Can you help local sports coverage?

Hi All

As you may have noticed the Local Guardian has cut sport coverage leaving South London and Surrey clubs in something of a media black hole. I’ve come up with an idea to try and fill the gap and give local sport the coverage it deserves.

It’s a simple idea really – a sort of ‘by the fans for the fans’ type website where all local teams are covered in the same place, the way it was with YLG Sport. It would need supporters from each local club covered to write and send in articles such as match reports, interviews, and columns all relevant to their side.

The website would I suppose start out as a free website (blogspot for example) but the simple fact that pretty much all local sport coverage would be concentrated on the website would hopefully help it grow and gain a large readership. It could potentially grow further in the future, maybe even into print itself who knows?

If anyone has any thoughts on this idea, or would be happy to help with the coverage for 

your club, drop me an email at ‘johnnielowery@tiscali.co.uk’

Johnnie Lowery (Fox in the Box Productions)

Met Police vs Fulham U21

Met Police secured a solid win over Fulham U21 at Imber Court. To be honest the game was pretty awful, but the Met had their tactics spot on and the Championship side had no answer throughout. Fulham had plenty of ball possession early on but didn’t really do anything with it, although the Fulham number 9 ought to have done better after a cross came into him from the right wing. Out of nowhere, Met Police took the lead in the 16^th minute through Rob Bartley. The delivery of the freekick was perfect and Fulham failed to deal with it completely, giving Bartley a free header. Fulham did not really react and the Met keeper did not have a single save to make in the first half!

The Fulham side improved in the second half and finally tested the Met Police keeper, albeit from a tough angle. However it was Met Police who came closest to scoring again, having a corner cleared off the line and then an effort from a further corner hitting the woodwork. Fulham had to start attacking more and they did; it was only a fantastic double save from the Met Police goalkeeper preventing an equalising goal going in. For all their possession, the Whites rarely threatened after this and it was in fact the hosts who looked the more likely, with one effort skidding just wide of the post. Fulham’s best chance came late on but a perfect cross was headed wide when really it should have been 1-1. The Ryman League side never really looked troubled and saw out the game with little problem

Met Police lost out in the playoffs last year and have a very new-look side this time around. Early signs are positive and they are always well set up tactically. They will certainly be aiming to reach the playoffs again, and once you’re in the playoffs anything can happen. We obviously don’t cover youth football too much so don’t have too much to give on the bigger picture for Fulham’s under-21 side, but the fact is they looked toothless in this one. It is perhaps coincidence, but in all 3 Fulham U21 games I’ve seen it’s been much the same story – they’ll need to be better than in this one to succeed at any level 

Tooting and Mitcham vs Staines

Staines began their pre-season with a comfortable 5-0 win over ambitious Ryman Division 1 South side Tooting and Mitcham. The game was just 4 minutes old when an unnecessary shove in the box gave Staines a penalty, which was duly converted by Pat Cox. Staines doubled their lead in the 11^th minute, with Michael Kalu heading home from a corner. The high-pressing game played by Staines restricted Tooting, but around the 30^th minute Tooting came into the game, forcing the Staines keeper into a double save. They continued to press for the rest of the half, creating chance after chance but failing to score, due to a combination of poor finishing and goal goalkeeping. The best chance was when the Tooting number 9 got one-on-one but fired straight at Turner in the Staines goal. Right at the end of the first half Staines should have added to their lead but the attacker did not realise how much time he had and fired a weak shot straight at the Tooting keeper

Luke Wanadio did make it 3 in the 47^th minute, getting a strong connection onto a powerful cross. 4 minutes later Vancouten made it 4-0 as Tooting failed to really start the second half. Staines continued to look for goals and came close just minutes after goal number 4, with an effort from the edge of the box flying just wide of the far post. M’bengui’s goal for Staines was a fantastic solo effort and well and truly killed off the game. Tooting’s centre-back was nearly punished for spending too much time on the ball late on in the game but the Staines attacker lost his footing as he went to shoot. The best late chances that fell to Staines were headed chances, but on both occasions the cross seemed just too high for the header as the Staines men just couldn’t get over the ball enough to add to the scoreline. Tooting would have been glad for the whistle when it came, after a very strong Staines performance

