THE RISE OF JAMAICA BELL SEASON 09/10
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Introduction
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004
The Kit
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010
The Team
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020
Training for the Match
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046
Preparing for the Match
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058
Football Tactics
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084
Match Day
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092
The Aftermath
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124
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THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE ON A GOOD DAY.
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ON A BAD DAY, WE CAN BE FOUND IN A RELEGATION BATTLE. AIMING TO SECURE SURVIVAL FOR NEXT SEASON.
The journey of Jamaica Bell F.C as they fight for survival in Division I of the league. Exploring the highs and the lows of the team in their goal of not being relegated. After a bad start to the season, which left us lying rock bottom of the league this a document focusing on the efforts of the team to survive.
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Organized football first began to be played in Bristol in the 1880s and football started on the downs around the same time. The Downs League was formed in 1905 with 30 founder members, all the teams who were already playing in the city and on the Downs’ many pitches. Two of the founder member clubs, St. Andrews and Sneyd Park, remain in the league to this present day. The league consists of four different divisions, which teams can be relegated and promoted at the end of each season. Reportedly the league is one of the largest independent league in Europe with a total of 56 teams at present. All four divisions of The Bristol Downs League are played on around 28 pitches all over the Durdham Downs in Bristol. The higher divisions are generally played to the north of Stoke Road. The lower divisions are played to the south, the furthest overlooking the Avon Gorge and The Clifton Suspension Bridge. The changing rooms are relatively central (although it may not feel like that to those who play to the very south of the Downs), lying on Stoke Road and at the north end of Ladies Mile.
The first division consists of 15 teams, all aim to be the best team in the league and become champions. For others it is a fight to survive relegation.
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ASHLEY BRISTOL BARCELONA AFC BOHEMIA CABOT ASSET FINANCE CLIFTON SAINT VINCENTS COTSWOOL EASTON COWBOYS JAMAICA BELL LAWES JUNIORS PORTLAND OLD BOYS SAINTS OLD BOYS SPORTING GREYHOUND SNEYD PARK TORPEDO
JAMAICA BELL F.C 8
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Established in the 1970s Jamaica Bell F.C has been through many highs and lows during it history. From the creation of the club the team has been promoted and relegated through the four league that make up the Bristol Downs Football League. Jamaica Bell F.C are currently a first division team currently at the bottom of the table. This is an observational study of the aspects of the football team and documents the team as they tackle to get out of the relegation zone as the season comes to an end. The team is made up of a combination of young and old, ranging from 21 to 46. This age gap creates a great diversity to the team and gives the younger people the opportunity to learn from the old players.
THE KIT
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JAMAICA BELL F.C
10 The kit for the team is a bright blue, with the sponsors logo. All of the kit was bought by the landlady of the Bell pub, as she acts at the head of the team. It also gives the pub some extra promotion when we play
WASHING THE KIT Definitely IS the Worst job of the Team.
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The one thing that none want to do after playing football is to wash the kit. The though of having to take the whole kit is one that everyone dreads. Every week a different person is meant to do the job, finding someone to do it proves a harder task. After the game all of the players try and get changed as quickly as they can, so they are not left with the kit. If the game is wet and muddy, none wants to take the kit, but if it has been dry then all of the players try and get the easy job. The only advantage of washing the kit is that you do not have to pay the ÂŁ5 fee to play each game, but most of the player would probably not do it even if they where paid to.
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“I AM NEVER WA KIT AGAIN! IT TA AND IT’s All dirt
ASHING THE AKES FOREVER dirty!”
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When all the kit is finally washed, it takes over the entire garden. The main part that is hard to clean are the team shorts, they are white and definitely not a good colour to wash. The first time I had to wash the kit, I left the kit for too long in the kit bag. It was covered in mud from the wet football match and I had to wash the shorts at least five times. After this they were still not clean, but the players luckily didn’t notice the difference.
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THE TEAM
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LOUIS RODZIEWICZ
GEOFF CLOUGH
JACK DOWELL
JAMES SLATER
TOM GOSDEN
SIMON MCDONALD
ALEX GREEN
JULIAN PORTER
Dave Alexis
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Austin Oliver
James Somerfield
Robert Morris
Mike Connell
Alex Harper
Matt Porter
The players chosen numbers. Some have lucky numbers that they wear, others just look for the shirt that isn’t ripped or still dirty. The number 12,13 and 15 have somehow been lost, and there is one with no number.
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As an ex Jamaica Bell player Matt now manages the team, after having one too many injuries. Having once been on the pitch he definitely finds it hard to be stood on the line, calling the orders. His efforts to get the team to work together is key to success for the team, without him I am sure there would be a lot more arguing on the pitch.
