager Runo in the last
15 minutes to settle the difference between the two sides over two games.
The previous week the match had ended in a 2 all draw which meant that this
week it was all or nothing for these sides. Once again Esprit arrived with
a squad ravaged by injury, hangovers and the odd extra curricular activity.
Once more unto the breach a bare purple eleven stood in the cold thinking
"where the bloody ell are the rest of em?" There was
a depleted attack force with Tolga off jet-setting, JT recovering from the
previous night and Wale working. Runo had to step in to fill in as a make-shift
striker, playing your classic Sheringham role. For dignity and pride to avoid
relegation, it was a must win for the Purple Panthers, so much so that we
even had a plan B formation lined up! The announcement of a plan B left the
squad somewhat confused, as anything more than "kick it as far as you
can" tactic had never happened before. So with a few shrugs of shoulders
and bemused looks, the game was underway.
Neg and Stuart started as they finished with tireless running to stop balls
being played through.Stuart's positioning and headers made sure no ball got
passed without a challenge whilst Neg made sure a sliding challenge met every
opponent on the ball. With great support from both Bully and Kuks who was
working the left side of attack a free-kick was won on the edge of the area
when Daniel Parker got fouled making a typical surging run from defence. Neg
lofted in a deceiving curling free-kick that squeezed in off the confused
keeper's palm and into the net. (Though in a later press conference the keeper
mentioned something about being put off by the bickering of Runo and Olgun
about staying on-side!) Whatever the reason Esprit were one up.
This is when the Esprit defence stepped up and defended like lions. Lonsdale
counter attacked and Phil and Danie Parkerl made some great challenges to
keep out charges as Lonsdale tried to run through the right. Daniel tackled
and passed with the composure of John Terry and Phil made some Campbell style
strong challenges. Meanwhile Paul and Yo-Yo were constantly working together
and dealing with the tricky left winger and forward. Paul and Neg then worked
the right wing with some great dribbling and runs, but a lack of support sometimes
meant the end result was frustrating. An unfortunate corner swerved into the
far corner of Esprits net and Lonsdale scored against the run of play,
catching everyone unaware. Lonsdale were rejuvenated and fought back harder
than before. One each at the break.
The two teams were deadlocked and Olgun started to press forward more to support
the strikers, and Kuks and Runo were playing some great through balls to Bully
who was unlucky on a few occasions. The match seemed to be heading towards
another frustrating draw. That is until Bully, with his back to goal laid
the ball back to Olgun to outwit two defenders. Olgun then saw out of the
corner of his eye, something he could not believe Runo sprinting down
the right hand of the defence at considerable speed. On instinct Olgun threaded
the ball through the air over the defence into the player managers path.
Runo then unleashed a lethal volley from the corner of the area, bulleting
into the far side of the goal. The keeper was left stranded and jaws around
the ground dropped. The whole team then bundled Runo to the ground and celebrated
like mad, making sure this really was the man they called Gaffer.
Neg
nearly sealed it at the end when with minutes remaining, he delivered a clever
lob from the half way line that hit the underside of the crossbar, with the
usual groans proceeding to such a near miss. Someone forgot to tell Jack Parker
who sprinted from his own box and jumped on Neg's back, much to the ammusement
of the teams.
But in the end, it was Runos strike that had killed off the opposition,
his only shot in the whole match. After 10 years he had finally delivered
and it was fitting that he helped save his club from relegation.
Esprit were victorious.
Man of the Match: Neg Dupree
1. Nick Hanson
2. Daniel Parker
3. Daniel Yeo
4. Phil Lewis
5. Paul Hill
6. Stuart Greenhill
7. Neg Dupree (C)
8. Olgun Gokdemir
9. Onur Gokdemir
10. Darren Bull
11. Hakeem Kuku
30th October 2005 Esprit 2 - 2 Lonsdale [Hainault Rec ]
Phil Lewis became the first player to clock up 200 games for Esprit and deservingly so, having hardly missed any games in his eight and a half year tenure. As Phil puffed out his chest, he had the job to lead his side out to face our good friends Lonsdale in the League Cup. The Esprit lads had been knocked out of of the Essex cup on penalties the previous week, having drawn 3-3 with Oak Athletic so this was a chance to progress in this cup. The game started off brightly and for the opening half hour it was a very even game. The wind was particularly strong and this worked against Esprit whenever they had goal kicks as they were boxed in for some periods, but the players fought hard against the elements. However Lonsdale took the lead from a corner as it was floated in, and the ball was cleared on the line, or so the purple boys thought. To the fair credit of our club linesman, Mr Rob Parker, he informed the referee that the ball had crossed the line. Sometimes he can be too honest !
