Kylies back to winning ways

17 December 1995, Division Seven at Mannington

ISSC 1 KMLC FC 5

The Kylies played their last game before the Christmas/New Year break and a comfortable victory saw them head into the festive season in good spirits.

Woolford and Merry were back in the side and Garratt was back between the sticks but regular right-back Carpenter was missing. Kelly led the forward line with Swatridge still absent and he bagged a brace to take his season tally to six before the turn of the year. Surprisingly he would add just one more this season.

Carter got his only goal of the season while Kibble made his first appearance of the campaign from the bench.


Garratt
Summers, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Kelly, Carter
Sub: Kibble for Howell

Goals: Kelly 2, Gunning, Gould, Carter


MVP: Kelly
Spoons: Merry


Next match - 7 January v AFC Purton

Grapes end Chairman's hopes

3 December 1995, Chairman's Trophy at Penhill Sevenfields

The Grapes 5 KMLC FC 1

The Kylies' dreadful Cup form continued with another first game exit, this time to The Grapes in the Chairman's Trophy.

There's a 'down to the bare bones' feel to the KMLC selection with just 11 selected, Garratt out of position in right midfield and the only appearance of Craig Randell.

Regular starters Woolford, Swatridge and Merry were all missing and Kelly grabbed the only goal. That probably gave him a small amount of pleasure as he did take some treatment at the hands (and feet) of the Grapes defence.


Lunt
Carpenter, Summers, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, B.Warr, Gould, Garratt
Kelly, Randell


MVP: Gunning
Spoons: M.Warr


Next match - 17 December v ISSC

Lyneham end unbeaten run

26 November 1995, Division Seven at Mannington

KMLC FC 1 RAF Lyneham 2

The Kylies short unbeaten run of three matches came to an end at the hands of RAF Lyneham.

Big Al returned to keep goal after Garratt's three game stretch but this strong line-up could only get one goal, Ian Merry's second of the season, and went down by the odd score in three.


Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, M.Warr
Swatridge, Kelly
Sub: Garratt

Goal: Merry

MVP: Gould, Summers
Spoons: Kelly


Next match - 3 December 1995 v The Grapes (Chairman's Trophy)

Carpo opens his acount

19 November 1995, Division 7 at Mannington

KMLC FC 2 Mannington 0

The Division 8 season was a bit of a write-off for Carpo after a couple of injuries reduced him to just nine appearances. He'd been making the right-back slot his own since then and finally got his first goal and MVP.

I'll let Scott explain how...

"I think I remember the 2-0 win.  It was really tight for ages, then I scored with a half volley from a corner – and Swatty I think scored a second right at the death."

One interesting twist to the line up - Big Al started up front and not in goal for the first time.


Garratt,
Carpenter, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Kelly
Swatridge, Lunt

Goals: Swatridge, Carpenter

MVP: Carpenter
Spoons: Woolford


Next match - 26 November 1995 v RAF Lyneham

Smedley stars in draw

12 November 1995, Division Seven at Mannington

KMLC FC 2 Faringdon Road Grapes 2

The Kylies were held to a second draw of the league campaign with this result against one of the two Grapes sides in the division.

Gunning and Smedley got the goals for the home side (one of Chris's straight from a corner maybe) and Chris also took the MVP award.


Garratt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Summers, Merry, Smedley, B.Warr
Swatridge, Kelly
Sub: Carter for Summers

Goals: Gunning, Smedley

MVP: Smedley
Spoons: M.Warr


Next match - 19 November 1995 v Mannington

Kylies take Hart with Lyneham win

5 November 1995, Division Seven at Mannington

KMLC FC 4 White Hart Lyneham 1

The Kylies got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the first of two Lyneham-based opponents this season. Merry, Swatridge and Gould got the goals along with an og but Garratt (between the sticks for the first time this season) and Carter shared MVP honours.


Garratt
Carter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
B.Warr, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kelly
Sub: Summers for Carter

Scorers: Merry, Swatridge, Gould, og

MVP: Garratt/Carter
Spoons: Gunning


Next match - 12 November 1995 v Faringdon Road Grapes

Gone for a Purton

29 October 1995, Division Seven at Braden Forest

AFC Purton 4 KMLC FC 2

The Kylies unbeaten league start was halted after just two matches at AFC Purton. Last season's top scorer Simon got back among the goals and there was one from Brian in defeat. Kelly picked up a second MVP in three matches.

Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kelly
Subs: B.Warr for Howell, M.Warr for Summers, Sharp

Scorers: Woolford, Swatridge

MVP: Kelly
Spoons: Summers


Next match - 5 November 1995 v White Hart Lyneham

Dull day at Work

22 October 1995, Division 7 at Moredon

KMLC FC 0 Workbase Resources 0

Despite Mannington being our home 'turf' this appears to have been a home fixture at Moredon. I don't know why that should be, perhaps I'm wrong.

Anyway, I have no recollection of this game whatsoever. Anybody?

It would be the only game where the Kylies failed to trouble the scorers in the league this season.


Lunt,
Carpenter, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, B.Warr
Swatridge, Kelly


MVP: Summers
Spoons: B.Warr

Next match - 29 October 1995 v AFC Purton

Kelly's eye in for Div 7 opener

15 October 1995, Division 7 at Mannington

Swindon Ambulance 2 KMLC FC 7

The Kylies were kept out of second place in their first season by Swindon Ambulance but they had no trouble against the same opponents in the first league game of the new season.

Young striker Steve Kelly led the way with a hat-trick, two more goals than he'd scored in the first season in total! Stu got two (one from the spot), Gunning and Smedley added the others. Neil Shurmer's substitute appearance would be his last for the club.

Steve understandably won MVP but also took Spoons for some reason.


Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Carter
Kelly, B.Warr
Subs: Summers for Carter, Shurmer for B.Warr

Scorers: Kelly 3, Gould 2 (1 pen), Gunning, Smedley

MVP: Kelly
Spoons: Kelly


Next match - 22 October 1995 v Workbase Resources

Double-digit defeat in Wilts Cup

8 October 1995, Wilts Cup at Mannington

KMLC FC 0 Rodbourne Cheney WMC 10

(I think this might be the infamous 'you might want to get a bit tighter' game so will report it as such)

The Kylies sat out the opportunity of playing in the Wilts Cup in their first season but decided to give it a bash in their second campaign. It didn't go well.

We had been anticipating a tough game from 'the Cheney' and centre forward Paul Parsons had been singled out as a threat. Manager Stu gave the marking task to Big Kev. 'Keep tight to him' was the instruction.

6-0 down at half-time (four to Parsons) Stu reiterated his instructions: "Kev, you might want to be a bit tighter."

Big Al won MVP which suggests we might have got away with just the ten! Sharpy's sub appearance was his only involvement this season while Gratty came on as sub and won Spoons in what would be his last match for the club.


Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Summers, Merry, Gould, Smedley
Kelly, Carter
Subs: Sharp for Carter, Gratland for Kelly

MVP: Lunt
Spoons: Gratland


Next match - 15 October 1995 v Swindon Ambulance

Kylie Cup curse continues

17 September 1995, Knockout Cup at Ballards Ash

Chris Graham 4 KMLC 2

The second Kylie season started the same way as the first, with a Cup defeat.

This game did see the first appearance of Mark Watling who would go on to be the club's top scorer in these early seasons. He notched a goal and also picked up the MVP on a dream debut ruined only by the result.

There is a slightly makeshift look to the team with Garratt making an outfield start for the first time (and winning Spoons), a first start (of not many) for Turner and the only appearance, as a sub, for Purdon.


Lunt
Summers, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, B.Warr, Gould, Garratt
Watling, Turner
Sub: Purdon for B.Warr

Scorers: Watling, own goal

MVP: Watling
Spoons: Garratt


Next match - 8 October 1995 v Rodbourne Cheney WMC at Mannington (Wilts Cup)

KMLC25 - 1990 Stu's end of season report on Peej

Another one that should chronologically fit at the end of the year but I'm squeezing in now.

It's a letter from manager Stu to Peej as an end of season report. We can only imagine it's one of a series he wrote to the team. Do any others survive?

