S.S.C. Orsett 5 - 4 Clements Athletic

With both sides struggling to put out a team, this was never going to be a classic encounter.  Clements narrowly missed out on any points, but on the plus side H scored a fine hat-trick which more than doubled his tally for the season, and old boys Sharpy and Gollum returned to provide their welcome support.

Subs: Sharpy, Foggy

Orsett made a stronger start, and it took a fine save from Conor to deny their burly striker who struck a fierce volley through a crowded box.  Unfortunately this saved was at a cost, as it led to Conor adding to the list of Clements wrist injuries (anyone got any good ideas for wrist strengthening exercises.....).

There was nothing anyone in purple could do about the goal that saw us go behind as Orsett's main threat broke down the right with Niki for company.  However, our captain's presence could not stop the Orsett player unleashing a venomous cross/shot that flew like a bullet into the far corner: 1-0.

With Gollum's cameo appearance ending with injury after 20 minutes, Sharpy had now entered the attack, and was first to a floated free-kick into the box from Chris.  Sharpy beat the keeper to the bouncing ball and headed the it into the path of H.  We all held our breath, as despite the goal being empty H has managed to miss from some far easier positions this season.  Thankfully this time he made not mistake and gratefully tapped the ball into the empty net: 1-1.

Sharpy was involved again in the second goal, which was made possible by a determined run from Dale down the left.  He sprinted to beat the defender to the loose ball on the half way line and then with H and Sharpy waiting in the box picked out Sharpy at the far post.  Sharpy's shot came back off the up-right, but fell nicely into H's path for him to double his tally for the season: 1-2.

Orsett found another route to goal before half-time, and on the balance of play parity at the break was probably a fair outcome.

With Conor unable to continue, a crippled Foggy bravely took the gloves and hobbled to the goal.  Clements nearly took the lead immediately in the second half when Sharpy pounced on a loose header from the defender, but could only lift his effort over the bar.

After this, Clements' main threat came from Dale down the left, who was running rings around Orsett's right back, but received no reward for his efforts.  All the prizes seemed to be going to Orsett as they added three goals, including two explosive finishes from their big number nine and an effort from a cross that dribbled in off the post as Eye-Ball challenged for the ball at the back post.

Clements did rally late in the game, with H completing his hat-trick with a fine chest and volley as the ball fell to him in a crowded area, and a late penalty miss from Sharpy (he scored on the rebound).  It wasn't quite enough, but with the season very nearly over and the league table being irrelevant, enjoying the football is more important than worrying about the results.

Eye-Ball