In the second half, Esprit replied back with some good link up play with Kuks and Bully passing the ball into Wale's path who with a good use of pace just had to tap it in at the far post. The rest of the half was pretty uneventful with Ricky Blanks coming on near the end to make is long awaited comeback after resigning for the club he loves. So at the end of normal time the teams went into extra time. Throughout the game Lonsdale's Stone was starting to create problems and he eventually got his club's second bursting through with the wind behind him and rounding the keeper. In extra time it was one way traffic as Lonsdale took control of the game. They hit the post on more than one occasion and Esprit were riding their luck as fatigue started to settle in. In the dying moments of the game in about the 123rd minute, Tolga ran on to a nothing ball and slipped it past the keeper to make it 2 a piece.
So the match ended up a draw, but there had to be a winner and so for the second week running, Esprit had to face a penalty shoot out. Goalkeeper Nick Hanson must have been cursing his luck for having to face TWO penalty shoot outs in his first two games. However it wasnt to be and Lonsdale progressed through with a 7-6 win with 9 players from each side taking a penalty.
Man of the Match: Nick Hanson
Subs:
> Ricky Blanks <
Onur Gokdemir
> Antonn Thurlow <
Daniel Parker
27th November 2005 Esprit 5- 3 North Romford [Hainault Rec ]
Esprit were due a win and recent performances were below standard, with a long injury list and plenty of absentees, a few new players had been signed to help improve the current situation but they needed time to gel. Boosted by the fact it was Olgun Gokdemir's 200th game for the club, Esprit made a positive start to the game and went on the attack from the off. It was one of Wale's runs into the box which resulted in him being fouled. The small striker dusted himself off and drove the resulting penalty in. Esprit had the lead but then lost their heads as North Romford, a fairly physical side, started to bully the players off the ball, and started to dominate the game. Some weak performances from the Esprit players didnt help as they were clearly intimidated, but taking nothing away from North Romford, they scored 3 solid goals in fairly quick succession from set pieces and their plan was working. Esprit clearly needed to work on their set pieces.
Half time couldn't come soon enough and the manager tinkered with the formation and drilled into his players the need to win, and to play to their strengths. The formation was changing to a more attacking 3-5-2 and Martin Webb was introduced into the middle as the player to pull the strings. Webbie not only pulled the strings, he yanked them and in 45 minutes turned the game by setting up two of the goals. His first was to free Tolga who calmed rolled the ball in, and moments later the same combination of Webb / Kulahcigil got the equaliser. A beautiful through ball found Tolga who wrong footed the defender who was meant to be marking him and hit the ball across the keeper.
The North Romford players were now stressed out having seen their lead disappear. Diego was also causing all sorts of problems and getting abused from their players and he was also upended in the box. Wale made sure from the spot for the second time that day ensuring that Esprit would have the lead again. It was North Romford's turn to lose their heads and it resulted in one of their strikers getting sent off for swearing to the referee after an off side call. The defence trio of Daniel Yeo, Gareth Collins and Adam Cutler had been outstanding after the interval and this led to the frustation of the North Romford man.
However the game was not finished and this time 200-milestone man Olgun set up his cousin Tolga to claim his hat trick and the win was finally cemented. It was a great performance from all concerned and a great comeback. Runo "Mourinho" Gokdemir took the applause for his bold statement at half time from the players but the day really belonged to the players, particularly Olgun, Tolga and that man, Martin Webb.
Man of the Match: Martin Webb
Subs:
> Martin Webb < Hakeem Kuku
> Onur Gokdemir <
Wale Oshiyemi
15th January 2006 Astra 7 - 4 Esprit [Clayhall Park]
The team arrived in good spirits, or you
could say intoxicated with good spirits from the previous night. It was a
sad day for Esprit as the loyal Andy Hollick was saying his farewells as it
was his last game for Esprit. An undisclosed fee from Real Esprites Senoires
in Spain proved too high to turn down, and the call of continental football
was too alluring for Hollick. So like Beckham, Hollick will be jetting off,
to be hounded by the paparazzi and media moguls at the El Mundo.
