You may know him as CON - the Masters RED old-timer.

You may know him as PETE - the 3rd team Super coach.

But many don't know he's "SLOWHAND" on the guitar!

On Saturday 22nd May, Peter Maurer and his rock band THE FRANTIX are playing at the club.

For a modest entry of $10 which includes a SUPPER. You won't want to miss it! FULL BAR Available

Get along and make a night of it. 8pm. Don't be late!

Champs Premier Round 16

Stop Out vs Naenae 5-0

(A Sheikh, S Gulley, J Gulley, S Millynn, J Coulter)

With Naenae already in the playoff relegation spot we met a Naenae team made up of Masters and other club members as Naenae rested their first team in preparation for their playoff match.

It was very difficult to get motivated for such a match and to our credit the boys played properly and with full respect to our opponents.

First half goals to Abbas, Stevie G and younger brother Justin saw us take a 3-0 halftime lead.

A Simon Millynn rocket and Johnny Coulter header completed the scoring on a day that very much felt like a Sunday fixture!!!

Ethan Morta debuted for the club and was named Man of the Match for a solid performance and one which we can continue to expect more of from such a talented defender.

We will continue to work hard to close the season with victories and build towards next season.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 14

Stop Out vs Lower Hutt, 18^th July 2009, 3-0 win

(Steven Gulley pen, Regan Steele, Brenton Winyard)

After a hugely disappointing showing against Tawa the previous week our goal was very clear against our local rivals Lower Hutt. 3 points was a must and a return to playing the football that was so effective for us this season.

Simon ONeil joined Regan and Brenton in attack while the youthful trio of Justin, Abbas and Admir propped up in midfield. This allowed Alexandro to partner Alex McD at the heart of the defence with young Mike and Stevie G playing the wingback roles while TJ was barking out instructions in goal.

We started the game excellently. The boys were buzzing and it felt as though being back on our superb surface at Hutt Park helped our attitude.

Early pressure told right away as in the 3^rd minute after a fine pass from Stevie G, Si ONeil was upended and Stevie G placed a fine pen into the top corner for 1-0.

Our passing was in fine rhythm and movement was good. Another fabulous team move which started with Mike at right back playing out of tight areas into midfield and with our fine range of passing allowed Brenton to get behind the defence and when his cross wasnt cleared Regan was on hand to place home our second for 2-0.

We had the foot on the pedal at this stage and a third quickly followed. Brenton recovered a lost ball with a fine tackle and raced away to slot home a 1 on 1 with their keeper for 3-0 after only 10 minutes.

The players really enjoyed possession again and our passing game had returned to full effect.

The second half was a different affair as we cruised through the game unscathed and in a comfort zone.

3-0 final score and with this result Lower Hutt now need a miracle to survive relegation!

What was really pleasing for us was to see every player used off the bench and players enjoying victory after a horror result last week. TJ was named our man of the match for his clean sheet in goal.

Hopefully we can take the same passion and intensity into todays match with Naenae who are fighting hard to move clear from the relegation playoff position.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 13

Tawa vs Stop Out, 11^th July 2009, 4-1 loss

(S Gulley)

Having had a week off due to Waterside Karori’s involvement in the Cup, Tawa were our opponents for Round 13 of the League. The match was transferred from Redwood Park to Onepoto Domain so this was always going to be a struggle.

Both teams started the match full of energy but couldn’t attain any real stranglehold on the match. We struggled to make passes and move the ball quickly and Tawa always managed to get numbers behind the ball really well. We found ourselves down after some very poor marking allowing their striker to get free 1 on 1 to leave TJ stranded in goal.

We then pushed forward and could’ve scored a few goals when Fisem shot only for their keeper to make a good low save and after a superb left wing cross Ross volleyed wide of the post. 1-0 down at halftime, with everything to play for.

The second spell started brightly for us and we really got at Tawa and kept them deep in their half. Si McCarthy nearly scrambled home but just couldn’t connect after a goalmouth scramble.

With luck not going our way we then found the self destruct button and a moment of indecision and lack of communication gifted their striker another 1 0n 1 to lob TJ for 2-0. This was the dagger in our hearts and game over. Tawa quickly scored 2 more goals after an own goal and more average marking.

