Knobs 2 Goldings 1

That's better, refreshed.
First win of the season and a bit of a struggle against a doughty 10 men. they had six call offs that morning but hey......
Dave started in goal and looked the part. Latest centre forward Simon on the bench and off we jolly well went. Surely too good a side for their 10 men, which the result eventually proved. Just! In the first minute our forward line, Andy, was through 1-1 with the keeper, scuffed and was thwarted. So it went on as we attacked. We were never anywhere near convincing with our finishing- shooting call it what you will. Dry pitch, bouncy and bobbly? Oh yes what a scorcher of a day, well done to all participants for existing through it.
Their chances were not converted, two of them in the first half due to sloppy cross field passes across the back which were intercepted. One shot crashed against the bar with Dave confidently.......
It soon panned out into a game of our attacks and their energetic defending. their centre half was speedy and classy. A notable feature was, with so much possession, people on the ball had the time to try and do too much themselves. An unaccustomed luxury of too much time and space. As a result attacks lacked momentum, pace and usually ended up with the wrong players trying to hit killer balls. Very disjointed. But despair not, thought they all, it's just a matter of time.
It shouldn't have been like that. With time and space the easy ball through the opposition was disdained. Perhaps it was the heat!
Half time 0-0.
Brendan replaced Dave in goal, his hand swollen from a hornet's sting. How confident is that?
Our shooting continued to be poor , though the woodwork was struck a few times. Our heading is poor to non existent so as to doubt the wisdom of us employing anything so prosaic as a cross.
But then we scored in a scramble which saw John Boyle gleefully tap in from close range.
They had some attacks, patient and steady, mainly through the energy and bustle of their young centre midfield man. I'll be 71 when he qualifies as a vet.
Brendan did a nice chicken shooing scoop round the post- taught him all I knew. He then saved us 3 or 4 times in the space of an attack (somehow) before retiring hurt. Steve Bull voluntarily took to the gloves. Noone was remotely interested in passing to him outfield so he made a good choice. The corner, conceded by Brendan's last act, flew over, was undefended and was backheeled in from a yard. Steve's keeping debut was in tatters- a clean sheet for 7 seconds. We did score a winner quite easily. Ball moving from right to left, reaching Andy who almost apologetically slotted home. look how easy that was !
We had a penalty denied when their centre half headed down onto his arm. Construed as unintentional and could hardly been seen as giving them an advantage! In the last seconds the referee did not see a lashed cross which apparently struck Tony's arm, arms and belly, arms, belly, willie and kneecap. Whatever. I'd turned to look to the linesman to see if he'd flagged for a throw in and missed the ensuing cross. Implored to ask honest Tony if he'd handled it, I did. He said no. Their man then said that's what we'd all say! Then what was the point of asking me to ask him? Circularity and non sequiturs.
Result 2-1.
Pub, few of them, a good few of us.

Insanus omnis furere credit ceteros!

Tips. Play to our strengths. Ball to feet where feasible. Running into space not a strength of ours except when Andy and Gavin are in the team. Remember Steve Bull stands around promisingly in midfield to help those whose strengths are elsewhere located, to pass the ball accurately, otherwise what's the ........
Principles.
We decide to recruit players when it's urgent, like 5 years ago, and the committee usually rubberstamps this. We have quite a squad of players signed and paid up presently, regardless how old, bow legged, slow, blind or batty they are and they are the cards the club plays with. Newcomers desperate to join our illustrious club in these circumstances must wait and take their chance when opportunity arises, like Darren H did originally and if I may say so like I did myself, months went by waiting for a call.
We have used 3 new centre forwards in 5 games. If they are keen they will understand the policy and will gradually fit in.

Most promising and improving player of the year. Bill reminded me of the now defunct award that used to be presented. Perhaps it should be resuscitated for several reasons, not least being the acknowledgement that we are none of us the finished article.

Goalkeeper:
Trevor played 2 conceded 11
Paul played 1 conceded 7
Ron played 1 conceded 2
Brendan played 20 minutes but now retired due to broken fingers - conceded 0
Steve played 25 minutes conceded 1
Dave played 45 minutes conceded )
AND the NEW KNOBS keeper is........ DAVE!!!!!! Stats never lie.

OCTOBER 16th game away to Harpenden. It is apparent that we are going to be short of several players that day. First thoughts were we should cancel early. But chat in the pub suggested we should play the fixture utilising less regular players. Probably correct, especially since we have no spare dates in our fixture list to re-schedule. SUGGEST people contact Dave early to pledge their availablity and commitment.
Available so far, Chris G, Ron, John B, Brendan, Chris W (probably), Chris C (possibly), Gavin,
Dave.

I have whittled at length, not a jot more will I wit.
Goodbye.