With the short and all-important team talk from Togs: "Dont pass
to me Ive got a dodge bodge tendon" the game was under way. It
was to turn out to be a high scoring game like the 1989 FA Cup Final where
Liverpool beat Everton 4-3 were the like of Hansen, Barnes, Beardsley and
Rush (and Peter Reid!) graced the turf.
Astra quickly tried to expunge the Esprit threat upfront by constantly fouling Taylor anytime the ball went within a couple of yards. Skilled players the calibre of Ronaldo and Reyes feel the brunt of English football much like the treatment enforced on JT, but he still managed to outrun and outplay their defence.
Astra took the lead against the run of play from a set piece, but Esprit answered back, when Og intercepted a threw-ball on the halfway line he laid it off to Tolgas injured tendon. With a quick look up, TK unleashed a long-range lob reminiscent of Beckhams halfway line goal. A sublime classic goal which put the Esprit crowd into delirium and it was "Game On" With Phil and Yeos strong tackles at the back Esprit managed to contain the attacks, but unfortunately the whole team set piece defending let them down again. Goal, 2-1 down.
Neg and Runo worked hard down the right flanks to drive the ball forward and forced numerous fouls on the flank. Neg was out of position but working well on the wing, he produced a great cross from a free kick, to be headed by Taylor then tapped in the net by Olgun. Esprit fought hard but what followed was a break down in passing and many fouls were going unnoticed, especially on JT, which led to breaks that caught Esprit off-guard and Astra's fourth goal. Esprit found themselves 4-2 down at half time.
The second half started optimistically with John Taylor receiving the long ball in the area with a Johan Cruyff touch, he smartly chested the ball past the keeper and guiding the ball into the net. At 4-3 Esprit saw a light at the end of a tunnel. But this tunnel came crashing down in a short space of time. Astra's No.10, Junior stepped up a gear and was unable to be contained, his flick-ons, free kicks and shots were hard to match and Esprit's defensive plan crumbled. Before the blink of an eye Esprit was 6-3 down. Daniel Parker played extremely well and if it wasnt for his timely tackles Esprit would be a lot worse off at this stage. Hollick fought back with strong tackles and excellent runs but Esprit just became more frustrated.
Runo then made a tactical sub as Diego came into the centre to create a 5 man midfield. And it was rhe Brazilian's excellent runs and nifty footwork which led to Tolga scoring from a tight angle to make it 6-4. It was like watching Ronaldinho and Turkish legend Emre playing on the same team. But just as Esprit felt they had another chance to come back - once again Junior scored an excellent goal from a freekick and took the wind out of the purple sails.
Nevertheless, Andy still had a good send off as Neg emptied the contents of a water bottle over his head and the team promptly sent him to the pub to have a drink with his new trophy as he entered the Esprit Hall of Fame.
Man of the Match: Junior (Astra)
Subs: > Diego Silva < Onur Gokdemir
Creative Printer's Cup Tournament Report 2004
15th
August 2004
The
Creative Printers Cup officially started as Esprit faced Glendale in their
new purple kit. Even though Esprit started slowly in a dire first half for
both teams, we managed to squeeze a goal lead thanks to a shot across goal
from right winger Hakeen Kuku. There wasnt much to report in the first half
but understandly the first match of the pre-season is always going to be difficult
due to fitness levels. In the second half after several changes in personal,
Esprit got a grip on the game and John Taylor got a quick double against his
old collegues with some late driven runs into the box. Glendale heads dropped
and the final nail in the coffin came as Tolga Kulahcigil hit a bullet header
from a pin point Alphie Ibrahim cross to make it a final scoreline of 4-0
to Esprit.
In the other match Dalton Sports beat Digital Line 3-1 which could have gone either way. The tournament had a excellent opening ceremony with the Esprit lads posing for the ladies in their new kit in their photoshoot. Only the Olympics can possible rival the opening day of the Creative Printers Cup!
22nd
August 2004
Esprit
recorded another win but it was far from easy against an improved Digital
Line. Another Taylor double and a Wale Oshiyemi penalty helped Esprit to a
3-1 win. Alphie Ibrahim was unlucky to hit the crossbar from distance.However
it was an average performance and we blew hot and cold over certain periods
and could have been chasing the game at one point. Tolga Kulahicigil and Andy
Hollick has good games in midfield and Ben Lloyd made his first appearance
of the season and looked comfortable. Adam Roberts made his club bow and was
solid on his debut. Unfortuntely most of the team tried to do too much and
didnt give the simple pass when it needed to be given.
