THE 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL COMPETITION PAGE
THE HARDCORE HEROES: AN INSIGHT
TOP GOAL SCORERS (1/6/00)
Stephen Bartlett (11), Joshua Aghanian (11), Smith (9), Harper (1), Speak (1)
RESULTS AND STATISTICS
SQUAD PROFILE
1.
CHRISTOPHER 'SPEAK EASY' SPEAK (GK)
Christopher is the goalkeeper of the Hardcore Heroes. So far (up until 10/6/00) he has kept a clean sheet in every game bar one. His place is, reportedly, under threat from a certain Mark Edwards (source: Mark Edwards), so I'm sure Chris will have to work extra hard to keep his place, but so far he has done nothing wrong (perhaps due to the fact that he's had nothing to do).
2.
STEPHEN 'BIG BOY' BARTLETT (D/MC)
Stephen is probably the most feared player in the entire competition, as on his day, he splits defenses like a banana splitting festival. His uncompromising skill and ability, similar to the styles of both Rivaldo and Zinedine Zidane, is always apparent and consistent. In the Heroes' opening game against Lee Geldof's all stars, he single-handedly ripped them apart with 2 superb goals, and thus we sailed to a 2-0 victory.
Towards the end of the first tournament, both he and Joshua began to shine and show their ability to the rest of the opponents.
3.
DANNY 'DEAD HARD' HARPER (DC)
Danny is the rock is the Heroes' defense. He is a menace to all opponents, who are very very lucky to get even a sight of the goal when he's around. His stamina and strength shines throughout the match, and he is not scared of any challenged that he is faced with. He is a massive contribution to the fact that from 10 tough matches so far that he has played in, the team has not conceded a single goal.
4.
JOSHUA AGHANIAN (SW/DM C) {captain}
Joshua is the anchor-man of the team. He is responsible for putting an instant halt to opponents' attacks, as well as supplying the ball quickly for a break upon the opposition. His presence is always known, as with Roy Keane, he keeps everyone in order. If we do not comply, he gives us a thorough ear-bashing until we fall in line. This is annoying for all of the team, but without it we wouldn't have any organization. Half of the time, all of the team becomes so annoyed that they want to do really well (like scoring a goal) just to prove him wrong. First-class psychology.
5.
SIMON 'SNIPER' SMITH (SC)
Simon is the team's resident cripple, as he is unable to perform to his best ability due to a long-term knee injury. This didn't stop him however harassing defenses with pace, and a returning goal to boot in the second game against Bruche Re-united. However, at the end of this game his injury became apparent (plus the fact he was exhausted), he had to be substituted.
After a slow start in the competition, Simon began to show the form he gained before his injury blow, and as fitness return, as did his speed. In the final against the teachers, Simon put the Heroes ahead. With only literally 3 seconds on the clock, the Heroes had a free-kick about 10 yards out. Simon shouted for it, shut his eyes, and blasted into the top corner. The replay is yet to be arranged (as of 10/6/00), but the teachers now know that we have the edge.
6.
DANIEL 'NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE FIRST TEAM' GATLEY
(DC)
Daniel is the Heroes' super-sub. He is a good, solid, reliable player who works beautifully at the back with Danny Harper. In his first appearance against the upper-sixth, he had no problem what-so-ever. In fact, he actually seemed at ease, which says it all about the opposition quality.