Matt is constantly pacing up and down the touch line, during the game shouting out orders to the players.
MATT PORTER MANAGER
‘Keep the pressure up and we’ve got this in the bag!’
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LOUIS RODZIEWICZ No.1 Louis has been on top for much of this season. Turning point for Louis and us was his amazing save against Sneyd Park, won’t forget the howler that came before.
Louis played a massive part in the turn around putting in display after display of mature, focused and quality performances. Next season is important and he needs to show that he can perform consistently for a whole season.
Whole hearted and massive desire to win! GEOFF CLOUGH No.2
New recruit and what a play to have in the team. Add to that a cultured left foot - Quality!
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Jack is a super cool Bobby Moore style centre back. With the exception of a couple of performances (red lion).
fuelled by ex consumption alcohol, Reads the game brilliantly and has great quality on the ball.
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xcessive of
JACK DOWELL No.3
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like
One negati
is sq he w ueals v e oman
Has all the attributes of a top class player. Massive desire to win and instrumental throughout the season. I Would happily have 10 James Slaters in the team (Obviously would need somebody to score goals as how many goals in six year? 0!)
the ref ,
a
JAMES SLATER No.4
at
like
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on a regular basis. Needs to work on that for next season and learn when to keep it shut.
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TOM GOSDEN No.5
Solid performances and cemented his position at right back.
he is a manager’s dream, strong, commited, intelligent and always willing to listen and improve.
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SIMON MCDONALD No.6
Scored 11 goals in 27 games and at times can be quite unplayable. Needs to work on his fitness next season so he can demolish the opposition on a regular basis.
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The Drogba of the League
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ALEX GREEN No.7
Instr acquisition
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nstrumental uisition to the team. Fitness levels of a pro and a class footballer with quality in both left and right foot. Great player who will only better and better the more he plays for the team, which is a frightening though
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JULIAN PORTER No.8
Good start to the season but was a revelation when being moved up front. Playing with intelligence and linking play which is crucial for the team. Great footballing quality and needs to
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keep in shape next season.
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Should be able to score at least 30 goals next season!
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Self named the saviour and top goal scorer contributing 13 goals in 19 games. Phenomenal skill and ability and the ability to cause damage to teams all season.
DAVE ALEXIS No.9
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AUSTIN OLIVER No.10 The captain and leader on the pitch. Always fully committed and has a massive desire to win. Performs week in week out with virtuoso displays and been integral and instrumental in the success of the team. Top class
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JAMES SOMERFIELD No.11 Impressive attacking displays from left back.
Has the highest average points per game.
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ROBERT MORRIS No.14
An inspiration to every other player in the team - Awesome
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46 going on 21.
TRAINING FOR THE MATCH
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“All make sure to the downs Just a kick about in prep for Sat Glorious night
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re you get ns for 6:30! about tonight aturday! night for it!� Matt Manager 22/04/10 3:41pm
Text messages sent out constantly by the manager , acting like a constant news feed. This keeping everyone up to date with training and other activities, mainly the being visits to the Bell pub.
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Nothing better than playing football in the sun. It’s provides me with great memories from being a child, playing all day every day. The training is a good chance to work as a team and get sharp for the game. Sometimes people go for a run around the downs, which is about two miles. Having never enjoyed constant running, I normally opt for kicking the football around. Don’t think it goes down very well with the older player, complaining that, if they where still young they would beat us in a race.
The usual training is piggy in the middle, which keeps all of the players active and involved.
The younger players in the team always joke about how youth is on their side, with some people being half of the age of others. When it comes to the day of the match, you definitely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Each player has the desire to do as well as they can, and are fully committed.
When doing the training, everyone gets talking and it often gets very intense. It also gives everyone the opportunity to communicate with all of the players and get familiar with their way of playing.
Playing piggy in the middle, the player tries their hardest to get the ball off the players in the circle, constantly running towards the ball. Depending on how many players are playing, it can either be hard to get the ball or easy, if there are less players. None ever wants to be stuck trying to get the ball the entire time, so you have to think quick and try and predict the direction the ball is going next.
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After an hour of training everyone has had enough. All of the players are ready for the match on Saturday, hoping it will be a win. The players then go to the team club house (The Bell) to have a drink, probably doesn’t help with the fitness after only just exercising. As the manager Matt always says though ; “It’s all about the team bonding, so we can work effectively in the game.”
As well as playing football for the team, there is as much time meeting at the pub as there is training. This also lets all of the players get to know interesting facts about the players. The things that you wouldn’t get to know if you only played football with them.