4-0 down through our own errors was quite amazing really and against a top team like Tawa you simply get punished. Stevie G managed to stop the bleeding somewhat with a late right footed strike to reduce the score to 4-1.

With 5 matches to play we are now out of the title race but have pride and respectability to play for. Players should also want to impress in these matches to show what they are capable of and to give themselves the best opportunity to be considered for next season.

With the right attitude and application a top half of the table position is still a reality and one which for the best part of this season we have deserved.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 12

Miramar vs Stop Out, 27th June 2009, 3-2 win

(S Gulley pen, A de Lima, R Steele)

The task that was in front of us was rather daunting going into this game. We were winless in 5 matches and to have any chance of a late title run needed 3 points from top of the table Miramar. Miramar have been superb this year having turned their fortunes after being in the relegation playoff last season.

We welcomed Brazilian Alexandro de Lima into our team after he had gained clearance to play for us. Alex will be an integral part to the Stop Out system for having him available is great for us.

The Round 12 fixture started very poorly for us as we simply didn’t get to grips with the pace of the match. It really seemed as though our hangover from the Island Bay game continued. We quickly found ourselves down 2-0 after only 15 minutes when firstly a deflected shot went in and a far post header put us on the back foot.

At this stage our season was on the line and something had to change. Slowly but surely we got ourselves into the match and with Paul working hard up top with both Brenton and Milly supporting we managed to claw back into the match. 5 minutes before halftime Paul went on a mazy run and was upended inside the box which Stevie G dispatched with ease. 2-1 Miramar at halftime.

Having got back into the match we knew we had to push on and attack Miramar. At halftime we decided to play higher and attack them by high pressing and getting in behind them. Fisem came on up top for Paul who was struggling with injury and the sudden injection of pace seemed to worry Miramar.

We started dominating proceedings and bossing the game again. Alex, Abass and Regan had a hold of midfield and kept spraying balls to both Mily and Brenton to cause Miramar numerous problems.

We equalised from a corner when Alex timed a super header to make it 2-2 with 20 minutes to go. The boys were buzzing and Miramar were deflated. We made it a dream comeback when Stevie G played a superb crossfield diagonal to find Regan on the far post and his looping header beat the oncoming keeper.

A superb comeback from us and a display that showed great spirit from all players involved.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 11

Island Bay vs Stop Out, 20th June 2009, 2-1 loss

(J Mackay)

Wakefield Park was the venue for Round 11 of the League and a huge match for both teams title aspirations.

We made a very slow start in this match and struggled to move the ball quickly and push forward. Island Bay were far too often winning the aerial battle and kept us pegged back deep in our half. We allowed them alot of space by sitting back too deep and not filling the gaps between defence and midfield.

Island Bay took the lead after a moment of indecision between our keeper and defence allowing their striker to lob the ball into an empty net for 1-0.

Surprisingly this goal stung us back into action. Abass was starting to impose himself on the game in midfield and his delightful pass allowed Si Milly to get at their left back more frequently. A Si Milly cross resulted in big John tapping the ball in for the equaliser to get back into the match. 1-1 halftime.

The second spell was even more of a struggle. We simply didn’t get the ball down and play and far too often gave the ball away carelessly. The game seemed destined for a draw but with 10 minutes to play Island Bay were gifted a penalty in controversial circumstances. A long throw into the box was headed away by Al and the ref inexplicably pointed to the spot. The poorly taken spot kick somehow agonisingly went in to give Island Bay the 2-1 win.

The disappointing aspect of this game was the manner of our play. We didn’t play our style of football and we didn’t play as a unit. A very disjointed performance didn’t allow us to play to our strengths. This simply cannot happen if we are to progress up the table.

We must learn from this game and learn that to beat battlers we must not simply get into battle and hope for the best! We must impose our style on them and dominate them by keeping possession and moving the ball quickly and being first to every loose ball and competing.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 10

Stop Out vs Upper Hutt, 13th June 2009, 2-2 draw

(S Gulley 2)

The visit of Upper Hutt was a huge test for us in Round 10 of the league. The need to win home games is important at this stage of the season so 3 points was the target to get us back on track.

A very soggy pitch didn’t help either team from the outset as the ball would either skid away or hold up on the surface.

