Well where shall I start! A lot went on in this game, much more than I can remember. I do remember there were 2 own goals a goal keeper howler a sublime curling shot which ended up in the top corner and a sending off and to top that lot there were 9 goals!! Todays opponents looked a fit young side although the majority of them were in their 30's, must be something in the Stevenage water. Their fitness proved vital later in the game. The first half started at a pace with both teams carving chances early doors. We were fortunate to go one nil up by courtesy of an own goal. Not long after that we found ourselves 2 up with Simon AKA Sergio bundling the ball over the line. I know I sound a bit vague as I cant remember much of the first 20 minutes as I got a phone call from our sorely missed ex manager Sir Ronald. He must be missing us and the whole Sunday morning football thing. It was one of those rare occasions that we had a balanced side and were playing some effective but simple football. Needless to say Royal Oak were moving the ball about nicely themselves which is why they scored in the dying minutes of the half. Their centre forward who was pretty nippy considering he was wearing a figure hugging shirt had us in trouble on a number of occasions luckily he left his scoring boots at home. Second half started like the first both teams passing the ball neatly and I for one was impressed with what was on show. We get another fortunate own goal and cement our lead. Then came the goal of the game. Sergio who impressed all game picked up the ball left side of the penalty box and swerved an inch perfect curler which had the keeper beaten before it left his foot. Not intent with scoring a great goal the fella has a models look like he should be in a catalogue selling golf equipment and I bet he plays the piano and speaks 3 different languages! Anyway 4 1 and were looking comfortable for the win until it went all pear shaped with our new left back Dave K taking a swipe at one of their guys and Alistair who was acting as justice of the peace grassed him up to the ref and was duly sent from the pitch. Hence to say I was subbing Sergio and slotting Alistair at the back to make 5. All that went out the window as Alistair now holds the fair play award. It didn't take long for them to score to make it 4-2 . Straight from the kick off Phil tried one of his long rangers from the centre circle. Brimming with confidence the goalie shouted "Im not that bad" or words to that effect and decided to let the ball bounce through his legs. Give Phil another cigar! We switched off for the last 20 of the game and allowed them to attack at every opportunity. The long ball over the defence was catching us out every time. They reduced the deficit and we were 5-4 up with 10 minutes to go. They smacked our cross bar and had enough chances to win the game. I thought our defence were resolute with Tony and Martyn pairing well again. See Martyn you are a centre back in the making. Tony K played really well you can't see many people getting the better of him this season especially if he gives them a slap!! Thanks to Sean for helping out. Adrian needs some fitness if he wants to be a regular but didn't look out of place. Joel had a blinder as well as Sergio and Paul who always looks the part. Phil was pinging balls around as usual. Darren and Bully were industrious in the middle although had their work cut out against younger opposition. On this display the future is definitely bright in fact its orange which is the colour of the new kit in our next game. Before I disappear in my own verbal diarrhoea we have a charity game on the 31st for the Amy Winehouse foundation please make your presence felt it will be nice to support this worthy charity.
Toodle P