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PREPARING FOR THE MATCH
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Every Saturday the team meets at the changing rooms situated next to the downs. When you look around at the people that area playing you can see the mix of young and old, big and small all joining together. The downs league gives opportunities for all sorts of people to play and create teams with a great amount of diversity.
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13:28
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The conversation is light hearted and the players look forward to the game ahead, hoping that the game will go well. Before the game each individual also need to be mentally prepared and focused on what they need to do as individuals. During the time waiting for all the players to arrive it also give everyone the chance to give their predictions about the scores of the games that are taking place and the results that would benefit the Jamaica Bell F.C in the league. The importance of each game is now vital to the club. Finding winning form at this stage of the season would dramatically change the position of Jamaica Bell F.C by the end of the season. The remaining fixtures are the most important ever.
The normal sight before getting ready of the game. Perparing with a cup of tea and a cigarette, which probably doesn’t improve the football during the match.
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“I RECKON IT COULD BE A 5 NIL THRASHING TODAY!”
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13:45
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“BOYS, I’VE GOT A GOOD FEELING TODAY! I THINK OUR LUCK MAY BE ABOUT TO CHANGE.”
Entering into the changing rooms to get ready. There is a long corridor with a room for each team taking part. You are able to here all of the football conversation, with everyone in high spirits that today they will win their match.
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“WHO’S GOT MY LUCKY SHIRT?”
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All of the players have a shirt that they normally want to wear. Me and the captain Austin are always quick to grab number 10 and 11, as they are the only two large shirts. For some reason the rest of the shirts are extra large, which isn’t great in a not very tall team. The only part of the kit that actually fits anyone are the shocks and most of them have holes in. If anyone has got Austin’s number 10 there is normally uproar as he tries to take the shirt off whoever has got it on. Most people are quick to give it back as none want’s to get on the wrong side of the captain.
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“WHO WASHED ALL THE KIT? IT’S STILL WET AND DIRTY!”
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Before the team has been given their instructions for the game, Matt checks that all of the players are fit. If anyone isn’t 100% then he will change the team, to make sure that the team has the best chance.
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“You fit today then or not? Could have let me know before�
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“WE NEED TO DO THE STRETCHES PROPERLY LAD, WE DON’T NEED INJURIES NOW”
Before the game begins, the whole team go through their stretches and warm-ups. The team does a few quick runs and then do some of the activities that are used in training.
Austin calls the orders before the game, to make sure everyone is up for the game. He always makes people aware, that if he notices anyone not putting 100% into the game, they will hear him shouting. When you here your name being called out by him, you know that you have done something wrong.
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Warming up before the game is important to prevent getting injured.
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The fans prepare for the game to start, ready with their umbrellas incase of rain. There aren’t many supporters watching the football when the weather isn’t good. When the sun is out there can be a lot of people watching on the field.
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The games begin at 2:30, with the team ready and warmed up. The teams are lined up in their correct positions, all knowing what their job is for the team.
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14:30
FOOTBALL TACTICS
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Starting 11 GK LB RB CB CB LM RM AM DM FW SS
- - - - - - - - - - -
Louis Rodziewicz James Somerfield James Slater Geoff Clough Jack Dowell Simon McDonald Alex Green Austin Oliver Robert Morris Julian Porter Dave Alexis
Substitutes Mike Connell (RB) Alex Harper (CB,FW) Tom Gosden (RM,RB)
Before we go and get warmed up for the game, the manager tells the players what the team is. Everyone want’s to start the game, but it is always good to have substitutes incase anyone get’s injured.
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The normal tactics for the team. Alex Green has a free role on the right hand side, moving across to the centre. My roll at left back is to support the midfield but the manager doesn’t like me being too far up the pitch. ‘Your main roll is to defend, don’t forget that!”
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ATTACKING THE OPPOSITION When the team concedes a goal the tactics are attacking, as the team tries to get a goal back.
The main tactic for attacking the other team, is by using the players on the wings. Simon on the left and Alex on the right aim to run down the line, crossing the ball into the danger area. Normally when playing at left back, I am just behind Simon to offer support with the attack. Dave is always lurking around the opposition penalty area, hoping for the perfect ball to be able to score the best goal. As he say’s himself, ‘I only score good goals!’
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DEFENDING THE LEAD The first 10 minutes of the game is always defensive, as we do not want to concede and early goal.