Dear Peej,

Well, what can I say? The goal difference speaks for itself. Not only did our forwards excel in the art of scoring but you excelled in your job as a goal stopper, The Technicoloured Clown made his appearance now and again and we all know he's going to be there sometimes and he certainly provides light relief to the serious attitude on the park.

The pressure must reach breaking point standing there knowing you've got the toughest job on the park and the smallest margin for error. I'm sure the 'lads' will join me in putting my hands together and applauding your outstanding effort and attitude.

Your willingness to learn and take criticism was a tribute to the game and set the high standards we know play under when we pull on those burgundy tops and stretch every sinew and vocal chord. Safe hands!

KMLC25 - The 1990 small-sided season

I realise I should post this at the end of the year but as we'll be in the midst of the Sunday League reports it's probably better if I get it done now.

This is the lowdown on our 1990 five- and six-a-side games from the We Should Be So Lucky magazine written by Stu...

Undeterred by this lack of success, the intrepid young KYLIES made their way outside to embark on a whole new ball game, convinced that it was the indoor scenario that dented their hopes.

The venue was The Oasis, confined to a small caged in area with bogger goals. The KYLIES took to this like ducks to water. Every Monday, PEEJ would ring the Oasis and frantically book a pitch. It was then left to the rest to organize suitable opponents. Who do we play? Well that was easy. Once people knew of THE KYLIES they were queuing in their hordes to have a game. The rapidly maturing KYLIES were delighted to show off their impressive silky skills and put together a very creditable record for their first season.

1990 Stats Played Won Drawn Lost Goals for Goals Agst 19 14 3 2 184 102 Player Appearances Goals Paul Garratt 19 0 Kevin Gunning 17 27 Scot Carpenter 17 30 Kevin Kibble 17 30 Stuart Gould 17 55 Matthew Warr 16 10 Ben Warr 11 26 Wayne Farquhar 1 1 Simon Swatridge 2 2 Paul Rose 1 0 Own Goals 3

KMLC25 - A bit more about the Carling Black Label Striker Cup

Before we go back to the 11-a-side business here's some more details on the competition that saw the first appearance of the Kylies. I've edited it but it's their words not mine.

The basic rules to remember are:

• Keep the ball under head height
• Don't step into the goalkeeper's area (defenders may concede penalties of they do).
• Goalkeepers may only roll the ball out underarm.
• The ball may be played off walls and boards - even those behind the goals.
• Up to two substitutes can be used in any one match.

Two groups of five teams play on a league basis. Each game lasts 10 minutes with NO interval. The top team in Group One plays the second team in Group Two - and vice versa - in a semi-final. Then the final will be held, with the winning team qualifying for the final. The semi-finals and finals will last 12 minutes (six minutes each way.)

Two points for a win and one for a draw. Goal difference will be used to calculate placings, but if two teams tie for a qualifying place the teams that scored MOST goals will qualify. If the teams' Goals For records are identical, the two teams will play each other until a goal is scored.

If a team is late... the match may be cancelled. If this happens, the guilty team will have THREE points added to its Goals Against record, while their opponents will be AWARDED three goals and two points.

Bad behaviour will not be tolerated. Referees have the authority to SEND a player off, BAN him from playing any further games, or DISQUALIFY a whole team from the tournament.

Here are some useful Do's and Dont's:

DO wear trainers with plenty of grip.
DO bring a second kit to avoid colour clashes - or at least some different coloured T-shirts.
DO wear tracksuits or padding (or both) if you are playing in goal.
DO warm-up exercises before starting a game to avoid the risk of pulling muscles.
DON'T pester the referee between matches. Keep your own record of results if you want to chart your team's progress.
DON't wear trainers with black soles. They permanently mark the playing surface.
DON'T argue with the referees. They are sacrificing their weekends to do a difficult job.
DON'T wander too far away from the court between matches or you could miss your next game.

Finally, the most important advice of all; play to win - but be sporting and have fun.

KMLC25 - The Carling Black Label Striker Cup

The first appearance of Kylie Minogue's Love Children was 19 May 1990 (I'm a few days behind, sorry!)

