Record Gate Receipts!

Massive thanks to Debbie, Trish, Toms' Nan,Sam and Jess for raising funds by selling Teas, coffees, rolls and sandwiches, at the Binfield Cup match. Their fantastic efforts go towards trophys and equipment for the team.

STATS: Results

STATS: Top Scorers

Chris:Man Of Training

FANZONE: Take That!

Emma Evans couldn't support Real Milan on Sunday, but she did recruit Gary Barlow ex lead singer of Take That to our army of supporters!

Anthony Goes For Goal

Results from Yesterday

Burnham Yellows 2 Slough Junior Cherokees 1
Uxbridge Park Rangers 2 Britwell United 1

Cup
Taplow United 5 Marlow Royals 0

Brazilian Magic!

Unlucky Ant

Despite a fantastic leap by Real 'Keeper Anthony McCarroll, Binfields Harrison makes it 4-1 from the spot.

Rick Heads Clear

Ricky Wheeler produced another "John Terry like' performance, before he went off injured at half time.

PENALTY

Tom In Action

Real Milans left back Tom Emery produced another excellent performance.

The Prolific Anthony Gardner Scores Again

After Match Quotes

"Much much better, great team effort"--Roger Evans Real Milan Manager
"Very well done lads. Brilliant"---Uri Geller Reals President
"I saw so many good things today, Lewis and Anthony G were quality"---Tariq Hussain Real Milan Manager
"Your 'keeper is excellent" ---Tom Williams from Anglesy
"Brilliant"---- Sam Gardner

Real Ease Through To Next Round

Real Milan won through to the next round of the Cup with an excellent performance against NE Hants Div 3 Champions Binfield FC. Their were excellent performances all round with Jordan Pritchard earning the Man Of The Match Trophy.
Real started off brightly with Lewis Martin and Ashley Kang linking well on the right, and creating some fine openings. It was from this combination that Milan grabbed the opening goal on 20 mins, brilliantly tucked home by Anthony Gardner. 10 minutes later a quality Kang pass set up the overlapping Martin and from outside the area he chipped into the top left hand corner to put The Whites two up. Real should have and could have scored more, with Scott Lawrie Jack Evans and Anthony Gardner having plenty of efforts saved or just over. At the other end Ricky Wheeler and Chris Zuber restricted Binfield to just a few half chances.
At half time Real faced their first crisis of the afternoon. Wheeler and Karim Usmani indicated they couldn't carry on as they were carrying injuries. Jack went to centre back with Kevin Long taking Jacks place. Ashley moved into the centre for Karim and Sam Haggerty went to right midfield.
Real quickly found their rhythm in the second half, and 5 mins in, Jordan Pritchard burst through the area avoiding three tackles, and planted a left foot rocket high into the roof of the net. 3-0 . Eight minutes later the game was effectively over when the superb Ashley Kang blasted a sweet right foot volley from outside the area to make it 4-0. Josh Lake then came on for the last 20 minutes and replaced the awesome Anthony Gardner. Anthony was excellent throughout and played his best game ever in a Real Milan shirt.
Binfield came more into the game and following a clumsey challenge, earnt a penalty which was cooly dispatched. 4-1. With Chris Zuber injured and no more substitutions, Real played on with effectively 10 men. And following some sloppy defending Binfield waltzed through to grab a second and reduce the deficit.
Scott Lawrie hit the bar late on with a ferocious shot, Kevin cracked in a couple, and Josh was thwarted by some last ditch tackles, but in the end Real were comfortable winners.
All the team played very well and Real produced some quality passing at times. Tom Emery was reliable and creative at the back and Anthony MacCarroll was in fine form when called upon.
Special word for two lads who didn't get on but showed superb attitudes towards supporting their team-mates. DannyO'Sullivan and Harley McAuley were unfortunate in that there are only 3 subs in cup games. Although they were rightly disappointed they recieved plenty of praise all round for their great responses. They will get their reward during the season, no doubt.
So Real are through to the next round of the cup and more importantly they played very well.
On a less positive note Ricky and Karim maybe out for two weeks with injuries.

News Just In!

