FC Britanico de Madrid

25/2/2012 Valdebernardo

Bar Los Timbales 2-5 FCB Bunwer

Rami’ lads won their second game on the bounce this morning away to Bar Los Timbales thanks to goals from Gomm, Langan, Carling and a brace from Ishmael Majid. Again, the brits made their lives difficult with substandard defending, first going a goal down early in the game, then later giving away a 2-1 lead. With FCB in the ascendancy, there were some handbags after a horror tackle from Bar Los Timbales on Ishmael Majid which saw them reduced to 10 men. Ultimately though, the brits superior strength and creativity won through and they continue their hunt to stay in the top 12.

Match report to follow

12/02/2012 – La Elipa

Deportivo LFC 6-1 FCB Regional

More disappointment for the Regional team and another story of what might have been. Once again, FCB will feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions that turned out to have a huge impact on the game, however, Deportivo will not care about the manner in which they retained, comfortably in the end, all 3 points.

Match report by Michael Langan

“FCB Regional made the short trip across La Elipa to face a well placed Deportivo LFC side on a bitter morning. In an unusually early kick off, FCB were hindered immediately with three call off’s which reduced numbers to a mere 12. Matters deteriorated further when Fernando pulled up during the warm up, and FCB had only 11 for what was already an unenviable prospect. As such, FCB lined up Hutch, Yoichi, Will, Seba, Danny, Dave Pugh, Michael, Lee, Pat, Bobby Wang with Madris playing the lone striking role.

The sala team suffered a heavy defeat this afternoon against Atletico Cero.

Match report from Captain, Ollie Hamilton

“Not a great game from the Sala team today, losing to one of the top teams, Atletico Cero, 12-1. More of shame as our presence was graced by ex-captain Laurie Holder. Even he, however, could not turn around FCB’s goal shortage, as we saw many, many chances go to waste yet again. Down 5-0 at half time due to a bit of bad luck and some not-so-great goalkeeping, we had to push on in the second half to try and grab something, and we paid the price on the breaks. Consolation goal scored by Ollie towards the end was barely that. Hopefully the match doesn’t put off newcomer Richard Padmore and the rest of the team, who despite the result, had some decent performances.”

Lineup: Ollie, Jack, Mark, Julien, Shawn, Richard and Laurie.

18/02/2012 – La Elipa

FCB Bunwer 4-3 Amiviajes

It was a classy performance from Rami Majid’s lads at home as they ended their long run without a win. After going down early in the game, the Britanicos fought back. Midfield pairing Chaz Boyle and Steve Cespedes took control and FCB went ahead through strikes from Reece Carling and Nick Boyle. The second half started as the first ended, with more FCB dominance, – a fine finish from Nick Boyle making it 3-1 with the brits looking like their former selves, only to be serially thwarted by the woodwork. FCB were reminded that they cannot forget their vulnerability, losing 2 late goals to wonderful Amiviajes efforts from outside the box, however, a second Carling goal at 3-2 was enough to give the Britanicos the 3 points the so desperately craved.

MOTM: Reece Carling

Match Report by Michael Langan

“Riding on a multi-game winless streak, FCB Bunwer looked to finally reverse their fortunes at La Elipa against lowly Amiviajes in an early affair. Emboldened by the full complement of 16 players available, FCB could entertain optimism and confidence, something boosted by the welcome return of Stuart Gibb, and a rare sighting of Phil Mugford and sons (it was not his fault but Neil’s). FCB lined up Hutch, Ally (a man who simply knows no quit), Fletch, Kirky, Tom, Steven S** Pest, Chaz, Nick, Reece, Ishmael and George. 

The FC Británico de Madrid Regional side strode out feeling good and ready for the battle with a team only 3 points below them in the table. Except for a new centreback partnership the squad remained very similar to the last couple of weekends during which it had played well without recognition on the scoreboard.

This Sunday though was a bad day for the FCB fan club and FCB Legend Ashley Usiskin, who had taken a weekend break from sexy-football in Amsterdam to add his support, as they had to watch FCB concede twice in the first 10 minutes, one a simple long ball and the second a couple minutes later after the ball dropped to the C.F. Fenix “B” defensive midfielder 10 yards out.

With confidence already fragile this was the last thing FCB wanted. It did show some character that, after some carefully chosen words from manager Moran had sunk in, The Whites worked their way back into the game with new signing Madris picked out with precision by the gifted Armstrong from a quick freekick. Madris’ first touch was majestic and with the second he poked it past the ‘keeper and into the corner.

Battle was recommenced and if it were not for the Fenix “B” goalkeeper FCB would have drawn level, The Brits were building pressure and pushing the opposition back, but it was then that Fenix struck the killing blow on the counterattack; a break down the left-wing ended with a cross to the back post and decent finish beyond the flailing Hutchinson in goal. To add insult to the already shredded British pride the final play of the game saw the Brit’s keeper give away a penalty as he charged off his line, wiping out captain Tomás and the Fenix striker in the process. The opposition keeper and captain stepped up to strike a bullet into the corner from the spot.