Dalton Sports beat Glendale in a thrilling 7-1 romp and now it sets up the nicely for the final week of the tournament as Esprit face Dalton for the Cup and Glendale and Digital Line play for the wooden spoon.
29th
August 2004
Esprit
got their hands on some silverware with a convincing 6-1 win over Dalton Sports
but up until half time it was a close encounter, but Esprit then led away
in the second half. The defence looks controlled with Ben Jeyifous and Alan
Hollick holding strong and Phil Lewis bombing down the flanks at every given
opportunity. Wayne Brewster played his first 90 minutes in over 2 years for
the club and it looked like he was never away. Olgun and Phil Urubusi linked
up well and continued their solid partnership in midfield whilst Andy Hollick
was everywhere in the middle, running around like a mad man. The forwards
also were on form and John Taylor and Wale Oshiyemi both got a brace.
Taylor opened the scoring with a well taken header from a pin point Alan Hollick freekick and Esprit doubled the scoreline when Wale converted from the spot after a handball. Dalton got back into the game on the stroke of half time when a cross was headed in at the near post. Unfortuntely it was an own goal by Ben Jeyifous, but he made up for it with some calm play throughout the game.
At half time Esprit came out stronger and Taylor got his second with an outrageous effort from the byline to loop over the keeper into the far top corner. A contender for goal of the season already at this stage, and it confirmed him as top goalscorer for the tournament with 6 goals. This was followed by Wale's second and Esprit's fourth with a header from another Alan Hollick freekick. Adam Roberts came on and looked solid and he must be pleased to have played just two matches and then to pick up a trophy. His long ball to the forwards gave them time to pick a pass to Phil Urubusi who hit a thunderbolt into the top corner for another goal of the season contender. In the dying minutes Andy Hollick headed the ball in at the far post for his first goal in 2 years....not bad considering he has played in goal all that time, as this was his first 90 minutes as an outfield player. His replacement in goal for the day was Hakeem Kuku and he pulled off some superb saves and he marshalled the side from the back with his good calls and gave a star man performance.
In the other match Glendale beat Digital Line in a thrilling 5-3 win. Afterwards the presentation was made by Creative Printers Chairman Jeff Sharma and the champagne cork was popped. It was a great day for the club and hopefully this will be the first trophy of many.
Teams |
PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
PTS |
Esprit | 3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
2 |
9 |
Dalton Sports | 3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
Glendale | 3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
14 |
3 |
Digital Line | 3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
11 |
0 |
Player of the Tournament : John Taylor ( Esprit )
Golden Boot : John Taylor ( 6 goals )
Creative Printer's Cup Tournament Report 2005
14th
August 2005
The
Second Creative Printers Cup started with Esprit facing Romhill in a close
encounter. Even though Esprit won this match, Romhill were the team who deserved
to win. Even though Esprit were trying out new players, Romhill had a bare
eleven and did not have the luxury of any subsititues whilst Esprit had plenty
in abunance. The new boys tried too hard to impress and Romhill found themselves
2-0 up after a well worked goal and a gift from debut keeper Ron Springer.
Up until the 85th minute Esprit just could not find the net and with a few
last minute changes in personal, captain Neg Dupree drove his team forward
and forced a goal. This pushed his team on for the equaliser and Phil Lewis
found it in the last minute of the game with a header from a corner. Esprit
happy with a draw after a dire permornace, stole it in the end when Neg was
fouled in the box. He picked himself up and sealed the win with a well taken
penalty. Esprit were lucky and Romhill were understandably heart broken.
In the other game, Glendale had been held in a 4-4 draw with Sher-Force in a game which the Dales should really have wrapped up having gone into a commanding lead. However fitness and untried subs ultimately cost them the win. Either way it was an exciting start to the tournament with all 4 teams in with a shout.
21st
August 2005
Esprit improved their
performance from the previous week with a solid 5-2 win over Sher-Force AFC.
It was by no means a classic but it was a worth win. Marc Nurse opened his
account on his debut with a chip from outside the box after a clever pass
from Dave Alexander. Phil Urubusi made it two from a corner set piece. After
the break Sher-Force gave it everything they had and were rewarded with a
goal and then forced the Esprit defence to make a mistake and score the equaliser.
