Walkern 1 Knobs 4

The oppo star player heads clear

A sweltering September morning saw the veterans take on their local rivals Walken at Thomas Alleyn School. We all arrived early (well some of us did) to find that the opposition were struggling to find a team. They eventually found the bare 11 and the game kicked off 15 minutes late.
The game started at a pace with the veterans chasing down the oppo at every opportunity. We were not allowing them timer on the ball which forced them to play wayward passes or play backwards. Darren and Bully were controlling the midfield with Darren on his game, constantly running down loose balls and Bully tracking back to cover. We were playing some great passing football mainly on the right using Gavin's pace. He was combining well with Kenny who was right back and Paul.
Our opener wasn't far away and Paul obliged with Robin their defender as he was passing it back, to slot pass the keeper. #1-0 Got to say their keeper was shit, to say the least. So with that in mind Darren, Phil, Paul and i'm sure one other tried to either lob him or shoot from a considerable distance. Paul had two chances in quick succession and fluffed his lines on both occasions. Darren had a hit and hope (he would say different) which hit the bar and Phil was just  trying his luck. Eventually Paul had a thunderous half volley which found the top corner. A goal to grace any game. Two in as many games, in fact it was pretty similar to last weeks terrific effort which found the same corner. More of the same please.
Our third goal was class personified. It started with Tony, playing a short pass from goal and the ball being stroked around from defence to midfield and out to the wing where Gavin played a triangle with Paul (I think) and then made his way into the box. This sweeping move was something to behold as Gavin was the final touch that passed the ball in the goal. Best "team" goal I have seen scored in my time at the club. Adding to that we barely gave the ball away. Our passing and vision was up there with the best of them. Not to dwell on it too much the goal we conceded was a poor back pass from Chris C who underestimated the thickness of the grass which helps their centre forward nip inbetween  defender and keeper to slot home an easy goal. That said, we didn't let it get to us and played some very attractive football to get the third.
Second half started a bit flat as we conceeded several corners in the first ten minutes which we revered well. We are becoming very organised when it comes to set pieces a lot of talking and directing, we will definitely need this in our tougher games during the season. After the early spell of pressure we found our form and were back to passing the ball around. Walkern were running out of puff and had no answers to our constant pressure. Which paid dividens as a ball played from the back again by Darren B (who looks solid for his 45 minutes) found Steve Bradley who in turn passed a neat ball to Paul who then passed across field to Gavin (I think). Within four passes the ball was in the box and found its way to Dan who slotted home. Another great goal to the collection. We were outstanding for all 90 minutes.
Good Tony - Some terrific saves in the second half and well organised with his defence.
Chris Cocks - Unfortunate back pass for their only goal but done a job in a position he is not used too.
Richard and Martyn - Forming a good partnership together although both learning the ropes. They were solid and resolute throughout.
Gavin - Power and pace. Not many people can cope with the electrifying speed. A great contribution.
Bully and Darren - Much better than last week. Were commanding in the middle, much quick on and off the ball. Both put in a shift. May it continue.
Phil - The Ernie Els of the team! The big easy looks effortless on the ball and gives himself more time with his sidesteps. Unfortunately injured before half time.
Paul - Such a solid player was player maker throughout the game/ Great vision when passing a long ball. Another one to add to his collection.
Dan - First game out field and didn't put a foot worng. Was in some great positions but didn't get the right pass. Can see him bagging a few goals soon.
Steve B - Linked well with Darren B, had loads of energy covering back and supporting.
Darren B - Had a great 45 minutes didn't shirk from a challenge and pleasing on the eye. More of the same for Sunday please. We are serious contenders this season don't forget it.
Uncle Tom Cobley - rubbish