Knobs 2 Goldings Grandads and young ‘uns 1

What a feisty encounter! And it had all started so well. Nets and goals were up before we even got in to the changing room. This new management team…it’s a different gravy. Even the shirts were hanging on the wall!

The game kicked off (after a discussion about league rules) in what can only be described as miserable conditions. We had a new goalie in the first half. Step forward Dave Jordan. He knows how to give. And take based on a tackle in the second half. Doggy is his favourite. Anyway, it was a competitive game with a few chances at both ends. On a tricky pitch, there was some nice inter-linking play between Mike, Andy and Gavin but unfortunately no outcome. Richard battled hard in the 1st half in the centre of midfield but for some reason they seemed to have the edge. They were just bigger and stronger in that first half. Their goal came from a corner, where the ball managed to squeeze past Alistair at the near post and their striker chested it in. Dave at some point tipped a shot on to the post but before half time we were level thanks to a wonderful strike from Andy on an angle. It nearly burst the net. Like ‘Hot Shot’ Hamish.

At half-time, a discussion was had about tactics and soon Dave was out on pitch and Gavin was put in goal. A clean sheet was to come. Chris Cox had also come on to the field for the unlucky Mike. We seemed to be stronger in the second half. Got more in to them and harassed them somewhat. John Boyle showed his battling qualities and the right side combo of him and Darren looked particularly solid. Chris and Tony were also playing a much higher line which seemed to help enormously with defensive stability. Bully was also coming into his own with some nice turns and touches and it was from his curling free-kick that saw us get the 2nd goal. The keeper could only parry it out to Andy who happily tucked it away like the fox in the box that he is. That was his eighth goal in the league. Impressive stuff considering the number of games he has played.

After that, it all got a bit tense. Ron managed a difficult 2nd half very well. There was a bit of time wasting going on, a few tough tackles, some foul language…it was as if we were playing Sandy! With around 10 minutes to go, Grandad finally lost it and shoved Dave in the back. Fisticuffs looked on the cards with Tony having a Usain Bolt moment in supporting Dave…clearly he is trying to impress the new management team so he won’t get locked in the changing rooms again. A sending off occurred. A rare moment in a Vet’s game but afterwards in the pub it was all hunky dory. Ooo…I nearly forgot to mention Alistair’s rugby tackle with the young lad. A marvellous sight to behold. That’s what you want to see from your leaders. Grit, determination and some suspected broken ribs. It is obvious that we should all be thankful for our week off before we play our last league game.

Well done everyone. A tight game but as Brad Gilbert says, sometimes you have to win ugly and yesterday, we did that.