Esprit had it all to do again and that is what they did as in the last 20
minutes they scored three more goals. Urubusi got his second from another
header and Wale Oshiyemi rounding the keeper after beating the off side trap
for Esprit's fourth. The final nail in the coffin came from Diego Silva who
got his first goal for the club on his first full game. Esprit had won again
but were far from convincing.
Glendale beat Romhill in a comfortable 3-1 win to set up a final with sister club Esprit the following week.
28th
August 2005
Esprit managed to retain
the Cup but not after a scare from Glendale who were arguable the better team
on the day. It was a much better Glendale side than the previous year and
they rattled Esprit but not until Esprit took the lead. John Taylor scored
against his Saturday side from a Neg Dupree corner with a header at the near
post past his good friend John "the Cat" Coad who was once on Esprit's
books. However for the rest of the half it was all about Glendale and if it
wasnt for rookie keeper Ricardo Braganza, Glendale would have walked home
with the Cup. Esprit went into the break 1-0 up but again didnt deserve to
be. The second half was a much better performance and Esprit went two goals
up from another Urubusi header from a corner, his third of the tournament.
There was no way back fro Glendale now as they had to win the match, but near
the end Greg Hinds scored a wonder goal to finally beat Braganza so set up
a mouth watering final minutes, but it proved to be too late on in the day.
Esprit won 2-1 but the tournament win wasnt as satisfying as the previous years as the performances were not as good and they had in fairness been a bit lucky, but you need a bit of luck in football. Romhill beat Sher-Force 1-0 in a rather close encounter to register their first points and lift themselves off the bottom of the table. Glendale were the real winners as they went on to have a great season and reached a cup final.
Still it was left to Esprit's supporter of the year, Daphne Hollick to pick up the trophy and make it two out of two for the purple boys.
Teams |
PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
PTS |
Esprit | 3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
5 |
9 |
Glendale | 3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
7 |
4 |
Romhill | 3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
Sher-Force | 3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
10 |
1 |
Player of the Tournament : Neg Dupree ( Esprit )
Golden Boot : Phil Urubusi (Esprit) Greg Hinds and Mo Sener (both Glendale ) 3 goals
11th November 2001 Esprit 7 - 1 Cameo [Hainault Rec]
Esprit remained top of the table after this emphatic win against our old friends Cameo. Phil Lewis marked his 100th appearance with some style as the team romped home with a fantastic score line. The match was all over by half time, as Esprit sprinted to a 4-0 lead. Greg Houlton had opened the scoring followed by a Wayne Brewster special, who cut in from the right and hit a sweet right foot. Not to be undone Dave Zarcaro grabbed a goal by beating the last defender and curling one in and Josh Redland got a goal from a free kick before the interval.
The second half was more of the same but Cameo made more of a fight with some late challenges. However this was what resulted with two penalties being awarded which were both tucked away by Neg Dupree. Once Cameo got a goal back, super sub Dave Alexander restored the six goal lead with a fine solo run before placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper. All in all a good performance, but the game would not have been the same without a few Lewis crunching tackles, who got the man of the match award for keeping the Cameo strikers at bay. Well done lads!
Man of the Match: Daniel Gorden
Subs:
> David Alexander < Greg Houlton
> Alex Dehayen <
Rob Hurst
> Dave Zarcaro <
John Hassan
6th January 2002 Digitial Line 2 - 4 Esprit [Gooseleys Park, Beckton]
Back from the winter break and Esprit had to face the Digitial Line in a potential tricky tie. Rob Hurst was made captain for the day to mark his 100th match for Esprit and the team did not disappoint by gaining this much-needed win.
Greg Houlton had always scored against the Digitial and he keep his amazing run by collecting a hat trick to his tally of goals. The first was a bit scrappy as the defence made a mistake but like all good strikers, Greg was there sniffing around and took the opportunity to lash one in. The second was similar as he made the defender make a mistake by continually hounding him before rounding the keeper for his and Esprit's second. Gary Murphy got a goal from a Josh Redland corner with a powerful header before Digitial got a goal back.
In the second half, The opposition gave Esprit a scare by
getting another goal back and putting a bit of pressure on the Esprit lads.
Enter man of the match Greg again to get his hat trick and effectively ending
the contest.