As the final whistle was blown seconds later heads were bowed after a fairly uninspired performance. The players need to step up and show how much the club means to them next week if the slide is to be stopped.

Man of the Match went to Lee Armstrong for the second game in a row. Although only playing at 70% due to an injured calf, Armstrong was clearly putting in twice the effort of many on the pitch.

FCB expects and deserves more from everyone, please come down to training and pull together in search of that elusive victory.

¡FORZA FCB!

The Bunwer Boys had another tough morning, losing away to Restaurante Alconada 7-0. The slump continues as the early bird brigade continue without a victory in 2012 and are having trouble imposing themselves on a league that they were bossing only a few months ago. The midfield had trouble moving the ball up the pitch through a diciplined Alconada back 4, meaning that the attackers were having to get by on table scraps, while the FCB backline could not keep their shape and fell apart like a soggy samosa. Man of the Match went once more to Matt Yea in goal for his valient efforts.

Trying times for the Sala team as of late with injuries and illness having put a number of players out of action and struggling to get consistency in the squad as they were shot down 2-9 on Sunday in what proved to be yet another frustrating game.

Match report by 5-a-side correspondent Oliver Hamilton

FCB in fact started brightly, with a few passing combinations taking the Triskels’ defence by surprise, only for the goalkeeper to save them some early embarrassment. Unfortunately the ball came straight back at FCB, as after about 5 minutes it was the FCB defence that was found sleeping and conceded the first of two goals in quick succession from corners. We responded well though, and were unlucky to see a number of chances skim the outside of the post or be thwarted by some alert goalkeeping. Frustrated at not finishing our chances, it was a bitter feeling to concede two more and find ourselves at 0-4 down at half time. Despite a sterling performance from Jack holding the play at the back, our tiredness from a lack of subs began to show soon into the second half and some sloppy balls gifted the opposition some easy goals. Meanwhile, our impudence continued up front as chance after chance went begging and heads began to drop. It wasn’t until we were 0-8 down and 5 minutes remained that a simple ball from Jed in goal was taken on by Ollie on the wing and smashed into the bottom corner of the Triskels’ goal. It showed just how simple it could have been, and Jed added another after a trademark scrap to make it 2-8. Sadly, the revival came all too late and one more goal from Triskels put an end to the match. Worst of all, it was a game that would have ended very differently had we had a full strength squad. Anyway, eyes to the next game, and some shooting practice!

FCB Sala Lineup: Ollie, Jed, Jack, Ridan and Mark

Another dismal weekend saw the FC Britanico Regional side beaten into submission by an outstanding Altamira team. Although FCB are currently unable to keep the ball out of their own net, there is very definitely signs that the team is going in the right direction as The Regional boys showed some of its best football of the season and matched the only undefeated team in the league for quality during long periods of the game. This is a glimmer of light within the smothering darkness, but confidence in their ability along with a little more British fighting spirit and aggression can be what turns that initial spark into the torch that leads the men in white of the darkness. ¡FORZA FCB!

 Match report by our reporter for height equality Michael Langan

Taking on league leaders Altamira, FCB regional had a welcome evening kick off, and hoped the change of routine could arrest their recent poor form. Managed by the ever dapper Neil Moran, FCB lined up Hutch, Seba, Allan, Will, Neyo, Dave, Michael, Lee, Tomaz, Nick and Pat. FCB started the game well, but it was abundantly clear that they were up a against a side of real quality, with their midfield movement causing real difficulty. FCB, however, settled well and competed in the opening exchanges. Unfortunately, as has been the case in the previous weeks, we appear always to be capable of an individual lapse and, unfortunately, so it proved and FCB were one nothing down after twenty minutes. Before we could really find rhythm again, a fine curling strike from the edge of the box had FCB two nothing down. By this stage, FCB were becoming a little disjointed and threatening to lapse into disarray, particularly when a moment of defensive hesitancy allowed Altamira to dispossess and unleash a thunderous drive past Hutch. At this moment, Will Boyd, in a rare display of maturity, grouped the lads together and FCB vowed to pick themselves up. To our credit, we did and began to really take the game to the league leaders, gradually driving them back into their own half, and creating dangerous openings. Ten minutes or so before half time, we had our reward, when club captain Tomaz fired a great strike into the top corner to give FCB a well deserved goal and, more importantly, a lifeline. Moments later, it was almost a second when an excellent piece of build up play and cross from Nick Boyle was only just missed by the oncoming Dave Pugh, and FCB went in at half time confident of rescuing something from the game.

 

However, as has been the case in the preceding two weeks, FCB were undone after being sucker punched very early in the second half. At four one, against a side of such quality, the game was in effect over. From this point, FCB continued to match Altamira, but were unable to eradicate the individual errors which have handicapped our season thus far and, after an hour, a fifth was conceded. The game from this point, lost a degree of tempo and structure, with both sides unlucky not to add to their goals total. This was, however, until Altamira found a 6th goal after an excellent piece of skill and curling finish left Hutch with no chance. While 6-1 is a pretty severe beating, it masks somewhat the fact that, for large portions of the game,FCB matched Altamira, although it would perhaps be a stretch to say we were ever truly on top of things save a brief ten minutes prior before half time. From now, we must look to next week, and a home game to stop the rot in this current run. Neil Moran must be beginning to feel a bit of heat under his suave collar, and three points next week are imperative.