After gathering at Rose Street in Even Swindon for the official photographs. It was off to the Link Centre for 2:30pm and the matches that awaited them.

'The Kylies' were drawn in Group 2 with 47 AD, Calne Electronics, Interlink and Lambourn Flesheaters. One of those opponents must have dropped out as the records show that only three games were played.

We don't know who the games were against but we know we opened with a one-all draw then followed that up with 2-0 and 6-2 defeats. The dream of glory was over and we didn't even win the prize for the team with the best name.

However the tiny acorn of that day at the Link grew into a decade of five/six-a-side fun and Sunday League adventure.

KMLC25 - where it all began

(Between the Sunday League seasons I'll be going back 25 years to talk about the games that took place of the the team that became KMLC FC. If that doesn't float your boat, please return in September for the new season.)

Before KMLC there was Kylie Minogue's Love Children. A team of friends that came together to play in the Carling Black Label Striker Cup in May 1990. That tournament was advertised in the Sun newspaper and a squad of seven was assembled to take part.

Why the crazy team name? Kylie Minogue was three years into her chart domination and her sugary-sweet ballads and Stock, Aitken and Waterman disco beats were a long way from our chosen listening of the time. But the key factor was that as well as a prize for winning the tournament there was a prize for the best name.

Shorts and socks were borrowed. T-shirts were bought, screen-printed with Miss Minogue's picture and painted with nicknames and letters spelling out M.I.N.O.G.U.E.

The team was ready. How would they get on? I'll let you know on Monday.

Club constitution

(Probably should have posted this first but it's worth a reminder to any new players that join before the new season)

1. NAME - The club shall be KMLC FC ('Kylie Minogue's Love Children FC') and shall be affiliated to The Wiltshire County Football Association.
2. OBJECTS - Its' objects shall be to provide Association Football for its' members and such social and recreative pursuits as may be deemed desirable by the committee.
3. OFFICERS - The officers shall consist of three, all of who will be elected/re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.
4. COMMITTEE - The club shall be controlled by a  general committee consisting of the officers and six other members of the exc=ecutive membership. One other member of the playing staff will be invited to attend each meeting.The general committee shall meet approximately once every month and the proceedings at such meetings shall be duly recorded in a minute book.At meetings of the general committee, five shall form a quorum
5. EXECUTIVE MEMBERSHIP - Members either playing or non-playing who pay monies into the KYLIE account at monthly intervals, during or outside of the regular football season, will be regarded as an executive member.
6. POWER OF COMMITTEES - The property and/or assets of the club shall be vested in the general committee.The general committee shall have the power to suspend or expel any member deemed guilty of conduct prejudicial to the good name of the club.The general committee shall have the power to fill such vacancies as may arise in its' constitution between Annual General Meetings.The general committee shall have power to declare a seat vacant should a member absent himself from two consecutive meetings without an explanation deemed to be satisfactory.
7. MEMBERSHIP - Membership shall consist of all playing and non-playing members. Candidates for election shall be proposed and seconded by club members. A register of members of the club shall be kept by the secretary. Membership fees shall be paid to the secretary at the time of signing on.
8. SUBSCRIPTION - The annual subscription to the club shall be: £5 for all playing members, payable at the time of signing on. Match fees payable by non-executive members shall be: £2.50 per full game, £1.75 if substitute/substituted. Executive members shall pay: £10 per month directly into Club account.
9. ANNUAL MEETING - The Annual General Meeting shall be held as close to 8 June as possible, but no later than 31 July in each year. The secretary shall give 21 clear days notice of such meetings to all members. The financial statement and secretaries' report shall be received by the meeting which will also elect the officers and general committees by ballot, appoint auditors and transact any other business.
10. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING -An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened by the general committee when deemed desirable and also upon the written request of members. The secretary shall give seven days notice to all members of such meeting at which five shall form a quorum.
11. FINANCE - The general committee shall cause to be kept proper books of account which shall be audited yearly. Official receipts for all monies received shall be signed by the secretary. The general committee shall authorise cheques to be signed by at least two of its' members.
12. ALTERATION TO THE RULES - No alteration in these rules shall be made except at the Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for that purpose and only of supported by the majority of those present and voting at such meeting. Notice of proposed alterations to these rules must be given in writing to the secretary seven days prior to the Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting and notified to members on notice of meeting.
13. OTHER BUSINESS - Any matters not governed by the foregoing rules shall be dealt with by the general committee, the decision of which body shall be final and binding.
14. MISCONDUCT - All members, playing or non-playing, will be subject to a code of conduct. A copy of this will be provided at the time of signing on. Code of Conduct, with suitable fines for infringement, will be reviewed by the disciplinary commitee set up within the framework of the general committee. Once agreed. Code of Conduct rules can only be altered at the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting. 
15. CODE OF CONDUCT - Bookings - All players responsible for paying fines. Sending Offs - All player responsible for paying offs. Each sending off to be reviewed by the committee with regard to internal discipline. Separate club fines may be applicable in addition to FA fines.
16. FINES - Dirty boots, No shin pads, Lateness, Not turning up at all.