After a very tentative opening we began to link very well and use width to stretch Upper Hutt. After great link up work between Justin, Abass and Regan, Admir found some space outside of the box and his low drive bounced back off the post. Si Milly was operating in the Central Strikers position and was really busy trying to create space.

We were given a free-kick on the edge of the box after Stevie G was bought down cutting in on the left side and his superb strike gave us a well deserved 1-0 lead.

It was a lead we held right up until halftime when after we failed to clear a corner big Al was adjudged to have fouled their player with his back to goal!!! The resulting penalty was dispatched easily making it 1-1 at halftime.

We stressed the need to keep attacking them with pace and good width and for the best part of the second half we continued to play some very positive football in trying conditions. Wingbacks Stevie G and Mike were really pushing forward well and causing Upper Hutt all sorts of problems.

Just as we looked to be dominating them a momentary lapse in concentration and we were quickly 2-1 down. This was testament to how our luck had turned in recent weeks and was going to show whether we had any resolve in salvaging something from the match.

The team stood up and really pressed a tired looking Upper Hutt team which by now were holding on to their result. Their keeper was scrambling all over the place in the last 10 minutes. Just as we thought we were going to get nothing from all our good effort we found some inspiration and great improvisation to get a draw. Regan burst through midfield and slipped the ball to Admir who back heeled to Stevie G and his deflected shot found its way into the corner of the net.

It was a lovely team move and showed we have the ability to play right until the end. Final Score 2-2.

This was a very good result in the end against a very experienced Upper Hutt team who played very well on the day.

This result showed that we have strong character for a very young team and we have the belief and spirit to compete with anyone in this competition. Well done lads.

Besim

Kapiti Coast United vs Stop Out, 6^th June 2009, 2-1 loss

(J Mackay)

A trip to Weka Park saw us take on KCU in Round 9 of the league. KCU have turned things around after some big losses so this match was never going to be easy.

A very bumpy surface at Weka Park never allowed us to get a flow on with our passing in this match and actually made the game a real battle.

We did dominate possession early on and after a lovely third man run where Regan played in Brentin for a superb cross to John to side volley home. 1-0 up after 25 minutes.

We thought we would push on and look to get a second to really make it difficult but this didn’t transpire. Stevie G playing in a more advanced role saw his back header unluckily bounce out off the post. 5 minutes before halftime we were made to pay as some very poor marking allowed a long crossfield ball sail into our area and give up a soft goal. 1-1 halftime.

The passing game which has served us so well had disappeared and we far too often gave ball away which didn’t help us create chances. The second half was simply a battle and to make things worse we got found out at the back when allowing another cross into our area and a headed finish. 2-1 down.

The last 15 mins saw us try to get the goal back but we didn’t create any real chances. A 2-1 loss was extremely disappointing and one which should really be a wakeup call for us.

I personally would like to thank Jim Blair for taking his time to come to our training and give the boys some much needed advice for the remainder of the season.

Jim was the left back in the Chatham Cup winning Stop Out team of 1956 and has been to all our matches this season. The boys really appreciate that and will be working hard to please all of our fans and put things right as we move into the second half of the season.

Besim

Chatham Cup Second Round

Wellington Utd vs Stop Out, 1^st June 2009, 1-0 loss

A soggy Newtown Park was the venue for our cup tie against Central League opposition Well Utd.

We welcomed back big Al after suspension but lost Luke W to injury prior to the match. We really felt that we had a huge opportunity to do well and if we played our style of football and took our opportunities we could progress.

We quickly asserted ourselves at the start of the match and competed quite well. Regan had been thrust into attack for this match and looked to link well with midfield. A very scrappy first half saw us once again miss two blazing chances. After some lovely midfield passing Fisem found himself free on the far post but hooked his shot wide. Quickly thereafter a beautiful Mike cross saw Si ONeil head over from close range. These chances came back to haunt us when midway through the half Well Utd punished us to go 1-0. TJ failed to hold the ball from an inswinging free kick and not clearing our lines from the follow up. 1-0 Well Utd at halftime.

What followed in the second spell was quite unbelievable to say the least. Our passing game and movement stepped up a gear and possession was close to 70 percent. We hit the crossbar and post on about 4 or 5 occasions and continued to go close time and time again.

Stevie G who was left back found himself camped in the opposition half and produced some quality crosses as Well Utd retreated to have all players behind the ball.