Fixture News For October

Oct 2nd Britwell United v Real Milan
Oct 9th Real Milan v Uxbridge Park Rangers
Oct 16th Burnham Yellows v Real Milan
Oct 23rd Iver Heath v Real Milan

Great Work Anthony

Anthony Gardner was Man Of Training tonight, and looks a definite starter for tomorows Cup match against Binfield FC. Anthony showed all the qualities needed to improve his play.
A willingness to listen, the ability to concentrate, and the determination to give 100%.
Keep it up Ant!

Real Milan PS2 Game

Table SSC Division 3

Hello! Out Now

Real Milans New Away Kit

Talks between Nike agents and Real Milans Marketing Executives are at an advanced stage and there will soon be an announcement regarding Reals new away kit.
More Details as we get them

Next Match

We are at home to Binfield in the Cup on Sunday and hopefully we will be playing on the Pavillion pitch. More details after training on Saturday

Words Of Advice From Thierry Henry

Henry himself believes that Arsenal's youngsters need to learn how to play as a side and not a collection of individuals, admitting that the recklessness of youth must be forgotten in the pursuit of success.
"You win things as a team, when I was young I had to learn that," said Henry.
"When I was young I wanted to showboat at times, sometimes I just wanted to please the crowd.
"But in this game you learn quickly that you need to be efficient and to be good for the team.
"Sometimes you may think it makes you look bad individually, but you need to do it for the team.
"That was difficult for me at the start of my career - putting my own ego on one side - and playing for the team.
"But once you understand that, all the other things open up for you.
"Individually, players like Jose, Cesc Fabregas and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie are great players and every team would like to have them.
"But we need to go back to trying to play for each other as a team.
"We have to spend less time on the ball and move it on quicker. If we do that then we will be the side everyone else fears."

Jordan Man Of Training

Classy Jordan Pritchard was on fine form in training tonight. His work rate, enthusiasm and willingness to learn showed just why he's a front runner for The Player Of The Month Award.
Anthony Gardner also did exceptionally well.

Check Out Binfield FCs Excellent website

read it here http://www.binfieldfc.com/under14ssaturday/
Real Milan meet Binfield FC in the cup on Sunday

Well Done to Jack Lewis And Harley

Real Milan players recieve their SDK Sponsored Man Of The Match Awards.

What The Papers Say

Results

Slough Soccer Combination
Division 3
Britwell United 0 Burnham Yellows 0
Slough Cherokees 4 Iver Heath 4
West Drayton BC 3 Real Milan 8
Sunday September 18th 2005

Cup Draw

Minor Cup Under 14

PRELIMINARY ROUND Matches to be played on Sunday September 25th 2005 Kick Off 2-30 p.m.
DRAW
1 Brook End Colts v Water Eaton Youth AFC
2 Southside United v Scot Youth
3 City Colts v Bye
4 Wendover Junior v Bye
5 Risborough Colts vBye
6 Risborough Rangers Juniors v Aylesbury Town Youth
7 Waterhall Stars v Newport Pagnell Town
8 Haddenham Youth vDown Barns Juniors
9 Willen Juniors vWing Raiders Juniors
10 M K Wanderers v Bye
11 Aylesbury Vale Colts v M K Magpies
12 Aylesbury Town v Bye
13 Great Linford v Bedgrove Dynamos
14 Milton Keynes Athletic v Bye
15 Moretonville Junior v Cold Harbour Colts
16 New City Saints v Aylesbury Vale Youth
17 Widmer End United v Prestwood Colts & Girls
18 Maidenhead United Magpies v Bye
19 Downley Dynamos v Chalfont Saints Athletic
20 Farnham v Penn & Tylers GreenJuniors
21 Stokenchurch Juniors v Chesham United ( Youth )
22 Chalfont St Peter AFC vBye
23 Chalfont Saints vBye
24 Burnham Junior v Holmer Green
25 Bourne End Junior Sports Club v Beaconsfield SYCOB Youth
26 Taplow Boys v Bye
27 Taplow United Youth v Marlow Royals
28 Totteridge v Marlow Youth
29 Holtspur v Loudwater
30 Flackwell Heath Minors v Hilltop Community Centre
31 Amersham Town Youth v Langley Saints
32 Langley Lions v Bye
33 Gerrards Cross & Fulmer Youth v Bye
34 Ashridge Park v South Reading
35 Cookham Dean vReeves Rangers
36 Slough Juniors vBye
37 Real Milan v Binfield
38 New Windsor Youth v Bye
39 Old Windsor v F C Bracknell
40 Bracknell Cavaliers v Springfield
41 Shinfield Rangers Youth v Wokingham & Emmbrook
42 Finchampstead Youth v Bye
43 Woodley Hammers v Sandhurst Town Boys & Girls
44 Dynamos J F C v Twyford Comets
45 Warfield Predators v Eldon Celtic
46 Elm Park v Pinewood
47 Lower Earley Predators v Woodley Royals
48 Bracknell Town J F C v Iver Minors
49 Kennington Athletic v Bye
50 A F C Newbury Colts v Botley Boys & Girls
51 Childrey Challengers Juniors v Kennet Valley
52 Abingdon Youth v Westwood Wanderers
53 Caversham A F C v A F C Newbury Boys & Girls
54 Cumnor Minors vBurghfield
55 Aborfield Apaches v Barton Rovers
56 Reading Rangers Junior v Thatcham Town Harriers
57 Wickham Wanderers Youth v Thatcham Tornadoes
58 Didcot Boys v St Edmunds
59 Wantage Concords vBye
60 Hungerford Town Juniors v Didcot Casuals
61 Theale Tigers v Whiteknights
62 Calcot v Bye
63 Meadway Youth v Bye
64 Radley Youth v Bye

