The Royal Oak – Hartshill

Hartshill FC have worrying concerns over their reserve side as they slumped to an awful 7-1 defeat at Bourton and Frankton Reserves.

The first team powered into the next round of the Foleshill Charity Cup with a 3-0 win over Folly Lane Reserves at the rec as they look to go one better this time round after losing in the last two finals of the competition.

With Wayne Hadley’s side in a strong position in Division Two following their third promotion in a row, it is now the reserves who will be the focus of attention this week as the club look to correct their dip in form.

It was hoped that the second string would be challenging at the top end of the table this season as they look to close the three division gap to the firsts, but recent performances have put a serious dent in those aspirations even at this early stage of the season.

With regular reserves boss Derek Dunnachie absent on holiday it was left to assistant Ian Ford and James Thomason to run the side and they were hopeful of getting something from the game.

However, a combination of poor levels of commitment and attitude from their charges together with their hosts adding no fewer than six first teamers to their side, Hartshill came away with nothing.

“It wasn’t really the result that was the disappoiting thing for us,”  Thomason said.

“It was the manner of  it more than anything, we just mentally didn’t turn up and from the club’s point of view that simply isn’t good enough.

“There are a lot of people who work damn hard to put together an environment for these lads to play football and they need to show they want it.”

“We fielded what should have been two strong looking sides at the weekend when you consider we had 13 players unavailable, so it was bit galling to see us roll over like that.

“We really need to roll our sleeves up sometimes and it’s not as if we do not have the players to do it.

“If things aren’t going your way then extra effort is the least a player can be expected to give and that was distinctly lacking on Saturday.

“Next week is another day though and we as a club will do all we can to put things right in time for then because we know the players within the club are more than capable of producing better, we just have to try and get it out of them.

“We have a lot of time for the whole playing staff and want everyone to do the best they can, we need to stay positive as a club and as a unit and hopefully things will turn around for us.”

Hartshill FC demolished Coundon Court 16-0 at the weekend to take top spot in Division Two on goal difference.

The stunning result left the visitors in tatters as they were torn apart by Wayne Hadley’s men who finally clicked into gear after a sluggish start to the season.

Defeat on the opening day at Fillongley was followed up by a 3-0 success over Potters Green.

Although it was three points in the bag Hadley was not impressed and felt there was plenty of  room for improvement from his players.

Their second victory saw them have to come from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 win in injury time and again the manager was not happy with his sides performance.

There were no grumbles this time though as they started the match at a tremendous pace and maintained their authority throughout.

Wayne Boon top scored in the match with a double hat-trick, while Mark Horne weighed in with five.

It leaves the Certax Accountants sponsored side top of the table as they look to complete their fourth successive promotion.

It was not such good news for the reseves at the weekend though as they threw away a two goal lead  at Brinklow Reserves and had to rescue a point in the end.

After taking the lead through Danny Taylor’s neat finish in the top corner, the visitors doubled their lead just after the break with a clever header from Daniel Green looping over the keeper and into the empty net for the new signings’ third goal in two games.

Then came the turning point though as Hartshill’s honesty saw them admit to the ball being out of play in the build up to what would have been their third goal.

The ball was in the net  but the game returned to a throw-in after the visiting officials informed the referee that the ball had not been kept in play.

Within seconds the ball was in the net at the other end and Brinklow had renewed confidence.

Two minutes later they equalised and ten minutes after that they were ahead.

Hartshill had seemingly grasped defeat from the jaws of victory before Carl Hutchison rescued a draw with a looping header from Arnie Grifffiths’ long free kick.

This weekend sees both sides take a break as there are no fixtures for the club.

All players are reminded though that the club hosts a race night on Saturday 26 September here at the Royal Oak.

Everyone is urged to attend and support the club events whenever they can.

Hartshill FC reserves suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Shilton reserves on the first day of the new season.

Despite a spirited 20 minute spell at the start of the second half which saw Derek Dunnachie’s side pull a goal back through goalkeeper Nosh Knight’s penalty, the visitors added to their 2-1 advantage with ten minutes left to seal the points.

The home side could have little to complain about really although the chances created during their purple patch in the game could and should have made a difference to the result.

Substitute James Thomason was particularly guilty of missing good chances as the visiting keeper performed heroics between the sticks.

He was again called into action as he pulled off a terrific one handed save to deny Jordan Walker his first goal for the club with a brilliant 25 yarder which was headed for the top corner.

It was not to be though for Dunnachie’s men and they have to dust themselves down and prepare for the next game on Saturday.

Meanwhile the first team get their new season underway tomorrow night as they make the short trip to Fillongley.