When playing defensive play it is important the players do not go too far forwards. It is important for the left back and right back to stay in position. If they are not in position, it give the opportunity to the other team to get into the space. Austin and Rob in the centre do not go forwards and help with the defending. With the team playing defensive football, it makes it harder for our team to score a goal. It is often used when our team is in the lead, so that we can protect our advantage.
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MATCH DAY
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League table 06/02/10
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P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
1
Sneyd Pk
16
11
3
2
46
18
36
2
Bsl Barcelona
18
11
2
5
47
25
35
3
Ashley
14
11
2
1
34
12
35
4
Saints OB
16
10
1
5
36
29
31
5
Torpedo
14
8
4
2
32
14
28
6
Cotswool
19
8
1
10
37
36
25
7
Lawes Jrs
15
8
5
4
31
23
23
8
C St Vinc
16
6
4
7
29
35
19
9
Sg Greyhound
14
5
2
7
25
25
17
10
AFC Bohemia
17
5
2
10
27
44
17
11
Portland OB
18
5
1
12
27
42
16
12
Cabot Asset
18
4
4
10
24
43
16
13
Easton Cow
16
5
1
10
26
48
16
14
Jamaica Bell
19
4
2
13
26
53
14
_Relegation zone
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THIS WAS THE FIRST GAME I HAD PLAYED FOR THE TEAM. WASN’T SURE HOW THE GAME WOULD GO, AS I HAD NEVER SEEN THEM PLAY. Thankfully TODAY THE LUCK WAS WITH US AND ALSO ALEX, MANAGING TO GET TWO IN FROM THE CORNER.
Jamaica Bell F.C 2 - Portland OB 0 06/02/10
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GOAL
CELEBRATION!
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After Alex managing to score one goal from the corner, the next time there was a corner on of the subs bet him £10 he couldn’t do it again. The surprise on his face when the second goal when in exactly the same place as the first. The manager jokes, that Ale can now pay off some of the money he owes him!
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1
Jamaica Bell F.C - Barcelona FC 13/02/10
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WAS A HARD GAME, THEY WHERE JUST TOO GOOD FOR USE. WE CAN STILL SURVIVE THOUGH, JUST NEED TO HOPE FOR A WIN NEXT WEEK.
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Just couldn’t carry on the winning spree this week, their defence was just too big for our team. Think we would definitely benefit from having some tall players, to win the ball in the penalty area. There number 5 was a giant, think we where probably luck to only lose by one, against the team in second place. Even better next week though, a double header against Sneyd Park - League champions.
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WE’VE DONE IT! WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGH WE WOULD WIN BOTH OF THEM. GOING INTO THE GAME WE HOPED WE COULD GET A POINT. WE GOT 6!!!
LEADERS SNEYD PARK, CRASH
Jamaica Bell F.C 5 - Sneyd Park 2 Jamaica Bell F.C 2 - Sneyd Park 0 27/02/10
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‘Will win most games if we do that as we have far more footballing quality� Manager 27/02/10 12:18pm
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This was one of the biggest achievements in the clubs entire history, and it was great to be a part of it with the team. After never beating Sneyd Park year after year, the team worked together to win twice! Not only was the victory the first one again them, but it was only the second and then third game that the team had lost. Scoring seven goals in two games was a joy to watch from my position at left back, on the day I think everyone wanted to score. The main high point of the game was that they where two game, which we didn’t even expect to get one point let alone six. These victories gave use the drive to continue winning, right until the end of the season.
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“Jamaica Bell come good with a Dave Gamble was on target for B but goals from Simon McDonald Dave Alexis settled the outcome
Jamaica Bell F.C 2 - Bohemia 1 13/03/10
2-1 win! Bohemia d and e.�
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20/03/10 After the amazing double performance in the previous game, it looked lightly that we could win this. Unfortunately after dominating the entire game, we then conceded a late goal to gift the other side a lucky point.
Jamaica Bell F.C 2 - Easton Cowboys 2
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Jamaica Bell 1 - Ashley FC 2 27/03/10
“3 point lost today lads! We still need to win more games to secure safety for next season.”
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Jamaica Bell 2 - Saints OB 1 10/04/10
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Manager 19/04/10 5:07pm
“What a win on Saturday! The main thing that helped us was that half the team didn’t turn up hung over from the night before. This was definitely clear to see, as the football we played was great, also everyone looked sharp.”
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Jamaica Bell 3 - Easton Cowboys 0 24/04/10
Having come from the depths of relegation, this game was the one we had to win to keep us up in the top league. At the same time a lose for the other team would see them relegated to the division 2. Luckily for use, it was our day to win, finally winning by three goals. The final result was a great achievement for the team, which people already believed would go down after only half of the season. At the half way stage the team only had eight point and the team above had nine more. This turnaround will go down in the history books for the team, as one of the biggest comeback in the leagues history.