Unfortunately time ran out and our cup run was over.

It was hugely disappointing that points dropped in the league and cup run being over occurred on the weekend of the clubs 90^th anniversary celebrations.

The 90^th anniversary celebrations were fantastic and having met members of the famous Chatham Cup winning team in 1956 really made me proud.

We can now concentrate on the league and look to get back to winning ways, work hard and produce the quality required to stay at the top of the league.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 8

Stop Out vs Western Suburbs, 30^th May 2009, 1-1 draw

(F Aden)

Western Suburbs came to Hutt Park placed at the bottom of the table but we knew that Wests would be keen to turn their fortunes around and get points in their aim to stay in the league. We stressed the need for good attitudes and professionalism so that points would not be dropped.

The match started brilliantly for us with our midfield buzzing and some fine inter play saw Justin find himself on the far post after barely 60 seconds only to hook his shot wide.

Moments later after a bisecting through pass by Ado and great run by Si Millynn the keeper came out to foil him when through 1 on 1. We completely dominated the match in the first 25 minutes and should really have gone 3 or 4 goals up but some poor finishing and scrambling defence saw nothing to show for our efforts.

After completely dominating proceedings we then found ourselves 1-0 down after a momentary lapse at the back. Wests hit us on the counter and some poor marking saw us go in 1-0 down at halftime.

The second spell was much of the same. More possession and keep ball in trying to unlock the Wests defence. Fisem moved into the strikers role to pose them problems with his pace and we were finally rewarded when with 15 mins to go we equalised after a lovely Stevie G cut back saw Fisems shot squirm through the keepers legs. 1-1.

We pushed forward to get all 3 points but just couldn’t get the luck needed and had to settle for a draw.

Our man of the match went to young Mike Hagarty who has really excelled this season. His application and work ethic has been superb which has seen him get just rewards.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 7

Naenae vs Stop Out, 23^rd May 2009, 1-2 win

(A Balicevac, L Wilson)

Having met Naenae last week in the Cup we knew we would be in for a stern test going to Naenae Park for this clash. The weather conditions didn’t help with much of the week leading up to the game being wet. We also had the absence of Al to suspension and both Si McCarthy and Brentin away at a wedding.

We had to reshuffle our pack and did so by moving Regan in to partner Luke at the back while Admir joined Justin and Abass for his starting debut in midfield. The beauty of having depth in our squad has been huge this year and one where we have been able to maintain performances so we were hoping for much of the same.

The game started superbly for us and we quickly gained the upper hand. Dominating possession and keeping them scampering and scrambling all the time. We should’ve taken the lead when John found himself through on goal only to steer the ball wide after a lovely third man run build up.

The ball movement and passing was really good from us in some slippery conditions and we were finally rewarded right on the stroke of halftime. Stevie G was brought down on the edge of their box and Admir scored from the resulting free-kick with a well struck shot. 1-0 up halftime.

We really should’ve had a few more goals to show for our play but settled for having the lead. The boys were pleased with our play and we needed to push on and try to kill Naenae off with our second goal.

The second half was more of a battle with the pitch deteriorating and playing conditions being really heavy.

20 minutes before the end we scored our second goal when a corner wasn’t properly cleared and Luke Wilson turned in a well hit low drive in off the post. 2-0 up was the least we deserved and our play was very good until we allowed Naenae a sniff of things when we conceded 10 mins before the end. Some pin ball type stuff on the edge of our area saw them snatch a goal and a nervy ending.

We then composed ourselves and kept ball really well to see our 6^th staright victory in both League and Cup matches.

What was pleasing for us this week was the way the players adjusted accordingly and planned for the changes. It is never easy playing the same team twice in a week so to get 2 victories is fantastic.

We now look forward to this weeks double header and hope to make a double celebration with victories to go along with the clubs 90^th anniversary celebrations.

Keep on keeping on guys.

Besim

Chatham Cup First Round

Stop Out vs Naenae, 16^th May 2009, Hutt Park, 3-2 win

(Sheikh, Steele, O’Neil)

Having been drawn against Naenae in the first round of the Chatham Cup meant that we would be playing them in consecutive weeks. We have bolstered our squad in recent weeks and wanted to keep players refreshed while at the same time get the results.