Wayne Hadley’s men will have to be on their guard tough as the hosts scored an impressive looking 5-0 victory at the weekend in their opening game.

Hartshill FC start their 2009-10 Coventry Alliance campaign this weekend with a home game for the reserves at Hartshill Rec.

Derek Dunnachie will again be leading the second string as they look to improve on previous seasons by gaining promotion from Division Five.

They begin their fixtures against Shilton and Dunnachie and the new look back room staff are seeking a strong start to what will be an important 12 months for the club.

With the first team looking for their fourth straight promotion which would take them to Division One in the ladder, Dunnachie is well aware of how important it is not to allow the gap between the two sides within the club to grow any further.

“Obviously the main priority is for the first team to get promoted,” he said.

“It has always been the ambition of the club to climb into the Premier Division as quickly as possible and so far that plan has gone well with promotion each season.

“However, we cannot afford for that to happen again without the reserves following suit, that is why we have added bodies behind the scenes as well as on the field.

“Ian Ford comes in as my assistant and James Thomason will also be helping out on match days and adding his experience to things.

“It all bodes well because it would create a bit of a problem for us if there were four divisions between the two sides in the club, it would be too big a jump for reserve team players to make when they get called to the first team.

“That is why we have to do everything in our power  to gain promotion from this division this time around.”

Derek Dunnachie prepares his first team talk of the season!

Although last seasons fifth place was not an improvement statistically on the previous year’s fourth place, Dunnachie feels the club is in a much better position to be able to challenge for honours this time around than ever before.

“We ended the season really strong last time around and the standard of players in the club is now higher than it was a year ago,” he explained.

“At the start of last season things were really difficult for us and we suffered several heavy defeats as players came and went.

“Eventually though we found our feet and produced some good results in tandem with some cracking performances and finished the season on a real high.

“We are much better equipped now and we are really looking forward to mounting a challenge towards the top of the table.”

The reserves game against Shilton kicks off at 2.15pm on Saturday 29 August.

The first team do not play on the opening day.

The annual Les Hornsby Memorial Match in aid of the Air Ambulance takes place this Sunday.

Hartshill Rec is the venue for the game between Saturday side Hartshill FC and Sunday League outfit Hartshill Sports in loving memory of Les who was well known by all involved.

The Air Ambulance was his favourite charity and for the third year the two sides clash for bragging rights and the beautiful cut glass trophy.

Everyone is welcome at the rec for the 11am kick off where respects will be paid to Les and thought will also undoubtedly turn to the late Sam Turpie whose life was so cruelly cut short during the first running of the event just over two years ago.

After the game everyone is back here at The Oak for the presentation followed by live entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the night.

Officials from the Air Ambulance will be present throughout the day as we attempt to raise as much cash as possible for what is undoubtedly a very worthy cause.

Hartshill FC             6-0         Ambleside FC
Witherley Res FC    4-1         Hartshill FC
Witherley FC           1-1         Hartshill FC
Hartshill FC             0-0         DC United FC
Stockingford AA FC 1-5         Hartshill FC

Hartshill FC Pre-Season Friendlies 2009/10

01.08.2009 Hartshill FC                  V        Bermuda FC   (Called Off Waterlogged)

04.08.2009 Stockingford AA FC 1 V 0     Hartshill FC

08.08.2009 Hartshill FC                  V        Ambleside FC
08.08.2009 Witherley Res FC         V        Hartshill FC

11.08.2009 Witherley FC                V        Hartshill FC

12.08.2009 Hartshill FC                  V        DC United FC

15.08.2009 Stockingford AA FC    V        Hartshill FC

19.08.2009 Training

22.08.2009 Peugeot FC                   V        Hartshill FC
22.08.2009 Peugeot Res FC            V        Hartshill FC

26.08.2009 Training

29.08.2009 1st League Match

30.08.2009 Les Hornsby Trophy

02.09.2009 Training

Hartshill FC have started their pre-season training regime as they limber up for the new season.

Sessions on Saturday mornings (11am) and Wednesday evenings (6.30pm)  at Hartshill School have now started and the management team are hoping for a good turn out.

With the first team promoted once again and the reserves showing real promise towards the end of the last campaign, pre-season is considered more important than ever.

Competition for places will be hotting up and the performance of every individual is to be carefully monitored as the season edges nearer.

First team boss Wayne Hadley was pleased with the opening session at the weekend which included timed runs, short work and a seven-a-side game at the end.

“It was a good work out and a good laugh, which is what want the sessions to be”, Hadley said.

“I am sure the numbers will be a little better as well over the next couple of sessions,  it was nice to see a few new faces there as well, hopefully they have seen enough to want to come back again as we are always on the look out for anyone who we feel may make an improvement within the club.”