Scotts Gets His Second Of The Game

Harley Gets His Second

Scorers So Far...

Text Message From Uri

Hi everyone fantastic win!!!!
well done!!!! your president
uri geller

Anthony Opens His Account

7-up For Jack

Scott On The Score sheet

Kang Makes It Four!

Full Time Score

Match Report

Real Milan got their first 3 points of the season today with an emphatic 3-8 win over a hard working, physical West Drayton B C. Tom Emery,Karim Usmani, Louis Martin,Anthony Gardner and Jack Evans were rested from the starting line-up, and Kevin Long, Sam Haggerty, Chris Zuber, and Scott Lawrie were given their first Real Milan league starts.
Real started the game brightly with Josh Lake proving a handful upfront. Following one of his dangerous corners, Scott Lawrie missed a great chance with a far post header. The opening goal game on 15 mins with the impressive Harley McAuley keeping cool to fire a smooth right foot finish beyond the West Drayton "keepers dive. This woke the Whites up, and 10 mins later Scott tore through the opposition defence to rifle a shot against the post and then slam the rebound home. West Drayton kept thier heads up and within 5 minutes had pulled goal back. A great free kick by number 14 curled over the wall and into the back of the net, evading the outstretched hand of Anthony McCarroll. Milan hit straight back and 5 minutes before the break Scott put Real further in front with another well taken shot on the run. The Ref blew for half time with Real Milan looking for a fourth.
Real decided to make a few changes during the interval with Kevin taking a well earned rest, and Tom deputising, and Karim coming on for 2 goal Scott. Karim was to have an immediate effect that brought Real 4 goals in the next ten minutes. First Harley ran past three players, took it round the'keeper for 4-1 and then the industrious Ashley Kang grabbed 2 in five minutes, one a stunning left foot volley from a brilliant Danny O'Sullivan cross, to put Milan 6-1 ahead. Ashley was then substituted for Jack Evans, and within 4 minutes of coming on, he rifled in a left footer into the corner to make 7-1. Real made 2 more changes bringing Louis Martin on for Captain Jordan Pritchard and Anthony Gardner for Chris Zuber. While the defense adjusted to 3 at the back Milan let slip another goal. But Anthony Gardner determined to show his skills cracked a beauty to make it 2-8. West Drayton grabbed a late third in bizarre fashion, but by then the match was over. Harley McAuley took over in goal for the last 17 minutes, with Anthony McCarroll playing left midfield.
For Real the heroes of the day were the hard working Sam Haggerty, Daniel O'Sullivan, Ricky Wheeler and Josh Lake. But the superb Harley McAuley was easily The Man Of The Match.

SCOREFLASH: Real Milan Record Score

West Drayton 3 Real Milan 8

match report to follow

Tomorrows Match Details

New "Keepers Kit Revealed

Real Milans Merchandise Dept will tomorrow reveal the 2005-2006 season Goalkeepers kit. Available at the megastore from Monday

TEAM NEWS: Full Squad for Sunday?