Tooting and Mitcham have high hopes for the season ahead and have assembled a strong squad. They never really got going in this one but the first game of pre-season rarely gives a good indication of a team’s ability and Tooting’s confidence in going up this season shouldn’t be damaged. After relegation last season Staines will be targeting an instant return to the National League South this year. Their game was intense and did not let Tooting play the way they wanted. If they can keep this up in the league campaign they should be confident of promotion 

Hanworth Villa vs Molesey

Molesey came out victorious in this pre-season friendly; a game which never really got out of second gear. There was an interesting contrast in playing styles throughout the game, with Molesey playing a neat 2-touch passing game whilst Hanworth adopted more direct tactics. The direct football was more effective early on but in truth neither side had any great chances. Molesey's defence was solid and restricted Hanworth to long-range efforts. Quick freekicks provided the best opportunities for Molesey in the first half - the closest they came was when a deflection carried a shot just wide of the far post. However it was an effort from the Hanworth Villa goalkeeper that was the closest either side came to scoring in the first half. The Molesey keeper did well to recover after his opposite number spotted him off his line and shot from within his own half!

Early on in the second period the Moles had a goal disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper, which appeared to be the correct decision. It was then Hanworth's turn to have a goal disallowed, this time for offside. The game livened up a bit after this and both sides went for a winner in a fairly even game. A goal did eventually come for Molesey; a great strike from the edge of the area finding the bottom left corner. This spurred Molesey on to look for another, and whilst they could not add to their goal tally their attacking play prevented the hosts from having any opportunity to get back into the game, meaning the match finished 1-0 to Molesey

It wasn't pretty, but both sides got a good workout in a physical game. Molesey enter the Ryman Division 1 South next season, knowing it will be a great challenge for them. The foundations have been set and the side are playing decent football, which will be much, much better by the start of the season in August. Hanworth were disappointing last year and ultimately lucky to stay up. But they've finished much higher in past seasons and will be determined to do so again. Confidence should be high, and they gave last season's Combined Counties Premier Division champions Molesey a good game in this on. We wish both sides all the best in the upcoming 15-16 season

Walton Casuals vs Spelthorne Sports

The first game of the FITB was a high-scoring, but ultimately very one-sided game. Walton Casuals of the Ryman Division One South took on Spelthorne Sports, who play in the division below. With Spelthorne finishing strongly in the Combined Counties Premier Division last season and Casuals being in the bottom half of the league above you could be forgiven for expecting a close game. The reality was somewhat different.

The game started slowly with neither keeper being really tested in the first 20 minutes. Both sides did have chances however; Walton seeing a corner cleared off the line and Spelthorne’s centre forward just unable to reach a through ball. Walton then had a goal disallowed for offside. It wasn’t until the 30^th minute that the first of the 8 goals was scored - Gabriel Odunaike timing his run to perfection and calmly finishing past the helpless Spelthorne keeper. Odunaike should really have made it 2-0 minutes later but the second goal did eventually arrive courtesy of former Sutton United man Billy Dunn, who capitalised after Spelthorne were caught in possession inside their own half. Just 12 seconds after Spelthorne kicked off again they pulled a goal back, a powerful volley just inside the box leaving the Walton keeper with no chance. There was more to come in the first half though, with a Walton Casuals trialist remaining calm under pressure to score a third goal in stoppage time

The first chance of the second half fell to Spelthorne, but the effort from the edge of the box was well wide. Walton continued to pepper the Spelthorne goal but were frustrated by several saves by the Spelthorne keeper and one shot striking the foot of the post. The game appeared to be petering out but a spectacular Spelthorne collapse in the final 10 minutes saw Walton Casuals add 4 goals in the space of 5 minutes. Gabriel Odunaike got the first in the 83^rd minute, in similar style to his first goal. A Spelthorne player then handled on the line, allowing Luke Medley to score a penalty just 1 minute later. Odunaike’s movement off the ball had been excellent throughout and he completed his hattrick in the 86^th minute after an inch perfect through ball put him through. There was still time for another trialist to score a screamer from the edge of the box, bringing the score to an emphatic 7-1