We started this match very positively in very windy conditions. A lot of keep ball and a lot of possession saw us take an early lead when Abass tapped home after a fierce Regan strike for 1-0.

We continued playing well and pushed on looking for our second and Regan neatly finished off a well taken Si O’Neil corner to make it 2-0.

A third goal quickly came after their keeper misjudged a Si O’Neil corner. So 3-0 up after half an hour and cruising but suddenly all the things that we were doing well disappeared!

A piece of sloppy defending and poor communication allowed them a goal just before halftime and allowed them to gain some confidence.

We stressed the need to play our game despite the conditions and continue to score goals.

At the start of the second spell we allowed them too much space and they got in behind our defence and pegged another goal back. 3-2 up and game on. With the strong breeze behind them Naenae really worked hard for an equalizer. To compound things Al was given his marching orders for an apparent off the ball incident which made the last 15 minutes a real battle.

We defended stoutly however and snuffed out any danger to progress through to the second round.

Simon and I were pleased with the way we played with 10 men as it didn’t seem to affect us. What was disappointing was not being ruthless enough and punishing the opposition when chances were there to do that.

We look forward to playing Central League team Wellington United, a club with a tremendous history and proud record in Round 2.

Kickoff 1pm, Monday June 1^st Newtown Park

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 6

Lower Hutt vs Stop Out, 9^th May 2009, 0-2 win

(J Gulley 2)

A short trip to Bell Park was the venue for Round 6 of the championship to take on Lower Hutt in the derby of the round. Although Lower Hutt entered this match at the bottom of the table we knew that we would be in for a tough battle and that we would need to be on top of our game to get the result required. We stressed the need for discipline to be the number 1 ingredient which would help us in this encounter.

We got the ball down well at the start of the game and tried to get into our rhythm but some persistent fouling didn’t allow us to get a flow on early. Some ex Lower Hutt players got some special treatment in this one which saw many cautions for them. Possesion was once again with us and not for some wasteful finishing should’ve had the lead as early as the 10th minute. The first goal was always coming and after a lovely Stevie G cross, younger bro Justin found himself open with another burst through from midfield to delicately lob the keeper for 1-0.

The second spell was much the same as the first with a lot of possession and the need to kill the game off. Lower Hutt were getting frustrated chasing the ball and when they had a man sent for a second bookable offence we knew we had won the battle. A second goal came after another progressive run from Justin in midfield to calmly slot the ball home before the on rushing keeper. 2-0 and cruising we really thought we would push on and get more goals but our goal scoring boots appeared to have been left at Hutt Park today as we somehow kept missing absolute sitters!

A solid team performance and three more points away from home. This was important for us today and having come away with no injuries and no cautions showed that we are applying ourselves professionally and moving forward.

We now go back home for the Round 1 of the Chatham Cup which is very special to Stop Out as we have won this great competition in our history.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 5

Stop Out vs Tawa, 2^nd May 2009, 4-1 win

(Aden 3, J Gulley)

Another top of the table clash at Hutt Park against Tawa awaited us in Round 5 of the championship.

Tawa are strong title contenders this year after their impressive showing in the Pre-season Hilton Petone tournament where they emphatically knocked off all before them in winning the tournament.

Having watched Tawa in both the Semi and Final of the tournament, Simon and I tried to prepare the team so that we would tactically be ready to take on Tawa and use our weapons to dominate them.

The match started at an extremely fast pace and we slowly gained confidence with our passing game and not allowing Tawa to settle.

Both teams started quite nervously though and having given away some cheap corners we found ourselves 1-0 down after some slack near post marking from a corner.

This goal stung us back into life and for the rest of the half we dominated possession with some lovely passing movement. Our final ball didn’t do us justice so halftime came and saw us 1-0 down.

We stressed the need to keep our shape and ball speed at halftime and to be a little more patient in the attacking third. The second half response needed to be applied and the boys appeared fired up for a do or die 45 minutes to their season.

The fast pace continued at the start of the second spell and having stretched Tawa on numerous occasions we simply needed a goal to show for all our possession.

Fisum came on 15 minutes into the second half and with John working hard up top with Milly wide we really ran the Tawa defence all over Hutt Park.

