2009-10 Season

Season Summary

July-August ‘O9

2009/10 season was the second for CSKA Carnabys, and with a whole summer to prepare this time round, Chairman Chris McCafferty set to work on improving facilities for the upcoming season.

The Mods said goodbye to the temporary Victoria Park ground, and hello to Mossdale Meadows, a fine shaded ground near Braunstone in Leicester with surrounding trees and a bridge over a small stream leading to the pitch. The CSKA lads would soon discover a second entrance from Meridian Park, making the post-match trip to The Observatory for (sometimes) celebratory pints much easier. Training facilities at Rawlins College in Quorn were also preserved, and a new red away kit was launched, along with official training-wear for the first time.

Manager Luke Williamson had a whole summer this time to prepare his squad, the majority of whom now had a full season under their belts. Williamson dipped his toes in the transfer market with three new signings, John Hatfield, Jacob Cooper and Sam Daley. The latter feeling the effects of a pre-season session and had to have a moment in the bushes! Shaun Dyer returned to training, but reduced his capacity to back-up goalkeeper, fearing his days as a winger were numbered following his unfortunate injury the previous year.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
AC Wigston vs CSKA Carnabys (16 Aug 2009)AFriendly'4-8
CSKA Carnabys vs FC Peacock (23 Aug 2009)HFriendly'3-3
CSKA Carnabys vs Loughborough Galaxy (30 Aug 2009)HFriendly'3-2

September ‘O9

The season began with the traditional midweek evening fixture, as CSKA hosted Exeter Arms who had been relegated from Division 4 the previous season. New club captain Lee Scaysbrook, John Brice and Dave Line were unavailable for the curtain raiser, so Jacob Cooper made his debut at centre-back alongside Paul Iliffe, with Jay Karsandas being pushed into a holding-midfield role allowing debutant John Hatfield to partner Williamson in attack. A trademark Paul Iliffe header got the campaign underway, as well as goals from stand-in skipper Sean Ward, and John Hatfield (2) giving CSKA a comfortable 4-1 victory in their first competitive game at their new ground. And this was followed by another home win against Red Arrow 4 days later by 3-1 with McCafferty and then Williamson with two in the dying minutes, bagging their first goals of the campaign.

The following week was Billy Walton Cup Round One, with CSKA given a favourable draw against West End United Reserves, a team that CSKA had beaten twice in their inaugural campaign. Williamson recalled Scaysbrook and Line to the starting XI, whilst Brice and Kieran Williamson were also available for the first time that season and named as substitutes. A poor showing saw CSKA fall at the first hurdle, losing 1-3 as Andy Pettitt got the only goal for The Mods. A week later, CSKA played host to the same opposition, and Williamson went for an experimental system that saw Lee Scaysbrook implemented as an unorthodox striker with John Hatfield ruled out. Williamson grabbed a consolation goal as CSKA lost again 1-3.

And the month was rounded off by win a third consecutive 1-3 defeat away at Sparta Parva on a windy morning in Oadby. McCafferty grabbed the goal for CSKA, the game was remembered for Shaun Dyer finally making his CSKA debut following his horrible injury at the start of the previous campaign. What looked like a promising start to the campaign seemed to have fizzled out before the end of the first month. 

New signing Jacob Cooper was awarded the Player of the Month Award as reported here in The Mod Mag.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
CSKA Carnabys vs Exeter Arms (02 Sep 2009)HLeague'4-1?
CSKA Carnabys vs Red Arrow (06 Sep 2009)HLeague'3-1
West End United Res vs CSKA Carnabys (13 Sep 2009)ABilly Walton Cup'1-3
CSKA Carnabys vs West End United Res (20 Sep 2009)HLeague'1-3
Sparta Parva vs CSKA Carnabys (27 Sep 2009)ALeague'1-3

October ‘O9

October began with CSKA playing their first ever County Cup game, having failed to register in time in the previous season. Broughton Rangers were the victims as two goals from substitute Luke Williamson ensure passage into the second round with a 2-0 win.

Next up was back-to-back league fixtures against Niffy Rangers A. The first encounter at Horsewell Lane in Wigston, saw Williamson tweak his system slightly. Moving Jon Brice into the defence, with Paul Iliffe slotting in at central midfield. The game ended 2-2 thanks to goals from Pettitt and Scaysbrook, and Brice winning Man of the Match for a commanding performance at the back.

The following week was the Niffy came to Mossdale and a rampant CSKA stormed into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from McCafferty (2) and Pettitt. But a disastrous second half saw The Mods completely squander the lead with Niffy equalizing with just ten minutes to spare. But the drama wasn’t over, as in the 89th minute, McCafferty fired in the winning goal to complete his hat-trick and give CSKA their first league win since the opening week of the season. McCafferty becoming the first CSKA player to score 3 in a single match. John Hatfield added his name to this list the very next week with his very own hat-trick in a 5-2 win at home to LK Old Boys. The now established centre-back pairing of Jon Brice and Lee Scaysbrook contributing the other goals.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
CSKA Carnabys vs Broughton Rangers (04 Oct 2009)HCounty Cup'2-0
Niffy Rangers 'A' vs CSKA Carnabys (11 Oct 2009)ALeague'2-2
CSKA Carnabys vs Niffy Rangers 'A' (18 Oct 2009)HLeague'4-3
CSKA Carnabys vs LK Old Boys (25 Oct 2009)HLeague'5-2

November ‘O9

November began with CSKA’s Second Round County Cup tie away at SIleby Athletic who were leading the way in their Division in The Charnwood League. With CSKA under the cosh throughout the entire game, they had goalkeeper and Man of the Match Kieran Warner to thank for restricting the opposition and keeping the final score to a flattering 0-2.