 

After a positive first 10 minutes FC Britanico Bunwar fell to their worst defeat of the season against the league leaders early on Saturday morning. Some calamitous decision making and individual mistakes made clear that confidence is low and although a victory is surely just over the hill, it is a steep slope and will need team work and commitment from the entire squad to overcome this rough patch and aim for the summit once more.

Match report by Far North correspondent Michael Langan

Looking to halt an alarming run of form, FCB took on high flying Union Seleccion on a bitter Saturday morning at La Elipa. Forced into an unanticipated late change with Nick coming down with a mystery virus. Our best wishes are with the lad as he battles to recover. The line up was Yea, Rich, Will, Martin, Reece, Fletch, Michael, Steven Sex pest, Ish, Binni and George. After a brightish start FCB had that familiar sinking when Reece miscued a header beyond a helpless Yea. Before FCB could properly regroup, the lead was doubled, after some slack defending allowed Union Seleccion’s forward to have the time he needed to slot home.  At two nothing down, the game was in effect over as, save a few long range strikes, FCB really struggled to trouble the opposition and create chances. After a period of relative calm, a quick fire double put any lingering doubts concerning the result to bed, and the mission became simply to save pride. 

Silky’s Final Thought:

 

The film Ladsknobs and Coldpricks telling the story of young men at one with nature with a sporting theme premiered at La Elipa on Saturday morning 4th February which certainly drew some vocal complaints and bemused expressions from the audience.  The showing was certified ’18′ as a reflection of the final score and no doubt this yarn will be banished to the archives in no time.

FC Britanico de Madrid took a hugely meaningful step forward in the pursuit of promotion and international recognition with the appointment of a new Chairman on Sunday the 29^th of January 2012. After the sad departure last year of FCB Legend Gary Weir to London in aid of Scotland’s fight for independence, and Gary Lloyd to the warmer climes of Oman in a search for new markets and fresh talent, the good ship FCB has been adrift without a clear heading through the murky waters of Madrid’s football world.

“Hopefully this new appointment can help to build stronger foundations off the field which will allow the club to move forward on the field. It’s an exciting time for the club as we enter our 40th anniversary year.” – Said Regional manager Moran on Sunday afternoon once the good news had been leaked to the Spanish Press.

Football forums and phone-ins have been busy with excited chat about the future of the No 1 English speaking football club in Madrid.

In only its second season playing Regional level football FCB Regional finished an impressive 8^th with 15 wins and a memorable 2-3 victory at the home of the champions to be in 2010/11, the Bunwar squad also did the club proud last year as they qualified easily for the playoffs before falling away slightly at the end due to injuries and absentees.

2011/12 has not lived up the great expectations laid down 6 months ago when the club wanted to build on the last two excellent years, with promotion for the Regional team and the cup for the Bunwar boys not seen as fanciful pipe dreams. There have been many reasons for the drop in form though lack of an overlord to ensure everything off the field is in order so that the players on the field have the best opportunity to perform was marked out as the chief concern.

This is all about to change as, after months searching the streets broad and narrow of Madrid, the FC Britanico de Madrid board pulled off a coup with the appointment of dashing Graeme Beaty as Club Chairman.

Graeme has built up invaluable experience in the UK business world as well as in Spain; with two successful companies already formed in Blighty he decided that Spain was the place to be and is working primarily as a teacher in the business environment while governing his projects back across the Bay of Biscay, which include englishwarehouse.com, while currently setting up a consultancy here in Madrid.

“We hope that the deeds and actions match the seriousness, enthusiasm and
sincerity shown by the new Chairman in his introductory speech.” – Was the clear call for unity and for the club to pull together around Graeme Beaty from Bunwar Manager Rami Majid.

Graeme wears his football fanaticism proudly on his chest as the lifelong Arsenal fan looks to break up the northern monopoly at the top of FCB and bring some much needed North London cheer and flair to the current dower commonsense driven board; though it is well known that Football’s cradle of life was The North.

FC Britanico is principally a place where foreign footballers can come to meet likeminded expatriates and travellers as well as playing a high standard of football. As the club takes the next forward step there is a new sense that something big is happening in this small corner of the Spanish Capital.

“I am delighted; the appointment of Graeme Beaty shows the club’s commitment and dedication to succeeding both on and off the field. I strongly believe we will add a lot of value to the club. I am extremely excited to work with him. FORZA FCB” – Were the words of Lee Fletcher, a key component in the capture of such a high profile addition to the club.

This show of ambition by the club’s board needs hard work from all the members of the FCB Family for us to maintain the wind in our sails and put the club back on course. This is a rallying call to the entire club to train hard this week and turn this around this weekend.

Welcome to the FCB Family Graeme and we wish you the greatest success in your new role. We hope you enjoy the camaraderie and culture that has been created after 40years of football at this club and when Britanico is on a winning run there is no better place to be or bunch of lads to be involved with.

Many Congratulations.

¡FORZA FCB!