A superb flighted free kick by Abass saw Fisum connect with a great downward header to make it 1-1. This lifted our confidence and only 10 minutes later after another great Abass volley Fisum followed up to slot the ball home. 2-1 up.

As a team at this stage we were humming and kept the ball extremely well. Our back 4 were solid and the midfield trio completely bossed the game.

We pushed on and looked to kill off the game and after some great interchange work with Stevie G and Fisum, young Justin found himself break free at the far post to clinically finish across the keeper and give us a 3-1 lead.

By this stage Tawa were dead and buried and we basically played out the game with more possession and keep ball. With Tawa pushing forward to get something we quickly hit them on the counter and a fabulous Milly cross saw Fisum fly through the air to head home our fourth and his hat-trick.

A final score of 4-1 was quite amazing but a result we fully deserve for the style of football and application we showed.

This result keeps us top of the table on goal diff with Island Bay. If we maintain the same standards and quality that was shown in this match we will have a superb season.

It was so pleasing to see the club cranking and full at the after match.

Keep up the good work guys!

Besim

Chatham Cup Qualifying Round

Wainui vs Stop Out. Richard Prouse

5-3 (Kennedy, Sheikh pen, Mackay, Aden 2)

A trip to Richard Prouse Park in Wainui in the qualifying round of the Chatham Cup was a fine way to rest players and take care of injuries prior to the big match against Tawa the following week.

Young Luke Hartstonge came into the team at right back for his first game of the season while Justin and Michael returned from Federation tournament.

The beauty of having such a big squad allowed us to do this and keeps players fit and healthy while at the same time presenting good opportunities to the younger players.

We started brightly against a very determined Wainui side and not for some wasteful finishing could well have been 2-0 up after 5 minutes.

Having got into the passing game that has served us so well this season we finally got in behind Wainui and a lovely Fisum cross was met at the near post by Paul for a nice volley and 1-0 up. Only minutes later however a lapse in concentration allowed Wainui an equaliser after some sloppy marking.

The midfield trio of Abbas, Justin and Michael really asserted themselves at this point and ran Wainui's midfield ragged. Tireless work from John upfront allowed Fisum to get in behind their defence and after he was upended, Abass cooly sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot. A third goal quickly followed after Fisum rounded the keeper and walked the ball into an empty net. 3-1 halftime.

The second half started on the same note as the first. Quick ball speed and John found himself with a 1 on 1 and a beautiful lob over the keeper into the net for a superb finish which was the least he deserved for his effort and tenacity. A fifth goal quickly followed after Paul returned the favour to Fisum with a lovely low cross which Fisum dispatched with his right foot!

With a huge stranglehold on the match we uncharacteristically lost focus and allowed Wainui 2 very soft goals with some poor defending.

A final score of 5-3 flattered Wainui while we now need to focus and apply ourselves in training to be prepared tactically for what is our biggest game of the season against title favourites and Hilton Petone Champions Tawa next week.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round4

Stop Out vs Miramar Rangers. Hutt Raceway

1 -0 (John McKay)

Miramar Rangers were our opponents in Round 4 of the championship and they came to Hutt Park on the back of an impressive 3-1 victory at Lower Hutt City.

We targeted this game as a must win match as we looked to get back to winning ways after our Easter Monday hiccup against Island Bay.

We welcomed back Fisum, Abbas and John MacKay who all returned from their Easter holidays, while Regan returned to the team from suspension.

We started the match very well and quickly pegged Miramar back. What has been quite evident in our play in recent matches is our lack of finishing while dominating teams. We were once again guilty of some poor finishing. This allowed Miramar to gradually get back into the match and gain confidence.

To our credit we didn’t panic and kept our shape. A lovely run and cross by Simon O’Neil saw John narrowly head over the bar. After a minor lapse in defence Si McCarthy cleared a half chance off the line.

0-0 at halftime.

The boys came out for the second spell really determined to make amends for their finishing after some stern words at halftime!

As with our start to the match we quickly got the ball down and only 5 minutes into the second half saw us take the lead with a fine team goal. A fine midfield passing move got Si Millynn free on the right and his pinpoint cross was met with a superbly timed powerful John header into the roof of the net.

Simon (Harrold) and I thought the goal would allow us to continue to play our style of football and frustrate Miramar but the match then lost all of its shape and became a scrap. For the last 30 minutes we continued to be well disciplined and secured our fully deserved victory.

