Us: JP, Keith, Martin, Matt, Ahmet, Steve, Daniel, Chris
Them: Gareth, Alan, Brian, Mani, Femi, Prit, ?, ?
Low turnout for both teams but 8-a-side when we joined forces – thank you Chris for swapping to make it even. And a bit of dithering meant an almost 11am start. Red warmed up by practising set pieces whilst Yellow discussed the merits of El Capitano’s well-turned ankles and slim legs.
The first few minutes seemed ominous for Yellow as Red attacked in threatening fashion so it was slightly surprising when Yellow scored first after a well-timed tackle followed by a quick release to Matt who fed JP who fired in. Not for long though, Red equalised soon after releasing Femi down the right who shot low from quite far out but hard and fast. A similar release to JP, from Chris this time, freed him to fire in his second. Red were quick with their response again, Gareth (a constant threat that Yellow did well to smother for most of the game) had his initial shot blocked but Alan was on hand to stroke home the rebound, 2-2. An unfortunate own-goal by Red restored the Yellow lead and just as Red were about to attack a corner, Yellow were saved by the half time bell.
Red had the sense at half time to retreat to the shade while Yellow topped up their tans in relaxing fashion.The second half was much the the same as the first with both teams displaying some good quick passing in attack and solid defending. Moments of note were a couple of Nicklas Bendtner reenactments at either end with teammates blocking shots from their fellow strikers and both teams practising how to tempt fate by trying to dribble out of defence – sadly no one could punish their showboating naivety. Red brought the score up to 3-3 soon after the break, a man escaping down the right wing and chipping in a cross from near the corner for Gareth to expertly nod in beyond the diving keeper’s hands, nice. Yellow won a corner and the arcing ball tempted the keeper and two defenders into a tangle at the front post and the ball soared over them to JP who volleyed low into the far corner to restore the lead and complete his hat-trick. Chris settled the nerves with ten minutes to go, surging down the middle and taking down a long high ball with his first touch and shooting low with his second – tasty. And the two goal that Yellow had sought was enough to dampen hopes of a Red comeback. Hot stuff and very good and enjoyable game.
Final score: Us 5 – 3 Them
PS: This months best reason for not turning up goes to Tufan: “Sorry, away at Pepper Pig World.” He didn’t mention what his children were up to though.
