Red (7): Colin, Darren, Gerald, James, Jim N, JP, Oz
Yellow (6): Ahmet, James C, Kevin, Matt, Jeremy, Richard N
Numerically even sides – defence vs attack? All the defensive eggs (Jeremy, Ahmet, Kevin, Richard N) on Yellow. A drier week meant the pitch was quite firm, even crusty in places which made for an uneven bounce. The game got underway and we quickly realised the other player involved; Bob-Lee Pitch. He was constantly blamed for poor control and wayward shots, rightly so it has to be said. Then from the mist, an apparition in blue – Darren, who was on Korean time, is allocated to Red. Game on! The aforementioned Bob-Lee made for a fairly random, bitty affair with a lack of the free-flowing movement we’re all used to. For example one of the biggest cheers was for Colin shepherding Ahmet for a throw in. A tight first half was punctuated in typical style by JP who bagged a couple of trademark strikes in the space of five minutes – both low, right-footed, across the goal. Yellow’s best chances came from throw-ins and corners where their overall height advantage could be felt. Red 2-0 up at half time.
The second half saw the introduction of a fine drizzle making for slippery conditions. Yellows, acknowledging their numerical inferiority, reorganised and defended deeper and squeezed the space to slow down the Ahmet juggernaut. These tactics reduced Red to only a few snippets in the second half but also reduced Yellow attacking options. Taking the aerial route, Yellow carved the better chances of the half with a series of excellent flick-ons from Ahmet. Red had their own chances. Some classic “Flying North” shots and JP being bounced around like a pinball by the Yellow defence but a stalemate ensued. With just one keeper change left Red got one back through Mr Crawford. Good pressure resulted in a crafty steal and he rode another challenge before unleashing into the net. This provided the rally and Yellow frantically threw everything forward to lay siege to the Red goal for the final five minutes and it was from a throw shortly after the shout of “15 seconds left” that Matt climbed to nod over the line. Incredible scenes! This is what we live for.
Final score: Red 2 – 2 Yellow
Quote of the game: “Control the bobble, control the game.” Gerald. 3 mins.