Our Man of the match went to Alex McDonald who captained the team and was a true leader and always kept us on the front foot.

At the end of the 4^th Round of matches we now sit top of the table with Tawa and Island Bay on 9 points.

I must commend our team effort and mental strength in getting back to winning ways and knowing how to win tight closely fought matches.

The attendance and application has been excellent at training and long may this continue if we are to be rewarded at the end of the season.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round 3

Stop Out v Island Bay. Hutt Raceway
0 - 2

After a hard physical and mental game against Upper Hutt on Saturday, the Easter Monday game came too quickly. I was still looking for another good performance from the players. It was unfortunate that we had 6 players out for this game but I was confident we would do well with the players we had.

Easter Monday came around all too quick for my liking, considering only 48 hours prior we'd had a physical encounter against an Upper Hutt side. Still, it's the same for both sides, and both Stop Out and Island Bay turned up at Hutt Park Raceway determined to put in a good performance.

We started with the wind, and tried to play our style of Football. We started the game brightly with good spells of possession and creating a few opportunities. Island Bay was restricted in going forward and it showed. Island Bay played long balls over the top of our defenders at any given opportunity.

We took some time to get into our flow, but once we had settled down, we played some good football. We worked the ball down the left hand side and
created a great chance to score. Sadly it was a missed chance. This time we worked the ball down the right and played the ball through to O’Neil. The goalie came out and the shot went wide. Another missed opportunity to score. With all these chances, I knew if we didn’t score. Island Bay would pitch one and they did. They worked the ball down the left hand side, a great bit of individual skill by the player. He beat three players to cut the ball back to a striker. Who slotted the ball into the net. 1- 0 down.

Half time came and we spoke about increasing our tempo & changing the picture when we could.

We were playing against the wind but that wouldn’t effect how we play. If we got an early goal, Island Bay would be on the back foot. We still continued to press and go forward. Both teams battled end to end until we went down to 10 men after a straight red for a tripping off the ball (but in front of the Ref). Even down with 10 men, we played some great football which stretched Island Bay all over Hutt Park.

Convinced we were still in the game and pushing for a goal, we conceded a ridiculous penalty. Not what we needed. 2 – 0 down and the clock ticking away but we still continued to play. The final whistle came and I was bitterly disappointed and thought this is a game of missed chances.

Simon

Champs Premier League Round2

Stop Out v Upper Hutt. Harcourt Park
2 -1 (Alex MacDonald, Simon Millyn)

I would like to start by thanking the Stop Out club for giving me the pleasure to work in this new initiative as the High Performance Coach. Stop Out is a fabulous club with a proud tradition and history and I feel honored to Coach at this great club.

Already in such a short timeframe I have noticed so many great things happening around the place. The off the field happenings have been quite amazing where we now have a state of the art facility at Hutt Park. This compliments the superb clubrooms and new changing rooms we have in place here. So much tireless effort and hard work has gone into this project and this type of effort can only be appreciated by everybody at the club.

I would like to introduce some of the new players into our squad this season. Part of the rebuilding process at the club has been to acquire talent and quality players to our team and we have certainly done that this year. Simon O'Neil (Stokes Valley), Simon McCarthy (Stokes Valley), Luke Wilson (Wainui), Damon Fussell (Wainui), Abbas Sheikh (Miramar), Simon Millyn (Lower Hutt), Regan Steele (Lower Hutt), Tony Jamieson (Olympic), Paul Kennedy and David Smith (England). You will notice these guys on the park so if you’re not sure who they are feel free to introduce yourselves.

A special word needs to be mentioned about the existing players from last and previous seasons at the club. Players that are loyal to any club stay through both the good and bad times and although 2008 wasn’t a very pleasant one it is full credit to you and it shows the type of character and resolve that this club needs to get back to winning ways. This pre-season has been testament to that and each and every one of you has applied themselves professionally to the cause. We will no doubt benefit from this during our season.