Real Milan should have a full squad to chose from for the first time ever this weekend. There are no fresh injury doubts, and centre half Ricky Wheeler (back from Wales) is included in the 16 man squad. In exclusive interview with Real Milan Official News Rick said " Its good to be back, I hate missing matches and I was gutted that we lost on Sunday". He added, "I can't wait for the next match and I'm raring to go in training on Saturday".
Chris Zuber (knee) should also be back, and Sam Haggarty who missed training on Tuesday in pursuit of his Kick-Boxing Black Belt, should also be pressing for a place in the starting line-up.
Harley McAuley(rested) missed training on Tuesday but should be okay for Sunday.

Joe and Jack Swap Tips

Real Milans midfielder Jack Evans chats with Joe Cole of Chelsea and England.
Both will be hoping for a good result at the weekend.

Top Man Dan

Danny O'Sullivan was in fine form at Tuesday nights training session.
Right sided midfielder Danny, showed great composure on the ball,
and produced plenty of excellent well timed passes.
Josh Lake stunned everybody by easily winnining an 8 lap jog.

2369 Hits Since August 1st!

Press Reaction

Yesterdays Results from Division 3

Iver Heath 1 v Britwell United 2
Real Milan 2 v Taplow United Youth 5
Uxbridge P R 14 v West Drayton BC 2

Referees Report

Today’s match was the opening game of the season and saw new boys REAL MILAN take on Taplow United Youth who they have had numerous friendlies against in the pre-season warm up. The last being only last Sunday when REAL MILAN pulled off a spectacular 5 – 1 win after going behind early in the first half to an Elliott Christie penalty.
Today’s match started with REAL MILAN`s kick off and from the sound of the whistle Taplow were on the attack and were rewarded with an early opening goal by Daniel Fleet after just 3 minutes of play. REAL MILAN didn’t let this phase them in any way though and kept pressuring Taplow until in the 15th minute they were rewarded with a equaliser from Josh Lake. They then stepped up a gear and only 5 minutes later took the lead with a fantastic shot from Josh Lake which was deflected into the Taplow net by defender Nathan Tate who despite a valiant effort to stop the shot could do no more then help it on its way.
REAL MILAN kept pressuring and held off a number off Taplow attacks to go in at half time with a 2 – 1 lead. During the half time break the managers Roger Evans & Tariq Hussain plus coaches Chris O`Sullivan & Sean Lynch commended the players on their come back and the way in which they had not let their heads drop after Taplow scored. They also commended stand in centre back Jack Evans for the effort that he was putting in even though he was playing out of position. He was a solid defender and had been responsible for stopping a number of Taplow attacks.
Also during the half time break REAL MILAN manager Roger Evans substituted Harley Mcauley for Sam Haggerty. The second half started and after just 1 minute Taplow had equalised with a Daniel Fleet second which he lifted over REAL MILANs goalie Anthony McCaroll who despite a valiant effort could not prevent the ball from entering the goal. Once again REAL MILAN bounced back and started to pressure Taplow but unfortunately conceded another goal from Taplows hit man Daniel Fleet just a minute after his last during a Taplow counter attack.
Once again REAL MILAN pressed forward and despite a fantastic single effort to score the equaliser REAL MILANs Ashley Kang was thwarted both by the Taplow keeper James Brooker and Taplows defence but still managed to win REAL MILAN a corner. During the stoppage for the corner REAL manager Roger Evans substituted Anthony Gardener for Scott Lawrie. From the corner REAL were unlucky not to get their equaliser as once again Josh Lake drove a shot toward the Taplow goal but unfortunately pushed it just wide of the far post.
REAL MILAN continued to press for the equaliser but once again Taplow score with a superb effort from Ben Nathan during another Taplow counter attack 20 minutes from the end. REAL still didn’t give up the fight as they knew that there was still plenty of time to pull the game back. Despite appearances from REALs Kevin Long & return to the pitch of Anthony Gardener late in the second half REAL were unable to get another goal. Even though they had numerous chances to do so. REAL continued to battle to the end but unfortunately just 8 minutes from the end Taplow got their fifth when Daniel Fleet scored his fourth of the match.
REALs goalkeeper Anthony McCaroll pulled off a spectacular save late on in the stages finishing of the match to prevent Taplow from scoring a sixth. Other appearances during the match came from Taplow substitutes Aaron Stanmore, Ryan Davies, Daniel Boyle, Akash Rattu & Matt Peters.
At the final whistle both teams showed fantastic sportsmanship despite the final score.
REAL MILAN’s Jack Evans was awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance as a centre back during today’s game.