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WINNING THIS GAME WOULD MAKE THE TEAM MATHEMATICALLY SAFE OF BEING RELEGATED
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3 JAMAICA BELL 0 SPORTING GREYHOUND
After the celebrations of the previous week, securing safety, the team just kept on scoring! We beat the team by three goals again, and previously the team had never beaten them. Earlier on in the season the same team we faced beat us 5-1, what a turnaround for the team.
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E R A E ‘W ING Y A T S , P U
Y A S I R A E W
E G
Y, RE G IN
After the final game of the season the celebrations could now begin, as the team reflect on a roller coaster season. From being right at the bottom of the table, with no hope, to beating the top team twice. This was all down to the team sticking together and believing that they could turn around the season.
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League table 01/05/10
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P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
1
Sneyd Pk
26
18
5
3
74
25
59
2
Torpedo
26
16
5
4
63
28
53
3
Ashley
26
17
2
6
51
31
53
4
Bsl Barcelona
26
16
4
6
67
34
52
5
Saints OB
26
15
1
10
55
55
46
6
Lawes Jrs
26
11
7
8
54
37
40
7
Sg Greyhound
26
9
5
11
43
40
32
8
Cotswool
26
10
1
15
46
57
31
9
AFC Bohemia
26
9
3
14
47
59
30
10
C St Vinc
26
7
7
11
44
54
28
11
Jamaica Bell
26
8
3
15
41
62
27
12
Portland OB
26
8
2
16
39
59
26
13
Cabot Asset
26
5
4
17
34
70
19
14
Easton Cow
26
5
3
18
33
80
18
_Relegation zone
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League 1st Half
For
Against
Goal Difference
Points
15
39
-24
5
127
Week
Team
Avg For Avg Against
Avg Points
1
Torpedo
1
6
0
2
Bohemia
2
3
0
3
Ashley
0
4
0
4
Barcelona
2
3
0
5
Cabot Asset Finance
0
3
0
6
Greyhound
1
7
0
8
Lawes
2
2
1
9
Clifton St Vincents
1
2
0
10
Cotswool
3
2
3
11
Torpedo
0
1
0
12
Cabot Asset Finance
1
1
1
13
Portland Old Boys
2
3
0
14
Saints Old Boys
0
2
0
128
League 2nd Half
For
Against
Goal Difference
Points
26
23
3
22
129
Week
Team
Avg For Avg Against
Avg Points
16
Lawes
1
6
0
18
Cotswool
0
2
0
19
Portland Old Boys
2
1
3
20
Barcelona
1
3
0
21
Sneyd Park
5
2
3
22
Sneyd Park
2
0
3
23
Bohemia
2
1
3
24
Easton Cowboys
2
2
1
25
Ashley
1
2
0
26
Saints Old Boys
2
1
3
27
Greyhound
3
0
3
28
Easton Cowboys
3
0
3
29
Clifton St Vincents
2
3
0
THE AFTERMATH
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16 Hilgrove Street St.Philips BS2 8JT
Situated just off Jamaica street, the Bell pub acts as our very own club house. Wether we have won or lost, the player like nothing better than having a drink at the pub. I’m sure the owner Marian isn’t the biggest fan of all of us coming there, and very often getting far to drunk. I think she could possible be the number one fan of the team, out of the very few that we have.
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After the game the player all meet at The Bell pub, which acts as the team club house.
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“LET’S GET THE DRINKS IN, WE DESERVE IT AFTER SERVING.”
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All of the players are quick to get a drink and food, after the football. The good thing about using the pub as a team club house is that you can always get some food, and it is cheap. Only one pound for a jacket potato, can’t really go wrong with that, although sometimes it is hard to eat it all!.
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“FIVE BOTTLES O CHAMPAGNE AN BOTTLES OF SA STAYING UP!” Manager 19/04/10 5:07pm
OF ND TWO AMBUCA FOR
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The team celebrating with the many bottles of champagne given, for surviving relegation.
If this is what we get for surviving relegation, I wonder what would happen if we won the league! Now that the season has come to an end, the players are in high hopes for next season, hoping they can find the same form. With any luck it will be the Jamaica Bell F.C that will be crowned champions of the league. This may be wishful thinking, but I think we will just have to hope and have the belief.
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SAFE FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
Thank you to the whole of the team for taking the time to do interviews, and have me turning up every week armed with my camera. Next season we will win this league.
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DESIGNED BY James Somerfield
Written By James Somerfield Matt Porter