Man
of the Match: Greg
Houlton
10th February 2002 Esprit 4 - 1 Digitial Line [Hainualt Rec]
Digitial Line must be getting fed up with Esprit as the two teams clashed again and for the third time it was an Esprians 100th cap against the same opposition. This time it was long serving Neg Dupree's turn to have the pleasure. Again for the umpteenth time Greg Houlton was on the score sheet as was Gary Murphy, who had scored for the third time against Digitial Line in this season. Esprit at the start of the match never gave their opposition the respect they deserved and expected to win the match comfortably. They paid the price as Digitial took the lead and stayed a goal up, until half time.
Esprit came out in the second half a different team and started to play the passing game that we all love to watch. A fine team movement allowed Greg the chance to equalise as he was confronted in a one on one situation, and he rarely misses those sort of chances. He was put in a similar position when Neg put him through moments later and again the same outcome. In what seems a case of deja vu, once Greg had scored against Digitial Line, Mr. Murphy was also there. From a corner he glided to the far post to glance the ball over the line to become the highest scoring defender in a single season with his sixth goal of the campaign. With the game out of reach Dave Zarcaro made sure by netting one himself after fine work from Josh Redland on the wing. The game was settled and Esprit continued their fine tradition of winning all matches where a player marks his hundredth cap. A fine record.
Man of the Match: Greg Houlton
Subs: > Olgun Gokdemr < Dave Zarcaro
6th April 2003 Digitial Line 2 - 2 Esprit [Gooseleys Park, Beckton]
Digitial Line grabbed their first point against an Esprit side on their fourth time of asking between their epic centenary capped matches. However Esprit let their minds wander a bit too much and more concentration would have left them will a win. A normally quiet pleasant match, was ruined by some very poor referring, which included an off side goal and four silly bookings, all for dissent. Some of the decisions were shocking it has to be said, but the Esprit boys should have shown more character and focused on the game.
Digitial's first goal was off side, but the referee decided to ignore the linesman and count the goal. To add insult to injury, two Esprit players were cautioned for disagreeing with this decision. Esprit did have some chances, as 100th cap earner Dave Alexander had a shot go agonisingly wide and his striking partner, Greg Houlton also had little luck when left one on one with the keeper. Rob Hurst however was the closest from a set piece as he hit the target but the ball went straight at the keeper. The goal finally came from Dave Zarcaro, who had a quiet game overall, but was there to tuck the ball in neatly when given his chance.
With the teams level at half time the game continued to be close over the next period. Midway through the half Esprit took the lead as Olgun Gokdemir beat two players from deep in the Digitial half and cut the ball to Houlton as the keeper came out to close him down. Houlton had the simple task of putting the ball in the net as it was laid to him on a plate. However two minutes later, Greg did not return the favour when left in an identical situation and instead of passing to Olgun to make the match safe, he drove the ball wide into the side netting. Digitial sensed trouble and put Esprit on the back foot for the remainder of the match with Phil Lewis clearing a shot off the line and Andy Hollick saving a shot that seemed destined for the top corner. However in the final minute as Dave Alexander was receiving treatment on his injured leg, Digitial got the goal they deserved to share the spoils.
Man
of the Match: Jerrard
Curtis
Subs:
> Dave Miller < Rob Hurst
>
Onur Gokdemir < Greg Houlton
19th January 2003 Esprit 0- 1 Gardeners Arms [Hainault Rec]
Unfortunately it had to happen at some point and it proved to be 7th time unlucky for the Esprit boys as this match was the first time that they never recorded maximum points in a centinuary match. Esprit could not match the good form of only one loss in the previous seven matches from towards the end of the year. It was their first match after the long Christmas break, and they went into this match a bit rusty and yet over confident. The Gardener's however wanted revenge for their earlier cup exit this season [ See Classic Matches] and proved to have more hunger on the day.
The conditions on the pitch were awful and the heavy Hainault mud made the passing game almost impossible, and suited the long ball tactics of our opponents. It was a dull and uninspiring match where they were very few chances, however the game was decided within the space of a minute, midway through the second half. 100th cap winner Josh Redland passed the ball to Dave Alexander who was fouled in the box, and Neg took the resulting penalty. It wasn't to be as the ball clipped the crossbar on its way over. Esprit were deflated and within 30 seconds the opposition launched a long ball to the other end of the pitch and it fell to Ricky Blanks whose weak back pass got caught in the mud. Andy Hollick, was left out of position due to this and it left their striker with the easy task of taping it in. Esprit should have fought back but instead it was the Gardeners that played with more drive and in the end it was the defence that kept the score down to only one. A disappointing result to a disappointing game.