It is of course hard to make judgements on a season based on the first pre-season game, but Walton were brutal and looked a very strong side. Spelthorne offered glimpses going forward but were caught way too often at the back and you couldn’t help but feel sorry for the goalkeeper, who had little chance with any of the 7 goals. With Walton Casuals playing in Merstham this season we are unlikely to see them until the new stadium in built, so wish them all the best for the future! We are sure to catch Spelthorne Sports again soon, hopefully on better form, and again wish them all the best in their 15-16 Combined Counties season!

HIGHLIGHTS HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C99Q2HmAD-I

GOAL OF THE SEASON 13 14

GOAL OF THE SEASON 13 14
The 'goal of the season' competition is back and is better than ever before

The link to the video is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4-8ioXWJmM&feature=youtu.be

The link to vote is
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LYKJMSJ

Enjoy watching and voting for your winner

FITB ARE RECRUITING

Fox in the Box Productions are looking to recruit!

Are you under 18 years old?

Are you a fan of football?

Would you like to be involved with a company filming football, and get the chance to put it on your CV?

Then this role is perfect for you!

Fox in the Box Productions are looking for somebody to control the corner camera at games they film. The role, as with every FITB role, is unpaid but gives you the chance to put a brilliant experience on your CV and enjoy football for free!

Should you wish to apply or ask for more information please contact us at fitbhighlights@gmail.com

(please note we are based in South London)

Meet the Fox in the Box team

Johnnie Lowery

Founder of Fox in the Box, Johnnie organises everything to do with the company, as well as doing the main camera at most games. Also has some experience as corner cam.  A keen fan of non-league football, Johnnie set up the company to help provide the game with video coverage it deserves. Has been present at all but 2 of the games Fox in the Box Productions have filmed. A loyal Sutton United fan.

Games on Main Cam: 54

Games on Corner Cam: 3.5

Games as Backup: 2

                                              Gabriel Brookes

Founder member of Fox in the Box, Gabriel was originally the main camera man but has more recently been working as a corner cam. His northern roots have helped him film a game in the Northern League for Fox in the Box. Talented with a camera whether it be main or corner cam, Gabriel is a vital part of Fox in the Box and a good utility man to have around. A Newcastle United fan.

Games on Main Cam: 10

Games on Corner Cam: 8.5

Games as Backup: 4

                                              Bradley Cooper

New member to Fox in the Box, joined in November just before the Met Police game FITB were about to film! Bradley has since shown a natural talent for corner cam, with his knack for getting every goal perfectly on camera even if it is scored at the other end of the pitch really standing out. He has really enjoyed his new role since joining Fox in the Box and it would not be a surprise at all to see Bradley going into a career as a cameraman in future. A Chelsea fan.

Games on Main Cam: 0

Games on Corner Cam: 5

Games as Backup: 1

                                              Otto Abram

Has occasionally filled in as a backup cameraman and technical assistant, as well as making a cameo appearance as a corner cam at a Feltham game! Whilst he is not a regular for Fox in the Box due to other commitments, assistance from Otto is always welcomed and his contribution at a game always improves the quality of the highlights. An Arsenal fan.

Games on Main Cam: 0

Games on Corner Cam: 1

Games as Backup: 2

                                               Ex Foxes

             

Alex Easton

A close friend of Johnnie and Bradley, Alex filled in as a backup for three games but has not returned to Fox in the Box duties on a more permanent basis. We are hopeful of finding a role and a camera for Alex to use to draft him back into the Fox in the Box scene if possible.

Games on Main Cam: 0

Games on Corner Cam: 0

Games as Backup: 3

*0.5 on a game means that the person involved filmed half of the game as that specific camera type

Main camera: The 'bread and butter' of filming. Usually the easiest job but the one with the most pressure involved, the camera is stationed as close to the halfway line under cover from the elements as possible. The main camera shots are used for all highlights

Corner camera: Can be done anywhere towards one goal. Used to gain reverse angle replays of goals and is employed when Fox in the Box have enough people available to do it. Requires a lot of skill but there is little pressure on the person doing it. Corner camera shots are used for replays of goals, penalty incidents and red card incidents only

Backup: Involves the person who is not filming, usually as there is not a camera spare, acting as a technical assistant and speeding up jobs such as setting up the tripod. Backups can take control if, because of an incident, the main cameraman is unable to carry on filming.

