The North End Derby between Portland Timbers supporter’s teams North End United and the TAFC took place on Sunday, September 27th 2009. The battle for bragging rights was a hotly contested affair, and incredibly entertaining to participate in.
The first half had NEU and TAFC pushing forward and trying to open the game up. As both teams made run after run to no avail tension began to mount. The TAFC back line was absorbing pressure very well, and new signing Anthony Perez in goal was called upon to make several stops early in the game.
It was during the first half that the game was established as a physical affair as the referee began letting hard challenges go uncalled for both teams. The referee also made several dubious calls regarding hand balls. As the referee made it clear that the game was going to be allowed to get physical both teams began playing in a very chippy manner. Near the midpoint of the half North End United manager/midfielder Jerry Langan got into an altercation with TAFC striker David Perez, after an NEU player kicked David in the face while challenging for a ball, and David responded by throwing the NEU player down. Jerry was calmed down and play continued.
The best chance for TAFC came near the end of the half when Pat Cosgrove sent a ball through the middle releasing David Perez on a run into the box. The NEU keeper came off his line and challenged for the ball, David was unable to poke the ball through as the NEU keeper held on to keep the score level.
Though both teams had several opportunities to score the halftime whistle was blown to a 0 – 0 score line.
The second half started quickly as NEU exploited a gap in the TAFC midfield and back line. Simon O’Gorman made a run into the box and passed the ball off to Marcus Nelson who dumped it into the back of the net.
At the restart the TAFC needed to regain some confidence as NEU stepped up to push on the tiring back line. Several shots from NEU were pushed wide as the TAFC began asserting themselves again. At roughly the 55′ minute mark Simon O’Gormon was booked for a hard challenge as the TAFC made a push forward. The TAFC continued to push forward, and it was only moments after Simon’s booking that he received his second yellow, and was shown the red card as 
Donald Bramlet was knocked unconscious by the ball during a scrum in front of the NEU goal. Simon’s ejection was due to yelling at Donald while Donald was on the ground. In the confusion of the moment the referee pulled out another red card and booked NEU defender Brendan O’Hanlon for what the ref thought was threatening behaviour, which was actually a mistake on the part of the referee. The red card was redacted, and Brendan was allowed to continue to play.
As the mid-point of the half approached NEU Left Wing Joel Weakland made a run and had the ball taken from him by a tackling Chris Sabroe. The referee blew for a foul as Joel Went to ground outside the area. Joel Weakland set up the shot and sent the ball over the TAFC wall and into the far post net sending the score to 2 – 0.
The TAFC began to try and find a way back into the match. Josh Thompson very nearly brought the TAFC within striking distance as a ball from David Perez found his head, and just kissed the top bar and went out for a goal kick. Gary Foubister was in the NEU box with the ball and was able to send a clever back heel to Chris Tschirley who sent the ball into the net catching the NEU keeper flat-footed. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and the North End Derby ended with a score of 2-1 North End United with the win.
The North End Derby was a physical and highly contested match. The TAFC and NEU face off once again on November 1st, 2009. both teams hope that a referee will be found that can keep both sides level headed, and therefore making for a more enjoyable game.
Stats
Chris Tschirley – 1 Goal – Yellow Card
Gary Foubister – 1 Assist
Starting Lineup: Anthony Perez (GK), Chris Tschirley (D), Jamey Billig (D), John Gaffney (D), Nando (MF), Stephen Chen (MF), Gary Foubister (MF), Tom Harrison (MF), David Levine (MF), Josh Thompson (MF), David Perez (F)
Players In: Roy Payne (D), Jerry Makare (D), Eric Berg (D), Joe Held (M), Donald Bramlet (MF), Pat Cosgrove (MF), James Gordon (MF), Tim Chamberlin (D), Kip Kesgard (D), Abe Goldman-Armstrong (D), Chris Sabroe (MF)
Players Out: Sean Moran (Suspension), Cian Dalton (Travelling), Jason Elstad (Other Team), Steve Keunzi (Traveling)
Next Match:
October 4th – 9:30am – Gresham High School – TAFC(home) v. Deacon Blue
GPSD Table
- Deacon Blue – 2 – 0 – 1– 8 – 5 – 7pts
- South VN – 2 – 1 – 0 – 13 – 12 – 6pts
- North End United – 2 – 1 – 0 – 6 – 4 – 3pts
- Onetouchables – 1 – 1 – 1 – 9 – 8 – 4 pts
- Mayday – 0 – 1 – 2 – 7 – 10 – 2pts
- TAFC – 0 – 3 – 0 – 8 – 13 – 0pts
Timbers Army Football Club 