1994/95 Moving on...

Two players to don the green and black stripes did so in this first season only.

Simon Haynes
Had been part of the wider Kylie family and played for the team in the small-sided games. After two substitute appearances in October, in the 6-0 win over Mannington and the 5-2 victory against Aldbourne (where he won spoons), the occasional striker decided Sunday football wasn't for him.

Steve Griffiths
Came on as sub in the first KMLC match and started in the first league game. His seven starts and five sub appearances were in midfield and dotted throughout the season. His two Kylie goals both came as a substitute in the 13-1 drubbing of Honda Logistics at Shrewsbury Road. Left without an MVP or Spoons to his name. Might be the only player to come on as sub and score twice - I'll let you know.

1994/95 MVP & Spoons

Simon just held off Brian's late charge to win MVP in the first season.

Four players tied with three Mr. Spoons votes. Simon taking a share of that too. Several players picked up a spoons but not an MVP but only Chris S. of the MVP winners didn't blot his spoons copybook.

	MVP	Spoons
Carpenter		1
Carter		1
Garratt	1	3
Gould	3	2
Gunning	3	1
Haynes		1
Howell	2	1
Kelly	1	1
Kibble	1	2
Lunt		2
Merry	3	3
Sharp		2
Shurmer	1	1
Smedley	2
Summers	2	3
Swatridge	5	3
Warr B.	3	1
Warr M.	2	1
Woolford	4	1

1994/95 Goalscorers

Simon's excellent mid-season form saw him comfortably top of the goalscoring charts in the first season.

	League		Cup		Total
	Goals		Goals		Goals
Carter	1				1
Gould	14		1		15
Griffiths	2				2
Gunning	14		1		15
Howell	1				1
Kelly	1				1
Kibble	3				3
Merry	13				13
Sharp	1				1
Smedley	5				5
Swatridge	26				26
Warr B.	3				3
Woolford	1				1

1994/95 Appearances

Ian Merry was the only ever-present in the first season, starting all 24 league matches plus the two cup games.

	League			Cup			Total
	Appearances	Sub		Appearances	Sub		Appearances	Sub	Total
Carpenter	8			1			9	0	9
Carter	13	3		2			15	3	18
Garratt	13			2			15	0	15
Gould	17			1			18	0	18
Gratland	8	5			1		8	6	14
Griffiths	7	4			1		7	5	12
Gunning	22			2			24	0	24
Haynes		2					0	2	2
Howell	16						16	0	16
Kelly	9	4			1		9	5	14
Kibble	10			1			11	0	11
Lunt	11	3					11	3	14
Merry	24			2			26	0	26
Sharp	5	6		2			7	6	13
Shurmer	4	3		1			5	3	8
Smedley	15			1			16	0	16
Summers	15	5		1			16	5	21
Swatridge	20			1			21	0	21
Warr B.	14	1		1	1		15	2	17
Warr M.	14	2		2			16	2	18
Woolford	19			2			21	0	21

1994/95 Division 8 final league table

The Kylies' first Sunday League season saw them finish third behind Akers and Swindon Ambulance.