Hartshill FC’s new shirt deal certainly adds up as they have secured sponsorship from CerTax Accountants Warwickshire.

Following their championship winning campaign last time around, the North Warwickshire side  have been promoted for the third time in as many seasons and are looking to build on their continued success.

Maintaining their push through the divisions of the Coventry Alliance is the main aim of the club, and following their link up with the accounting company, looking the part is now one less thing to worry about.

 While the club are hoping the deal will help them in the 2009-10 season, the new sponsors hope the link up will be good for them too.

CerTax Accounting are at the forefront of professional accounting and tax advice, providing a service to improve the performance and profitability of your business, whilst helping to evaluate your ideas in a constructive manner.

With the football club on the up, the two parties are hoping the deal will account for more success on both sides in the future.

Shake on it....Wayne Hadley shows off the new shirt for next season thanks to the generosity of Mark Philbin of CerTax Accountants

After taking the Coventry Alliance Division Three title with victory in the final game of the season, Wayne Hadley’s men got together to see who would win the individual awards.

The worst kept secret in the world was once again announced as the irreplaceable annual winner of the Clubman of the year Dave Whitehouse received rapturous applause as he once again took the top honour for he third year in a row.

Club secretary, treasurer and groudsman Dave Whitehouse (centre)receives the clubman ofthe year award for the third time in as many seasons from Derek Dunnachie (left) and Wayne Hadley.

Such a successful season on the pitch makes choosing  managers player of the year all the more difficult, and so it proved as first team boss Hadley could not separate who he thought were the two top players throughout the campaign.

This resulted in he award being shared between Martin (Icey) Pratt and goalkeeper Ryan Glover. Icey followed in his brothers footsteps as Rocky took the award last year, and unfortunately Ryan could not be present to accept the recognition for his efforts.

Martin Pratt takes the managers player of the year along with goalkeeper Ryan Glover.

 The first team squad showed their appreciation for who they collectively felt had given them the edge during the season. Votes were cast and the winner was Icey again, cementing his place firmly as the most consistent player in the side .

If you don’t score goals, you don’t win football matches, but Hartshill could not ask fora better marksman than Wayne Boon. `Booma’ not only took the golden boot with his 29 goals for the season, but as also rewarded for his prowess over the first three seasons of the club’ existence.

Throughout that period he has wracked up a impressive 81 goals in just 80 games, a record any striker at any level of the game should be very proud of.

Booma receives the top goalscorer award for the first team, while below a commemortion for 81 in 80 games spanning three seasons

The club does its level best to promote and encourage the younger players wherever and whenever possible. Owing to the low average age of particularly the reserve side this year, selecting a winner for young player of the year a tough decision.

However, after much deliberation it was Louis O`Neill who took the honour to cap a fine season individually for him as he continues to improve match after match.

Loius O`Neill accepts the young player of the year award

And so it was on to the reserves – and Derek’s highly anticipated speech….

Get on with it Derek!

With so many youngsters in the side Derek announced his enormous pride in the season for the reserves as they finished a very creditable fifth place in the table, despite a difficult start which saw some heavy defeats in the early weeks of the season.

The undoubted highlight was the 2-0 away win at eventually promoted Massey Ferguson and the club would love to see that kind of perfomance replicated as often as possible next term.

Throughout the campaign though, there was one individual who, although without a first team appearance until the final game of the season, stood out.

Captain Alex Kerr deservedly took both the managers player and players player of the year awards.

Reserve team captain Alex Kerr does the double (above and below)

 Oh look Robbo’s at the bar, quick down your pint!

Going, going, gone....in about 2.5 seconds

 Anyway, back to the awards and this time it was an older member of the squad who took the honour as James Thomason ended the campaign as top scorer for the reserves.

James Thomason took the top goalscorer award for the reserves with 11 goals.

Then it was time to keep it in the family as Derek handed a bottle of champagne to his son Scott.

Having pulled on the shirt of Hartshill 32 times last season is made him the player with the highest appearances for the entire club, well done Scott.

Have a drink on us Scott!

Finally, everyone who has taken an individual award, not just this season, but over the last three, can now see their name etched in the history of the club.

Landlord Dave Pegg was invited to accept the stylish new honours board which will take pride of place in the pub. The board has space for the first ten seasons of the club’s history and certainly looks the part.

Dave Pegg accepts the honours board which will be displayed in the pub

The club would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone and anyone who has had ANY input into the club over the last season. Without the help of committee members, assistance on matchdays, supporters and sponsors the club would simply not be able to continue pushing the boundaries and moving onwards and upwards through the divisions.

Thank you to everyone.