No - your eyes do not deceive you, the threadbare Knobs (bare 11) took on the mighty Walkern with their superfluity of on -off subs on a baking hot day and won!
This game had cancellation written all over it until Wednesday, when Steve's assistance helped me make up the numbers. There was a very poor player availability for this attractive, longstanding fixture.
On the day I wished I'd called it off when we were hit by Chris G's withdawal with back spasms- at least he turned up and watched, but his new boots went unused. Steve's no show was my fault I should have emphatically said come but I didn't. Darren didn't show?
So I had to ask their bloke to ref, play meself with the unmended arthritic knee and in Brendan's trainers. We had Andy in goal and Des centre forward, both thanks to Steve and Kel at right back thanks to Brendan.
I felt chosing to kick uphill first half was a clever ploy in damage limitation but fuck me with a nasty big nail we outplayed them and beat them. We had more chances, more shots and ultimately thanks to Des, (Des again in a way- unselfish square ball) and myself two more goals than them at the final whistle.
Andy was very sound, handling with aplomb throughout but the back four were well organised and excellent.
Kel at right back, Roy and Simmo in the centre and Twiggy left back tackled, positioned themselves and cleared their lines all day long. Everyone worked well to cover gaps and pressurise them on the ball so that they were inevitably reduced to mispassing or wellying over a number of hopeful crosses.
Nae danger.
Mark Mills worked like a Trojan as did Brendan, right midfield. Pity after Brendan has made a run into their penalty area he can't do a bit of a Bolt back to our area to defend. Steve would be so happy! Excellent Martin and Steve, in the centre, controlling the game with tackles, interceptions and incisive passing (Steve flattened 3 times by their number 2- I would have said nothing, he looked a real mean Mr Mustardseed). Des and Ron had their share of joy upfront. So pleased to hit the Fox at the finish, where the ham rolls proved altogether..............well proved our catering manager has not had the quiet word yet!!!! Howay Dave!
Next game will be a tough one at home to Garston. Their best team. A selection conundrum?
Don't forget the golf on Friday and the cricket tournament on Sunday- contact Bill.
Ron
PS The goals- number 1- a good move from our keepers' hands, via some passes out to Mark Mills then a lovely diagonal ball drawing a well timed run by Des saw him enter the area and sidefoot home. Never offside- it was their linesman as well who was adamant it was onside.
Number 2- another back to front passing move saw Des running in on goal from the left, a square ball to Ron saw him complicatedly tap home via the goalie's lunging leg. Who the fuck likes simple anyway. You've got to be on the spot though.