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts		Home		Away
1	Akers Garage Sports	24	17	5	2	150	54	96	39		3-6		2-4
2	Swindon Ambulance	24	14	6	4	60	43	17	34		3-5		2-1
3	KMLC FC	24	13	4	7	86	56	30	30		~		~
4	The Grapes	24	12	4	8	80	58	22	28		7-1		2-2
5	Mannington	24	11	5	8	63	57	6	27		6-0		1-0
6	ISSC	24	11	4	9	83	57	26	26		0-0		2-2
7	AFC Purton	24	11	4	9	55	56	-1	26		0-3		2-0
8	Stratton Red Eagles	24	12	1	11	91	68	23	25		3-2		0-3
9	Aldbourne SSC	24	9	4	11	68	76	-8	22		5-2		2-3
10	Halcrow Wilts	24	7	3	14	60	99	-39	17		7-4		4-3
11	Borough Press	24	7	3	14	61	101	-40	17		4-2		4-5
12	The Harrow	24	5	2	17	35	84	-49	12		2-2		7-2
13	Honda Logistics	24	3	3	18	27	110	-83	9		5-1		13-1

Akers ending up comfortable winners but the Kylies will be disappointed not to have taken second place from Swindon Ambulance. A 5-3 defeat to those opponents in November turned out to be a real four-pointer.

Even with that defeat KMLC will rue dropped points to teams lower down the league, particularly Aldbourne and Borough Press.

Better luck next season!

Eagles downed as season ends with win

30 April 1995, Division 8 at Mannington

KMLC FC 3 Stratton Red Eagles 2 (HT 1-1)

The Kylies may have missed out on honours in their first campaign but they finished with a win, edging Stratton red Eagles by the odd goal in five.

Jon Carter's first goal for the club saw the teams turn round level and it was the team in green and black stripes who got the edge in the second period.

Merry took his season total to 13 and Brian opened his account with what proved to be the winner.


Lunt
B.Warr, Woolford, M.Warr, Summers
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge Carter
Subs: Sharp, Griifiths, Gratland

Scorers: Carter, Merry, Woolford

MVP: B.Warr
Spoons: Howell

Next match - will be in September but we might get some friendlies in first!

Watch out for some stats over the coming weeks and KMLC25 - what happened in the five years before the league debut...

Honours even with ISSC

20 April 1995, Division 8 at Mannington

KMLC FC 2 ISSC 2 (HT 0-0)

A first Thursday night game for the Kylies stretched their unbeaten run to four matches. The first game against ISSC had finished goalless back in October and at half time neither team had found a way past the other's defence.

This was the third Kylie game in a row that was without a goal at the break but four were shared in the second half. Gunning and B.Warr got the Kylie goals and Ben picked up MVP too.


Lunt
B.Warr, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Griffiths, Howell
Kelly, Carter
Subs: M.Warr for Summers, Sharp for Carter

Scorers: Gunning, B.Warr

MVP: B.Warr
Spoons: Sharp

Next match - 30 April 1995 v Stratton Red Eagles at Mannington

Merry strike completes Mannington double

18 April 1995, Division 8 at Mannington

Mannington 0 KMLC FC 1 (HT 0-0)

For the second successive Tuesday night game Ian Merry was on target and this week his goal delivered the points to the Kylies.

Back in October a Swatridge hat-trick had propelled the green and black to a 6-0 romp over these opponents but with the top-scorer missing this was a tighter affair.

Level at the break, Ian's second-half goal proved the decider while Big Al kept a second successive clean sheet.

Lunt
B.Warr, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Kelly, Griffiths
Subs: Sharp for Griffiths, Summers for M.Warr

Scorer: Merry

MVP: Lunt
Spoons: Merry

Next match - 20 April 1995 v ISSC at Mannington

Kylies gain Purton revenge

16 April 1995, Division 8 at Braden Forest school

AFC Purton 0 KMLC FC 2 (HT 0-0)

KMLC FC gained a small measure of revenge for defeat in their first league game back in September by beating AFC Purton.

That first match ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for Purton but this time they couldn't break down the Kylie defence.

Scoreless at half-time, two Gunning goals in the second period claimed the points.