Golden Boot For Josh?

E-mail And Match Report From Taplow United

Roger, What a fantastic game!Good luck for the rest of the season.John Murphy

Real Milan 2 Taplow United 5
'New look' Taplow eventually won through against a quality Real Milan side but were made to work hard all the way. The match was everything a great game of football should be, the quality and ferocity of tackes from both sides was tremendous yet only one free kick was awarded the whole game, a credit to the sportsmanship and commitment of both sets of players.
Taplow 'came out of the blocks' quickly and enjoyed early pressure opening the scoring after just five minutes through Dan Fleet who just a minute later sent a 20 yard screamer just wide of the post. Milan fought back superbly levelling the score from long range and after a good spell during which they had Taplow hemmed in,took the lead just before half time.
Taplow keeper James Brooker had no chance with either goal.
The restart saw a rampant Taplow equalise through a Dan Fleet lob and take the lead when Ben Nathan capped a fine debut with a quality finish, all within a couple of minutes of the restart.Milan had little choice but to come out, the subsequent gaps at the back were exposed ruthlessly with Dan Fleet scoring two more fine goals, four goals inside 35 minutes!.
Not enough to win him man of the match though, that honour went to the magnificent Suki Bains who alongside Nathan Tate, Joe Chomiak and Josh Terry stood firm against everything Milan could throw at them.Taplow skipper Aaron Stanmore refused to sulk at being put on the bench and when he came on gave a performance to present the manager with yet another selection headache. This was the case also with Diddy Doyle and Ryan Davies who waited their turn came and as players tired and were magnificent.A great TEAM effort!!

Aftermatch Quotes

'Tell your lads to keep their heads up, you've got some great players. It just wasn't your day today. I'm glad we've got you out of the way as you're gonna do well this year'.--Taplow Manager John Murphy
'I'm not too disappointed, we missed Rick at the back and I feel we learnt a lot. If we'd got the third I think we would have won it' --Real Milan Manager Tariq Hussain.
'We were sloppy at times, we've got to concentrate more'----Chris O'Sullivan Real Coach
'You've got some talented players there cobber'---Duncan and Ben, Australian Real Milan fans
More quotes later

Action From Todays Game

Real Go Down To Taplow 2-5

In a thrilling match this afternoon, Real Milan went down 2-5 at home to Taplow United. Real's preparations were rocked before kick off with centre backs Ricky Wheeler and Chris Zuber ruled out. Karim Usmani and Jack Evans were drafted in, in their places in an emergency measure. It was a bold gamble as neither player had played their before. Taplow started the game much brighter than Real, and with The Whites still adjusting to the new line-up, Daniel Fleet took full advantage of defensive hesistancy and put a fine shot beyond 'keeper Anthony MacCarroll to put United 1-0 up. Taplow piled on the pressure and were unlucky not to go 2 up after some dangerous attacks. But on the quarter hour mark, Josh Lake thumped home a beauty to make it one each. Real started to dominate, and it was no surprise when they went ahead. A great through ball by Harley McAuley set Josh free again, and despite a great effort from the Taplow defender, he could only deflect Joshs goalbound piledriver into net. Real were now on fire, and a third goal looked inevitable. But when these two teams meet, expect the unexpected. The referee blew for half time with Real firmly on top, but the second half was to belong to Taplow. Virtually straight from the kick off an inoccuous through ball caught Milan cold, and Fleet pounced with a quality sissors kick to bring Taplow level. Worse was about to come for Real when 3 mins later Ben Nathan volleyed in to put Taplow ahead. Real fought back and Ashley Kang, Lake and Usmani peppered the Taplow defense with shot after shot. Usmani was pushed into his familiar centre midfield role and Milan gambled with three forwards as they pushed forward for an equaliser. Taplow stayed cool, with Josh Terry commanding in defense, and with two late goals by hitman Fleet, Taplow secured the three points.
SDK Sponsored Man of the Match was Jack Evans who played solid throughout.

Scoreflash!