Man
of the Match: Alan
Hollick
Subs:
> Phil Lewis < Rob Hurst
> Jerrard Curtis <
Olgun Gokdemir
> Onur Gokdemir <
Dave Alexander
20th March 2005 Esprit 3 – 0 Romhill [Hainault Rec]
The season was drawing to a close and Romhill were desperate for a win, as a defeat would send them into the depths of Division Three. Esprit needed a win to confirm Division Two status and to mark this six pointer clash was Andy Hollick’s 100th game for the club.
Even though Esprit were favourites going into this game, they looked nervous and were wasteful in front of goal. Unfortunately an early injury to influential striker Tolga Kulahcigil didn’t help the Esprit cause and he had to be subbed for defender Ben Lloyd who was pushed up front as to not spoilt the other players’ positions. Romhill’s strike force didn’t bear any better, but the defenders deserve full credit for keeping them at bay. In an easily forgettable first half both teams went into the interval unable to score.
After a shocking wake up call and a stern half time talk the boys in purple came out all guns blazing. They had to put on a show for the crowd at least which included Andy’s mum, our own supporter of the decade and brother, legendary hall of famer Alan Hollick. There was also a tactical change as Ben was put into the back four, and Gareth pushing into a five man midfield. With a formation of 4-5-1 it was a gamble that paid off. Esprit started to pass the ball around better and created chance after chance.
The deadlock was finally broken after 70 minutes when a Neg Dupree corner found Olgun Gokdemir who planted a firm header into the bottom corner to send the crowd wild. Esprit started to gain more belief and to confirm the win man of the moment Andy got the second goal from a Gareth Collins corner to send the crowd into chaos. It got even better as Andy got his second, after Dave Alexander fed him through to smash the ball across the face of the goal from just outside the box. It was a screamer and almost ripped the goal net down. The celebrations were short lived as player manager Onur Gokdemir went a bit overboard celebrated his team mates finish and got himself booked for taking his shirt off and incensing the crowd. It was a good finish for Esprit and Andy in particular to mark 2 goals on his special day, and a day our friends Romhill will want to forget as they got relegated.
Man
of the Match: Andy
Hollick
Subs:
> Ben Lloyd < Tolga Kulahcigil
12th October 2003 Esprit 0 – 0 Ashton Park [Hainault Rec]
It was the opening day of the 2003 season for Esprit and their first in the newly joined Essex Sunday Corinthian Football League and they faced a potentially tricky start against league leaders Ashton Park. Esprit were behind in the fixtures due to the local borough calling off the pitches on safety grounds and were facing a side that had scored 13 goals in 4 matches. To add more spice there were 3 ex-Esprit players in Ashton colours, with Alex Dehayen, Dave Zarcaro and hall of famer Ricky Blanks.
Ashton started strongly but Esprit withstood the early pressure and fought
back to create some good chances of their own. Esprit started the game with
5 players making their league debuts. Michael Harrigan was strong at the back,
as were Bradley Shaw and man mountain Phil Urubusi in midfield and Esprit
had a new strike force in cousins Wale Oshiyemi and Hakeem Kuku. It was Brad
who made the first impact as he split the defence open and set Dave Alexander
with a half chance. As the game grew Esprit dominated more but could not take
their chances. Captain Alan Hollick and Gary Murphy kept Zarcaro at bay whilst
Dave Alexander won the battle with old colleague Blanks. However when Wale
had a chance which he should have taken, he hesitated a few seconds giving
Dehayen enough time to take the ball in a last ditch challenge.
The closest either side got to breaking the deadlock came midway in the second
half when Neg curled a 35yard freekick against the angle of bar and post and
the ball hit the goal line and then wide to the despair of the Esprit boys.Olgun
Gokdemir and Wayne Brewster came on to give the boys a bit
of a lift with Wayne joined the famous 100th caps club, the first to do so
from the sub’s bench. However there was little that they could do to
help the cause as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw. Esprit can
take positives for keeping a clean sheet on their first match of the new season
against a free scoring team but were a little disappointed not to grab the
three points in a game which could easily have been won.
Man
of the Match: Gary
Murphy
Subs:
> Wayne Brewster < Bradley Shaw
> Olgun Gokdemir <
Phil Urubusi