MBDA 0 Knobs 5 - Report by Gavin Simpson

As the song goes ‘What a difference a day makes…’. Well…maybe a week (or a month for some of us). On the morning that England were getting soundly thrashed by the Aussies in the cricket and the Scottish Henman was being annihilated by Djokevic, the KNOBS came as one and absolutely ‘smashed it’, like Jamie Redknapp on a Thomas Cook holiday. Against a weakened MDBA mind, but smashed it all the same…this league is about strength in depth and boy, did we see ours on Sunday.

Anyway…onto the report of the game and to mis-quote Eric Morecambe, this report will have all the key points but not necessarily in the right order. But it doesn’t matter really. The joy is in the scoreline. No bouts of depression this sunny Monday morning!

With a 4-4-2 formation, as scribbled down by Ron, the game got off to a fairly even start but we were soon pressurising superbly on what has to be said, was an awful pitch. An early warning sign for MBDA came when a cross from Gavin was narrowly headed wide (or maybe it was into the keeper’s arms) by John Boyle. The first goal came after some excellent closing down from Andy on their goalkeeper. After getting the ball off the keeper, Andy whipped in a lovely cross that Gavin headed home – it was probably the third most decisive goal of the game. The second came soon after and it was a peach of the goal. Many said (I think it was John) that it was the goal of the decade. Again, pressure counted, this time from Gavin who hassled a defender and then sent in a lovely cross that John volleyed home with aplomb. Beautiful stuff. KNOBS were on fire. After this or maybe it was between the two goals, Trevor had made an excellent save in a one-on-one, although to be fair, it was redemption having given the ball away in the first place. By half time, John had missed another glorious chance from another beautiful cross from Andy and Tony had given us a rendition of the Status Quo dance on the edge of the area as he chested/handled two shots on goal. ‘Handball’ came the cry but the ref played on. ‘HANDBALL’ came a second cry (but this time a little louder) and soon a penalty was awarded. Everyone was flabbergasted but in consultation with the lino (Martin – ‘a bit of a looker’) a free-kick was given that sailed into the arms of Trevor.

At half-time, changes were made. Strength in depth showed as Martin and Mike came on for Gavin and Chris (the pivot in attack). Nice to see Bully on the sidelines supporting – a real clubman – not like those who were complaining about fees in the changing room – you should be ashamed!!! However rumour has it that you can’t change a winning side and therefore Bully might find himself warming the subs bench next week. In the second half MGMT started off with new vigour but after a corner (or something), a hesitant defended let Alistair score what proved to be THE decisive goal of the game. 3-0 and it was game over. Still…more goals came. A beauty from Mike…that’s right. A beauty from Mike! EXPERTLY finished. And a deserved goal for Andy (the second most decisive goal (as it made it 5)) who ran his socks off. Tony went into the book after hacking down one of their forwards. At the time we didn’t know if he got a yellow card or not but Chairman Al sorted it out in the pub afterwards and made sure he had. Defensively we were sound throughout, with Brendan having a barnstorming game – full of energy – playing in his unique position of left wing forward back. Chris Griffiths was a rock as always and the midfield duo of Darren and Richard were outstanding. They harassed and hurried MBCA all game and never let them rest. As we walked off the pitch victoriously, some were saying it was the best we had played in a long time. And with that result, who could disagree. Pub was well attended and the Royal Oak produced some lovely grub. The curry had extra ginger in it to give it that special ‘melt the lips’ taste. Mmmm.

A week ago, there was despair. This week, there is triumph. To finish with a quote ‘THE KNOBS ARE DEAD. LONG LIVE THE KNOBS!’