Uri Geller Sends Best Wishes For Tomorrows Match

Real Milan President Uri Geller (pictured here with Arsenal legend Ian Wright) phoned from Germany today to wish the players good luck in tomorows game. 'I was really hoping to be there tomorrow, but my flight leaves late so I can't make it' he said from his Cologne hotel room."Tell the team to be positive and be sure to text me the result as soon as you can' he added.

Josh Looking Sharp

Josh Lake with three goals in his last two games warmed up for tomorrows opening day of the season with a dynamic performance in training tonight. Kevin Long was Man Of Training and also looks in fine form. The impressive Sam Haggerty, Reals last summer signing, stands by to play only his second match.

KICK OFF CHANGED TO 12.45

IMPORTANT NOTICE
PLEASE NOTE KICK OFF ON SUNDAY IS NOW AT 12.45PM
AND PLEASE REMEMBER 2 POUND SUBS.

Sundays Match

Sundays match is at home to Taplow United. Its the opening game in the Slough Soccer Combination Under14s Division Three. Details to be confirmed at training on Saturday.

Think About It

Real Christmas Party

Real Milan will shortly announce details of their Christmas Party.

Tariq Tells Players To Focus

Real Milan Coach Tariq Hussain was far from happy with the level of effort in training tonight. He said "They have got to realize that its hard work and concentration in training that helps you to win matches. "Half a dozen players were not focused tonight, and I'll be expecting much better on Saturday''. "On a positive note, it was good to see Jack, Ashley and Ricky maintaining their current high levels. Danny and Ant Mac were also looking much sharper.
Defender Chris Zuber was Man of Training as he was 100% focused throughout.

Good Work Fellas!

Andy Lawrie; Gave lifts, put up the nets, ran the line, and he lives over 70 miles away!
and Mr Kang; For excellent camera work and half time monetary suggestion!
Thanks from all the team.

Rickys Screamer

Rick makes it five

Hard Luck Goalie!

Anthony Gardner cooly lobs for the fourth,despite a great leap by the Taplow 'keeper.

What A Save!

The Taplow 'Keeper makes another brilliant save. This time from a Kevin Long thunderbolt

Go Harley

Harley McAuley celebrates the third and his first ever for Real Milan

What A Jump!

Tom Emery leaps high to block a Taplow through ball.

And Again..

Two -One! Josh Lake grabs his second

Josh Scores

Number18 Josh Lake fires in to make it 1-1

Real Hit Five

Real Milan finished their pre-season preparations with a fine 1-5 away win against Taplow United. Real were comfortable winners by the end but the first half was evenly contested. The Whites who surprisingly left Karim Usmani and Jordan Pritchard on the bench, began sluggish and got worse.
With few chances being made, and both 'keepers untroubled, the opening goal when it came was out of the blue. Taplow No 4 Daniel Fleet stroked a sweet through pass to the dangerous Elliot Christie. Ricky Wheeler came in to make a tackle but ended up bringing down Christie. The Referee had no hesistation and pointed to the spot. Although Milan players were insensed, Video replays suggest the Referee was totally correct. Up stepped Christie to smash the ball to 'keeper MacCarrolls right to give Taplow the lead.
At Half Time Real players were told to wake up and start playing. Usmani was brought on and within 7 mins of the restart Milan were level. Josh Lake siezed on to a Usmani through ball and slotted a great shot into the corner to equalise. Six minutes later it was that man Lake again who skipped through the Taplow defence to put Real Milan 1-2 ahead. Taplow, fought back and came close a few times with some wicked crosses into Reals box, but MacCarroll read the danger and cleared well. On 75 mins the hard working Harley McAuley got his reward with a great finish to put Milan further ahead. Anthony Gardner made it four, and then Ricky Wheeler rifled a rocket from outside the area to finish the scoring off.
For Real, everyone played their part but Lewis Martin won the SDK sponsored Man Of The Match Award with a solid, classy performance. He also won 2 tickets to watch Slough Town play at home. Special mention for Ashley Kang who worked his socks off.
Taplow weren't at their best and will be disappointed with the result, but they have more than enough quality to bounce back quickly and are still a force to be reckoned with. Their goalkeeper was fantastic and produced at least six top drawer saves.
Overall it was a great result, but Reals Management Team are acutely aware that they will face a more determined Taplow team in next weeks opener.There were no points at stake in this match and it will be a totally different ball-game next week.