Corinthian-Casuals vs Westfield

Corinthian-Casuals vs Westfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C2K2YFhYNs

Fox in the Box headed to Tolworth on a cold Tuesday night knowing one of two landmarks had to occur. Either Westfield would shock Corinthian-Casuals and knock them out of a cup they won a few years back, or Corinthian-Casuals would avoid defeat in front of the Fox in the Box cameras for the first time ever! If was the latter of those did that did eventually occur, and it was a fairly comfortable win for the Casuals in the end.

The first good chance fell to the home side early on and a good save from Bradshaw in the Westfield goal kept the scores level. The follow up was then blocked and cleared away. Not too long after Corinthian-Casuals has another great opportunity but the free header that was gifted to a Casuals striker from about 12 yards out was headed straight at the Westfield keeper who had an easy save. Westfield struggled to create chances against their higher ranked opposition and the home side deservedly took the lead in the 19^th minute when a cross from the left wing was controlled by Steve Barilli who had no trouble in finishing the chance. Corinthian-Casuals continued to dominate but it was Westfield who scored the next goal after a schoolboy error from a Casuals throw-in. A throw back to a defender was miscontrolled allowing a Westfield forward to get through on goal. He rounded Bracken in the Casuals goal and squared the ball to James Mepham, who applied the finish despite the best efforts of Bracken and a defender on the line. The two sides were level for just 3 minutes though, with a fantastic goal from Jamie ‘Busy’ Byatt’ restoring the Casuals’ lead with a wonderful strike. Byatt received the ball around 35 yards out and beat his man before hitting a rocket with his left foot right into the top corner of the goal from the edge of the box. Casuals had a chance to go two goals up minutes later but a volley was put over the bar from close range.

The first chance of the second half fell to Westfield after a set piece was sent over to the far post. The touch on the end of the cross sent the ball just wide of the far post. The second half was a fairly equal affair and Westfield showed more signs of getting back into the game and maybe forcing extra-time, with Bracken called into action on several occasions. However, any hope of getting back into the game was thrown away when an attempted backpass to Bradshaw in the Westfield goal was sent straight to Casuals forward Chris Watney, who applied the finish to put Corinthian-Casuals 3-1 up. This goal seemed to kill off the game as a contest and the remaining fifteen minutes passed with neither side creating anything of note.  Massive thumbs up to the 36 spectators at the game who bothered to turn up despite the freezing cold temperatures (1 degree!) and the England game live on TV. Westfield gave a battling performance, especially for a twenty minute spell in the second half, but ultimately the division gap showed and Corinthian-Casuals emerged victorious. The Casuals will now face Walton and Hersham in the 3^rd round of the Surrey Senior Cup.

Met Police vs Hampton and Richmond

Met Police vs Hampton and Richmond – Isthmian League Cup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQAGFbGBwpo&feature=youtu.be

An exciting game at Imber Court saw Met Police get two early goals and hang on to defeat Hampton and Richmond, despite the domination of the game for large parts of the game by the away side. Most of Hampton’s meaningful attacks came down the wings, in particular right winger Luke Wanadio who had a fantastic game and scored the only Hampton and Richmond goal. However, Met Police ultimately defended well enough to weather the Hampton and Richmond storm and it is them who will advance to the 4^th Round of the Isthmian League Cup.