Back to Division Five, and CSKA played host to FC Komrska. A dull affair saw CSKA draw 1-1 after Andy Pettitt had headed home in the first half. With the drama saved for the following week as another John Hatfield hat-trick helped CSKA to a 6-5 victory over Sparta Parva. Further goals from Williamson, Scaysbrook and Brice helped CSKA to their highest number of goals in a match.

The next game was another first for CSKA, unfortunately it was the first time a CSKA player was dismissed in a game. With CSKA trailing 1-3, Chris McCafferty was introduced from the bench and just minutes after setting up Andy Pettitt for his second goal, the Irishman was shown a straight red for “Foul and Abusive Language” after telling the referee to “p*** off” after being instructed to retake a throw in. It was deja-vous a week later against bottom of the league FC Kibworth, with McCafferty dismissed once again, this time for handball on the line in the first half. Kibworth scored the resulting penalty, to cancel out Sean Ward’s opener, the game ended 1-1 to CSKA’s frustration, especially after having a last-minute winner ruled out for offside.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
Sileby Athletic vs CSKA Carnabys (01 Nov 2009)ACounty Cup'0-2
CSKA Carnabys vs FC Komrska (08 Nov 2009)HLeague'1-1
CSKA Carnabys vs Sparta Parva (15 Nov 2009)HLeague'6-5
Red Arrow vs CSKA Carnabys (22 Nov 2009)ALeague'2-3
CSKA Carnabys vs FC Kibworth (29 Nov 2009)HLeague'1-1

December ‘O9

A better showing the following week at LK Old Boys as goals from Williamson (2), Scaysbrook (2) and Line helped CSKA to a 5-2 victory and a 6th win of the season, and a first outfield run out for Shaun Dyer having fully recovered from knee ligament injury. But The Mods were humbled the following week in the Stokes Cup by runaway Division 5 leaders Trinderbox, a final score of 2-11 despite CSKA taking the lead in the first minute with Williamson scoring direct from a corner. But the game was marred with the unfortunate injury of Jacob Cooper who suffered cruciate ligament damage in the last moments of the game.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
LK Old Boys vs CSKA Carnabys (06 Dec 2009)ALeague'5-2
Trinderbox vs CSKA Carnabys (13 Dec 2009)ALeague Cup'2-11

January-fEBRUARY ‘1O

A snowy start to 2010 meant CSKA would only play three times between late December and early March, beginning with FC Komrska away. McCafferty (2), Williamson (2) and Karsandas with the goals in a 5-1 romp. Two weeks later it was another, this time a 2-0 victory at home to Hat & Beaver thanks to goals from Scaysbrook and Coulton. Coulton made it two in two the following week against The Wheel, Jon Brice this the other as CSKA won 2-1.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
FC Komrska vs CSKA Carnabys (24 Jan 2010)ALeague'5-1
MatchH/ACompetitionScore
CSKA Carnabys vs Hat & Beaver (07 Feb 2010)HLeague'2-0
CSKA Carnabys vs The Wheel (14 Feb 2010)HLeague'2-1

March ‘1O

Into March, and CSKA made the lengthy trip to Exeter Arms’ unusual pitch. Latest signing Michael Tooley would debutise between the sticks. Sean Ward was in scintillating form scoring a hat-trick to add to goals from Iliffe, Hatfield, Karsandas and Williamson (2) in a record 8-2 victory. Followed up by a 2-0 win away at West End United thanks to a John Hatfield brace, his 10th and 11th goals of the season, becoming only the second player to hit double figures in a season.   

It was a fantastic start to 2010, five consecutive victories had passed and CSKA found themselves now joint top with of the league with Trinderbox, albeit with a significantly worse goal difference and having played five games more. CSKA returned to the scene of their last defeat to face Trinderbox in the league. The hosts, top of the league having won every league game, inspired by Himan and Gomez to name but a few of their recently acquired star players. The Mods put in one of their best ever displays, and through goals from Williamson and Karsandas managed to battle out a 2-2 draw against the favourites and with it put an end to Trinderbox’s 100% league run.

The first defeat of 2010 came the following week however for CSKA, a windy encounter at Knighton Park saw Phoenix United convincingly win 3-0, despite being reduced to 10 men.

