Knobs 6 MBDA 2

Good game- it was the ref that won it!!!! All the usual emotional twaddle, I thought the ref had a good game, up with the play and gave what he saw with his usual blend of honesty and myopia. Howay lads give respect a chance or nae fucka will want to blaa thi whistle. "Mistakes av ad a few", but players want to see the mistakes they make and hear thi shite they talk- the wankers!
Anyway a still think it was an entertaining, enjoyable vets' football match on a good pitch on a lovely day. What more could you want in your dotage.
MBDA proved a much different side from last season, younger than us I would have thought and in the first half seemingly fitter, more energetic and better motivated. Thought they played some really good stuff and were unlucky to be only 1-0 up at the break. They were kicking uphill mind when controlled approach play seems somewhat easier on our pitch. They also had an essential benefit of playing well ie. they were keen to play and were ENJOYING themselves.
Mark pulled off one world class save first half, but could do nothing to prevent their well worked opener. Individually, elsewhere in the first half, execution of passes was not very good and workrate diminished in the general depression. Our back 4 (average age 52- a worked it oot) was under severe pressure.
Second half was ultimately a different story, though still well fought.
Playing better uphill, playing to strengths, with some luck and with great improvement individually, enjoyment returned and 'mares' were banished. Eventually we equalised with the front runners eager to exploit space behind the back 4 and Steve finding his passing range, Gavin raced away and smashed in an unstoppable shot from the right. Enjoyment was shortlived as they scored again direct from a free kick that's only virtue was that it was on target. Was it a free kick or did the boy dive. Well it was Roy who lunged but was the ref fooled? 2-1.
Shortly after came what they might regard the turning point a handball by their centre half leading to a penalty that Steve bobbled into his favourite place. Sorry Peter but my vision said you played the ball in surprise, with a deliberate thrust of your arm as it bounced on you. 2-2.
Still loads of time left for either side to win the game.
Brendan had exited for a golf tournament at half time to be replaced by John Boyle and now after another world class save Mark went off with a 'pinged' calf. John Twigg deputised. Were we up against it? Ye of little faith- John stopped a couple dead with different anatomical parts before producing a genuine save tipping a fierce shot round the post.
More goals came for us, two from 'assister' Matt, the header from a break and instant high cross from Gavin was particularly pleasing. Our best and probably only accurate cross of the season.
Steve banged in a free kick, from some distance, high into the top corner after Gavin , sprinting through was hauled back and Phil scored possibly our best constructed goal from 10 yards after sweet, unselfish play from Mark Mills and Matt. Mark M, on as a sub, played well and foraged hard. Phil hit the post from distance and the game finished. Hacker commits too many unnecessary fouls but he has a reputation to safeguard.
A disappointing turnout at the pub, when none of the opposition showed and we were punished with an extra tray of suasge and potatoes. Is salt free or something by the way?
Next week Blunham aka Sandy away at Moggerhanger - sounds enticing.

Ron- nearly 65