Hampton and Richmond simply did not turn up to the first 10 minutes and found themselves 2-0 down early on in the game. Firstly, a pass back to a Hampton defender was too short and a Met Police striker was put through on goal. Whilst his effort was well saved by Rodney Chiweshe, the rebound fell to Bobby Bennett who couldn’t miss. Hampton did not learn from their defensive errors and conceded again on 11 minutes. A Met Police corner was flicked on and the ball fell to Jonte Smith, who expertly backheeled the ball past Chiweshe. Hampton and Richmond seemed to wake up after this point and came close from a series of corners, seeing two efforts cleared off the line in 2 minutes. Stuart Searle then pulled off a good save after Dan Thompson met Luke Wanadio’s cross with a good volley. Hampton fans appealed for a goal after another corner was met by a Hampton head and was cleared off the line once more. Looking back on video footage it is hard to tell from the angle of the camera but you can see why they would appeal for a goal; it was very close. Met Police then had a chance on the break to go 3-0 up ball the first time shot was fired just wide of the Hampton post

Hampton continued to be on top after half-time and came closest when Searle was forced into making a great save after a good header from just inside the box. Hampton finally got a goal in the 69^th minute after a poor pass from Met Police led to Luke Wanadio getting through on goal. He made no mistake with his finish, setting up an interesting last 20 minutes with Hampton chasing an equaliser. There were a few nervous moments in the Met Police defence, not helped by some poor handling from Stuart Searle, but it was Searle who kept the scores level in the last 5 minutes with a great save from a close range effort. In the 89^th minute Met Police broke but looked to have missed an easy chance to seal the game. However, Jonte Smith got to the rebound and finished into an empty net, scoring his second goal of the night and making fully sure there was no way back for Hampton. The Beavers had nothing left in them after that blow and Met Police comfortably saw out the last few minutes to advance to the next round

Overall an enjoyable game with Met Police scoring 2 early goals and defending very well for the rest of the game to keep Hampton from scoring the goals their play deserved. We wish Met Police all the best for the next round and hope to see them in the final of the competition.   

Molesey vs Folkestone Invicta

Molesey 2 Folkestone Invicta 4 (after extra time)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQRMhLCu0Xs&feature=c4-overview&list=UU3J4YErMiMpt2QaA0Pc6-8A

Fox in the Box were lucky enough to film a thrilling game in an FA Cup replay at Molesey last night. The game started roared into life quickly, with a ball over the top led to a Molesey attack that required some hasty defend to stop. Molesey seemed to be on top early on, Folkestone's only real early chance being a weak shot that was easily scooped up by the goalkeeper. Molesey soon made the breakthrough with Matt Baxter slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0. After another weak shot from Folkestone, Molesey seemed to be in again, only for the ball to be poked wide. Folkestone soon got their act together and appeared to have a great chance, however the touch from the striker to round the keeper was too heavy and Molesey got back to clear it away. Folkestone had a few more chances after this, the first of which was a long range shot was caught without too much trouble by the Molesey goalkeeper. A free kick led to the ball being nodded just wide, while another header from a free kick was saved and scrambled away. Molesey managed a couple more chances before the second half, a shot from just outside the area was easily saved, and a corner was headed well over. The second half was just as exciting as the first, with both teams having their fair share of chances. Molesey headed a free kick wide, and Folkestone saw a clean strike from the edge of the box turned wide. Folkestone had another chance from the resulting corner, but the shot at the end went just over. Folkestone had another good shot turned wide, but it was Molesey who next found the net, Nick White squeezing the ball under the keeper to make it 2-0. Molesey looked as if they had the game won, but there was still plenty of time left, and Folkestone didn't look like giving up. They came back immediately, a good free kick had to be tipped over the bar by the Molesey keeper, and they soon made the breakthrough, Stuart King getting the final touch from a corner. Folkestone were now dominating possession, but Molesey were still very much a threat on the counter, and had a breakaway result in a poor shot that spun well wide of the goal, to the disappointment of the tense crowd. Molesey could have scored again, after a marvellous through ball that split the Folkestone defence found the striker, who couldn't find the finish. However, controversy followed, with a Folkestone penalty being given for handball, which outraged the Molesey fans and players. Whether or not it should have been a penalty, it was cooly dispatched, and Folkestone were now level. This led to an extremely tense finale, with both teams having chances to win the game. The best chance was probably when the ball somehow made it's way through the Molesey defence, a chance that was saved by some last ditch defending and good goalkeeping. Molesey had a chance to win it right at the end, with a header from a corner going just over the bar. Extra time was an equally tense affair, Folkestone seemed to be the more likely side to score, squandering some good chances. The pick of their chances would have been when a bouncing cross was hit over from about 5 yards. In the end it was Matt Newman who made the difference for the visitors. A Folkestone corner had gone out wide, but Newman got his head on the following cross, much to the delight of the Folkestone fans, and much to the despair of the Molesey fans. A shocking mistake by the Molesey defence left the ball to Stuart King, who wrapped the game up with a delightful lob. The referee soon called time on a thrilling match that will be almost certainly be well remembered by everybody who attended it. May I just say thank you to the marvellous hospitality shown by Molesey. Their free tickets and burgers made us feel very welcome, and we will of course be going back again. The club were perfectly set up to handle the large crowd and the food was very nice.