Lunt,
B.Warr, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Griffiths, Merry, Gould, Gratland
Kelly, Carter
Subs: Garratt, Shurmer

Scorer: Gunning 2

MVP: Gunning
Spoons: Gould

Next match - 18 April 1995 v Mannington at Mannington

Merry is evening star

11 April 1995, Division 8 at Mannington

KMLC FC 7 Halcrow Wilts 4 (HT 5-3)

The Kylies' first league win had come against these opponents back in October in a seven-goal thriller but there had been eight in this one by half-time! The team had been born out of evening five- and six-a-side games in the evening so the later kick-off didn't prove a problem.

Ian Merry bagged his first hat-trick which earned him MVP but he also picked up spoons as well. Did he miss a sitter or a pen can anyone remember? Smedley and Swatridge notched two each to complete the scoring.

Lunt
B.Warr, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Carter
Subs: Summers for Woolford, Gratland for B.Warr

Scorers: Merry 3, Smedley 2, Swatridge 2

MVP: Merry
Spoons: Merry

Next match - 16 April 1995 v AFC Purton at Braden Forest

Akers defeat ends title hopes

9 April 1995, Division 8 at Ballards Ash

Akers Garage 4 KMLC FC 2 (HT 3-1)

A second defeat to league leaders Akers ended any outside chance of the Kylies claiming the title in their first season.

Trailing 3-1 at the break a better second half saw the result kept respectable with Stu's goalscoring form carried over from last week.

Despite the good form of Big Al in the last couple of games there was a return to the starting line-up for Peej for some reason. Al did come on for him later in the game and won spoons. Did he turn up late I wonder? MVP was spread throughout the defenders which suggests the Kylies might have been under the cosh somewhat.

Garratt
B.Warr, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kelly
Subs: Lunt for Garratt, M.Warr for Gunning, Carter

Scorer: Gould 2 (1 pen)

MVP: Woolford, Gunning, Howell, M.Warr
Spoons: Lunt

Next match - 11 April (yes, Tuesday evening) v Halcrow Wilts at Mannington

Grapes crushed

2 April 1995, Division 8 at Mannington

KMLC FC 7 The Grapes 1 (HT 2-0)

After last week's struggle to get a point at Sevenfields the home game against the same opponents saw a very different result.

Player-manager Stu led the way with four goals (two from the spot - was Ian Merry chopped down in similar style for both of them?) on his way to winning MVP and Merry bagged a brace to help the team to their biggest victory since November.

Is this the game where Carpo busted his head open in an aerial challenge I wonder? There's a picture of him somewhere with a massive bandage around his cranium. This was to be his last game of the season.

Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kelly
Subs: Summers for M.Warr, B.Warr for Carpenter

Scorers: Gould 4 (2 pens), Merry 2, Gunning

MVP: Gould
Spoons: Swatridge

Next match - 9 April 1995 v Akers Garage at Ballards Ash

Swatridge brace rescues point

26 March 1995, Division 8 at Penhill Sevenfields

The Grapes 2 KMLC FC 2 (HT 2-0)

One theme from this season is that the Kylies were slow out of the blocks on many occasions. Two-nil down at the break it needed two more goals from Simon in the second half to grab a point.

Both keepers played this week. Garratt took the first half, conceding the goals but making a full-length save from a header just before the interval. Lunt replaced him for the second half and kept a clean sheet.

Garratt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Gunning
B.Warr, Merry, Gould, Carter
Swatridge, Kibble
Subs: Lunt for Garratt, Sharp for Kibble, Summers for B.Warr

Scorer: Swatridge 2

MVP: Merry
Spoons: Kibble

Next match - 2 April 1995 v The Grapes at Mannington

Gould team-talk inspires victory

12 March 1995, Division 8 at RAF Wroughton

Swindon Ambulance 1 KMLC FC 2 (HT 1-0)

As manager, Stu was well-known for the naked team-talk before or after matches but it was a fully-clothed half-time lecture that was the game-changer in this one.

If the trip to Chilton Foliat and the village hall changing facilities last week was a bit different we ramped that up at Wroughton by having no changing rooms at all. This was a 'change in the car' job.