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
Exeter Arms vs CSKA Carnabys (07 Mar 2010)ALeague'8-2
West End United Res vs CSKA Carnabys (14 Mar 2010)ALeague'2-0
Trinderbox vs CSKA Carnabys (21 Mar 2010)ALeague'2-2
Phoenix United vs CSKA Carnabys (28 Mar 2010)ALeague'0-3

April-May ‘1O

The bad winter and poor pitch conditions meant it was to be a hectic April schedule with 6 games scheduled to be played. Compare that with the previous season where one match was played!

The first encounter was on Easter Sunday, and CSKA resurged to grind out a 4-2 win against Harrow thanks to goals from Scaybrook, Brice, Williamson and Karsandas in horrendous conditions at Gypsy Lane. Kieran Warner saved a penalty late in the game to secure the points.

The following week, CSKA hosted Phoenix United, this time at Loughborough University due to terrible pitch conditions at Mossdale Meadows. The game ended all square at 2-2, the highlight of the game a 30 yard strike from Matt Whitaker, his first goal for the club. Jay Karsandas adding to his season tally also.

The fixture congestion meant midweek evening games would be in place for the end of the season. The first of which was a Wednesday evening battle at Uplands Park against The Wheel. Karsandas and Williamson were once again on the scoresheet but wasn’t enough as the hosts were victorious by 3-2. Quickly followed up on the following Sunday with an impressive 3-1 victory over promotion rivals Harrow, with two goals from Williamson, and McCafferty’s long range volley that would earn him the Goal of the Season award.

Midweek again, and it was an inconvenient journey all the way to Market Harborough to face FC Kibworth. Top goalscorer Luke Williamson finally got his first hat-trick for the club, the fourth player to achieve this feat. Lee Scaysbrook headed home his 8th of the campaign, a very impressive return from the skipper. The final score of 4-0 kept CSKA in 2nd place, but would just have to play a waiting game as the remaining pack would complete their games, namely Phoenix United and FC Komrska catching rapidly. CSKA didn’t help themselves in their last two fixtures, with back-to-back 2-5 defeats away at Hat & Beaver away (Brice and Karsandas with the goals) and Trinderbox at home (Hatfield and McCafferty).

MatchH/ACompetitionScore
Harrow vs CSKA Carnabys (04 Apr 2010)ALeague'4-2
CSKA Carnabys vs Phoenix United (11 Apr 2010)HLeague'2-2
The Wheel vs CSKA Carnabys (14 Apr 2010)ALeague'2-3
CSKA Carnabys vs Harrow (18 Apr 2010)HLeague'3-1
FC Kibworth vs CSKA Carnabys (21 Apr 2010)ALeague'4-0
Hat & Beaver vs CSKA Carnabys (25 Apr 2010)ALeague'2-5
MatchH/ACompetitionScore
CSKA Carnabys vs Trinderbox (02 May 2010)HLeague'2-5

Season Conclusion

With the season all wrapped up, CSKA final position was confirmed as fourth, just 6 points separating 2nd from 6th.

It was an entertaining season for all involved. This tight-knit squad was really starting to bond in their second season, and despite some poor performances (and stupid red cards!), CSKA were starting to grab attention from their rivals. Losing Jacob Cooper to injury in December was a big loss after a promising start to his CSKA career, and deserved lots of praise along with fellow newcomer John Hatfield who contributed an impressive 12 goals in his first season.  

Jon Brice was awarded both the Players’ Player of the Season and Manager’s Player of the Season awards at the end of season gala. Sean Ward was voted the Most Improved Player and would be announced as captain for the next campaign. Chris McCafferty was voted Clubman of the Year for the second time, as well as scooping the Goal of the Season award for his strike against Harrow at Mossdale Meadows. Andy Pettitt was awarded Fans Player of the Year, and Luke Williamson retained his Golden Shoe with 18 goals in all competitions.

Back Row: Jake Cooper, Paul Iliffe, Dave Line, Jon Brice, Andrew Phipps, Jay Karsandas, Kieran Warner, Steve Maggs, Mick McGuigan, Andy Pettit, John Hatfield. Front Row: Kieran Williamson, Danny Coulton, Sean Ward, Luke Williamson, Chris McCafferty, Lee Scaysbrook, Matt Whitaker, Sam Daley

This Season Player Stats

PlayerAppsGoalsAssistsMotMsY/RMins
Paul Iliffe272420/02304
Jon Brice25 (1)6860/02280
Kieran Warner250020/02233
Lee Scaysbrook23 (2)8220/02092
Chris McCafferty23 (3)91520/22000
Steve Maggs22 (3)0524/01980
Jay Karsandas21 (7)61340/01965
John Hatfield22 (1)121021/01953
Matt Whitaker231420/01940
Luke Williamson23 (4)211220/01913
Andrew Phipps21 (1)0120/01854
Sean Ward20 (2)6325/01850
Danny Coulton15 (8)2100/01385
Andy Pettitt13 (6)6310/01089
Dave Line8 (6)1300/0822
Jacob Cooper8 (2)0110/0705
Mick McGuigan7 (7)0000/0608
Shaun Dyer2 (3)0000/0207
Kieran Williamson1 (8)0000/0174
Michael Tooley10000/090
Sam Daley0 (7)0000/081

This Season CSKA Team of the Season

tots 0910

This Season CSKA Awards