On a glorious morning, the fringe players were ready to take on a bunch of guys looking to get fit. On paper it sounds like a hard game but in reality, it wasn’t. We were without our managers – James was visiting the comedy circuit in Blackpool looking for decent material for next week’s blog and Darren was visiting Leicester, to see what a home of Champions looks like.
In the changing room, Chairman Al (the manager of the day) read out the team sheet and then derided the squad for wishing to play 40 minutes each way. Even female footballers play 45 minutes!!! That was the key argument. We had an attacking team and so we assumed there would be plenty of goals at both ends. Naturally this didn’t happen, mainly due to our profligacy in front of goal. I wouldn’t blame the centre forwards but ultimately you have to blame someone, so yes, I blame the centre forwards. Having said that, the first goal of the game came from a towering header from Banksy who was only starting his second game of the season. That man must be leading the stats chart for goals per minutes played. He pulled up in the second half during his stint in goal. This lead to the introduction of Lee in goal who played like Pat Jennings. That means knowing none of the goalkeeping rules that have been introduced over the past 30 years. He did do a point blank save though but that was after spilling an initial shot.
They scored when one of their players strode through the middle of the park and fed the ball to a centre forward who put it past our first goalie Dave ‘Choo Choo’ Jordan. He was soon replaced by Gavin who kept another clean sheet for his 30 minute stint and then came out in the second half and scored a magnificent winner after a superb run and cross by Woody. The calmness Gavin showed in front of goal was a lesson to all the other forwards playing.
Overall, the team played some really good football at times and with a great team spirit. From front to back there was plenty of energy and good play. Gerry and Lee were solid as full backs and Darren Bedford had a very good game in the centre back position who was also a threat at set pieces. Martyn was the play making centre back, who cajoled the players in front of him. Barney was exceptional in the centre of the park and Greg showed good energy alongside him. Chris Cox had a steady game on the right flank whilst Gavin offered a big threat with his lightening runs. Up front Dave got into some excellent positions but unfortunately couldn’t finish and Banksy showed his prowess in front of goal as always. Woody came on and his pace unsettled their defenders and always looked like he had a goal in him. Well done to Chairman Al who sat in his chair the whole game and inspired the troops.
Down the pub, everybody had a lovely time. It was also good to see Bully supporting the team on the sideline. Surely he’s in the running for Clubman of the Year. Next week a double header. One that Linda Lovelace would be proud of.
No comments:
Post a Comment