Benidorm CF's fantastic old ground

Final ground of the Spanish Groundhop and one of the best I have ever seen. Sadly though, the team that used to play at this stadium went bust a few years ago after the financial crisis took hold. The stadium mercifully is still standing and I assume in used for other events such as concerts, as the stadium is still maintained but the pitch is in a right state. The Benidorm side that played here spent most of their days in the Spanish equivalent of League 1 and were quite a big side. I am not sure if a phoenix club was formed and would love to hear from anybody in the know. It was a strange feeling walking out onto the pitch of this now disused ground just 5 years after it was graced by the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta as Barcelona scraped a 1-0 win in the Copa Del Rey. The terrace on the far side is one of the most amazing stands I have ever seen and I couldn't help but imagining what it was like full up. It really is such a shame that there is no longer a team playing at this ground but hopefully in the future football will be played once again at this fantastic stadium

First view as you enter the ground through the back

Looking across the pitch to the near end

The seated stand

Taken from the top of the seated stand

There is another pitch behind the far goal, with a 3G surface

The stand isn't particularly big

Inside the tiny bar

A long walk to the away changing room!

And here we are inside. The home changing room was locked

Looking back across the main stand

Taken from the top of the fantastic terrace

2 step terracing at the near end

As you can see, the pitch is in a real state

...but the ground is still in decent condition

The terrace is bigger than the seated stand

Add caption

Standing area behind the goal on the secondary pitch. Love this!

Not many terraces like this left sadly

Zoomed out

Quite a view from the top

Can't see much at the other end though!

The seated end really is dwarved by the marvellous terrace

Looking along the terrace from the yop

Another shot of the goal from the top of the terrace

From the bottom far corner

Corner flag view

A wide shot of the terrace

The goal at one end is still standing

Half of the terrace

The smaller of the two bars

Much smaller than the terracing

Everything in view

The sign as you enter

The gates haven't opened in years

As we exited I took one final picture 

Calpe CF - Spanish Groundhop

Ground number 2, a very modern ground in Calpe, halfway between Benissa and Benidorm. The stadium has a very impressive modern main stand but, as per usual in Spanish lower league, has nothing anywhere else in the ground. Probably my least favourite of the grounds due to the lack of character compared to Benissa and the fantastic Benidorm Stadium. We managed to get in without asking anybody so I have no info on the club but I think they're around the same level as Benissa

The side of the main stand

Some good scenery in the background

Very neat back to the main stand as you arrive

From the main stand looking over to the far goal

The main stand is very neat but doesn't have as much character as Benissa

Another shot of the stand

Looking out from the top of the stand. A very good view

Again very modern dugouts, I imagine the ground is quite new

Looking towards the far end

Back towards the near end

As you enter, you go up these steps into the stand

Looking from the far corner

Again, no terracing behind the goal but plenty of space

Looking at the main stand

And again. The stand is very impressive

From the furthest corner of the ground

Just hard standing along the far side

Electronic scoreboard rather than chalk at Benissa

Not sure what that is meant to be. Plenty of stray cats around in Calpe

Johnnie on the pitch near the stand

Behind the near goal. Once again just hard standing

The stand with holiday apartments in the background

Looking across the pitch

In the stand

From the stand again

The near goal

The 360 panorama of the ground