Whether that led to the Kylies' sluggish start is uncertain but they came in trailing by a single goal at the break. It was a fiery Stu who gave the half-time message that he couldn't believe we were losing to our opponents because "all they've got is a broken-nose fireman".

It's not certain if the team were inspired by that message or if it lightened the mood and lifted a weight off their shoulders but an improved second-half performance with goals from Swatridge and Merry delivered all the points to the away side.

Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, Shurmer, Gunning
Smedley, Merry, Gould, Gratland
Swatridge, Kibble
Sub: Garratt

Scorers: Swatridge, Merry

MVP: Woolford, Shurmer, Smedley
Spoons: Woolford

Next match - 26 Mar 1995 v The Grapes at Penhill Sevenfields

The Crying Game

26 February 1995, Divison 8 at Chilton Foliat

Aldbourne SSC 3 KMLC FC 2 (HT 1-1)

A trip out to the country for this one to the village of Chilton Foliat near Hungerford. The changing rooms were the local village hall and there was a walk to a pretty poor pitch. One end had a noticeable slope and the corner quadrants were only a couple of yards from the penalty area. No use for the expansive Kylie play of the time.

Perhaps that's why the teams turned round level at the break despite KMLC attacking downhill. The second half was short on chances with Garratt spending much of his time retrieving the ball from a nearby garden following wayward Aldbourne efforts.

Then, with five minutes left a Gunning foray upfield put the Kylies 2-1 ahead. It looked like a hard-fought win had been secured. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case.

Right at the death Garratt and Carpenter failed to deal with a long ball from Aldbourne, giving it a bit of 'after you, Claude' allowing someone to nip in and level. Worse was to follow. An Aldbourne break forced a cross in from the left and as Garratt dived to intercept the ball skipped off the uneven surface providing a tap-in for the onrushing forward.

As the hapless keeper trudged off the pitch the referee broke the news that the two late goals came in the stoppage time added for Garratt's earlier perceived time-wasting. This tipped him over the edge and he burst into tears, blubbing all the way back to the Village Hall where not even pictures of the Chilton Foliat N-word Minstrels could snap him out of his woe.

Garratt
Carpenter, Woolford, B.Warr, Gunning
Griffiths, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kibble
Subs: Gratland for Woolford, Shurmer

Scorers: Swatridge, Gunning

MVP: Woolford
Spoons: Shurmer (who must have done something interesting to not play and win this)

Next match - 12 Mar 1995 v Swindon Ambulance at RAF Wroughton

Gould on the spot as Kylies romp to victory

15 January 1995, Division 8 at Shrewsbury Road

The Harrow 2 KMLC FC 7 (HT 1-4)

After two high-scoring defeats KMLC got back to winning ways in some style. Often slow starters, this time the Kylies were 4-1 up at the break and carried that form on into the second period to run out comfortable winners.

Stu led the scoring with two goals from the penalty spot but Kevin's first-half strike was to prove his third and final goal for the club.

Lunt
Carpenter, Woolford, Summers, Gunning
Carter, Merry, Gould, Howell
Swatridge, Kibble
Subs: Kelly for Howell

Scorers: Gould 2 (both pens), Merry, Kibble, Gunning, Swatridge, Kelly

MVP: Woolford
Spoons: Lunt

Next match - 26 February 1995 at Chilton Foliat v Aldbourne SSC
(That's quite a wait - must be some bad weather about!)

Akers rivalry starts with defeat

8 January 1995, Division 8 at Mannington
KMLC FC 3 Akers Garage 6 (HT 1-4)

In the early years of the Kylies there was one team that stood out as the main rivals - Akers Garage. This first game against those opponents ended in heavy defeat.

It's possible that this game was the night after the Highworth 10 which might explain the slow start and poor first half performance. The second half was drawn which may indicate a certain level of sobering up as the match went on.

Garratt
Carpenter, Woolford, M.Warr, Summers
B.Warr, Merry, Gould, Carter
Swatridge, Kibble
Subs: Gratland for Woolford, Griffiths for Carpenter

Scorers: Gould (p), Merry, Kibble

MVP: Gould
Spoons: Carpenter


Next match - 15 January 1995 at Shrewsbury Road v The Harrow