After a fine 4-1 against KCU in Round 1 of the season we travelled to Harcourt Park to face Upper Hutt in Round 2. Both Abbas and Fisem were away for the Easter break as was John McKay. So we made 1 change to the team from the previous week where young Justin joined Regan and Ross in midfield. Having played UHutt in pre-season we had prepared accordingly for the match and we knew what we could expect from them. That was a bruising derby style encounter!!! We started the match superbly and quickly got into our passing rhythm and caused them endless problems with our pace up top. Our opening goal did come from an unlikely source however when after their keeper failed to deal with a corner big Al was there to stab the ball home. I have to say that Al has been excellent for us to date. His application pre-season has been a fine example to all our players and his strength and presence has only bred confidence to everybody.
So 1-0 up and playing well on a very bumpy concrete like surface we pushed on for more goals. Stevie G, Si O'Neil, Paul and Regan all coming very close to adding that much needed second goal. Some wasteful finishing however only saw us go into the break 1-0 up.
At halftime we knew that we now needed to get all 3 points as nothing less was good enough.
The second half was a very much a grind. UHutt came back at us and threw extra men forward while we didn’t move the ball around well enough to pose them problems. We probably sat back a bit too deep and were punished when they equalized midway through the half. To our credit though, we didn’t panic and regained our composure and moved the ball around better. Our fitness also played a part as UHutt tired and with a piece of lovely dribbling skill Si Millyn lashed a superb volley into the UHutt net to give us the lead 2-1. 10 minutes to play and a long 10 minutes it was. We then lost Ross with a bad ankle injury, Regan was dismissed for his second yellow card and Luke came off with stomach cramps.
Our best football came in the last 5 minutes when we played keep ball and frustrated UHutt and took all 3 points in a tough match but fully deserved.
Our Man of the Match went to Simon Millyn.

Simon and I were particularly pleased with the passion and desire the team showed in this match. It is evident that there is now a new culture and new team spirit at the club and that 2008 is a thing of the past. What was pleasing for me was to see our players returning back to the clubrooms to celebrate our victory with our members.

Besim

Champs Premier League Round1

Stop Out v Kapiti. Hutt Park

4 -1 (Paul Kennedy, Simon Millyn, Regan Steele, Justin Gulley)

It was a great day to play football & especially on the new playing surface at Hutt Park. We started a little slow with Kapiti going with the wind. They had countless corners but couldn’t put any of them away & hit the cross bar on one occasion.

After a little of a wake up call, we started to play our style of football. We penetrated into the final third & with some good delivery from the wings had a few chances to put the ball into the back of the net. Regan Steele was the closest with two headers just going wide. With chances being missed, I knew we would get more.

Against the wind we played the ball out of defence & into the midfield. Abass got his head up & saw Paul Kennedy making a forward run. He played a straight ball over the top & Paul out paced the centre half. The goalie came rushing out; Paul went around the goalie with ease & calmly passed the ball into the net. Good finish! 1 -0.

That settled us down & we continued to play a lot better. Still continuing to push forward, with some great work down the left side of the pitch. Stevie Gulley played the ball into Simon O’Neil, who continued his run forward. Cut back on himself to link with Paul. With a lot of pressure from the defenders, held the ball up well & drove the ball across the box. Simon Milly made a late run into the box on the blind side of his defender & passed the ball into the net. A great team goal! Being two goals up you would think we would push on & score more.

A few moments of lack of concentration & we gave away a needless free kick. Kapiti was only going to get something out of this game if we let them & we did. A long ball into the box, a deflected header & a mistake by the goalie. 2 -1 To be honest I was not very happy.

At half time, Besim & I told the players to keep moving the ball quickly & penetrate when you can. I knew if we did, more goals would come. We started bright in the second half & before long created many chances. Regan again came close, when he was played through but the goalie thwarted his attempt. We kept changing the picture by moving the ball across the pitch. Kapiti found it difficult to cope with us & was limited to one or two chances of their own.

Going forward with purpose, Regan was played through on goal. The goalie came rushing out, with a bit of a mix up. The ball broke free & Regan passed the ball into the net. 3-1 After more possession & chances on goal. We broke down the left flank, cut the ball back to Ross, who then played the ball into substitute Justin Gulley. He hit the ball from 25 yards, with his first touch. Drove the ball into the bottom right of the net. Great goal! It was another well work team goal. 4-1

The final score should have been much higher with the amount of good chances we created but the sloppy finishing let Kapiti of the hook. Overall I was happy with the attitude of the players, how they approached the game & their performance.

Simon