Johnny and Eye-Ball learned a valuable lesson prior to this
game: lower the posts in gently or you may end up covered in muddy water, and
smelling like a skunk whose had far too much vindaloo. Still we had a good laugh about it (except
Johnny and Foggy who were busy gagging), and we had no problems with space in
the changing room.
The good humour continued right up to kick-off, and the good
team spirit was reflected in one of the best footballing performances of the
season, to which the score line did not do justice.
Sharpy demonstrated that everyone will be treated the same
in this team, and so despite being one of the stand out players this season, H
was started on the bench following a couple of weeks away. Once again players were missing, but Sharpy
was still able to name a strong starting eleven.
Subs: Sharpy, Harry
We were determined to get off to a good start in this game,
and created a number of chances which should have helped calm those early
nerves. Unfortunately Liam in particular
had left his shooting boots at home, and missed a couple of (what were by his
standards) sitters.
Thameside were a far improved side from the outfit we
comfortably brushed aside earlier in the season, and were competitive and hard
to break down. When we did get in behind
their keeper was on fine form to keep us out.
A frustrating first half nearly ended in us going behind,
when a ricochet from a shot landed kindly for the right winger. However, Webby was quick off his line and
smothered the effort to keep the scores level going into the break.
The discussion at half time was positive, and we knew that
it was a matter of when, rather than if we would break down the opposition.
Seeing as we were struggling to find the net via conventional
methods, Jake thought he would try something a little more flamboyant, and his
acrobatic (yes, Jake and acrobatic in the same sentence) not quite over-head
kick in a crowded area was hit so sweetly that it would surely have been front
runner for goal of the season had it not been for a fine save from Thameside’s
keeper. I think this is the first time I
have witnessed a collective round of applause in the Thurrock Sunday League. It just goes to show that we all appreciate
good techers.
By this point we were getting a little worried about where
the goal was going to come from, but when you’ve got the Kenyons on the pitch
you know something can always happen.
Ryan picked the ball up on the left, and ignored the cries of his
brother who had run outside him and instead slalomed his way to the right side
of the pitch before slipping a slide rule pass through to Liam, whose cross
found Dale unmarked at the back post 12 yards out. He still had a lot to do but hit the ball
into the ground, and right into the corner of the goal to leave the keeper no
chance – a fine finish to cap a great move: 1-0.
We really should have pushed on from this point, scored a
couple more goals and put the result beyond doubt. Unfortunately, we instead conceded a sloppy
equaliser, when Thameside’s nippy winger was allowed to play keepy-uppy with
his back to the goal on the edge of the six yard box, before guiding the ball
into the net: 1-1.
With about 10 minutes to go there wasn’t long to find the
winner we deserved, and despite the introduction of H and Sharpy in the second
half providing extra attacking impotence, we just couldn’t find the net. In the end we relied on an unorthodox helping
hand, as Thameside’s best player (possibly suffering the effect of too much
weed) attempted a suicidal backpass, which Dale was alert to and raced
clear. He touched the ball passed the
keeper and would certainly have scored had the keeper not brought him down. The ref had no choice but to send the keeper
off, who was commiserated by players from both sides. Dale dusted himself off, and after a lengthy
delay showed nerves of steel to guide the ball into the corner of the net: 2-1.
We had to survive an anxious final five minutes, and
Eye-Ball didn’t help the frayed nerves when he read the danger from a diagonal
ball into the box and decided he would simply nod the ball into the arms of
Webby. However Webby had other ideas,
but his call of “Webby’s ball” was misinterpreted by Eye-Ball as “that’s right
Eye-Ball, just nod it back and I’ll do the rest”. So as Webby rushed out the ball rushed passed
him, with the fortunate consequence just being a wasted corner. Liam was pretty happy about this, as he had
been prime candidate for DoTD before Eye-Ball took that honour unanimously.
So we survived to make it successive wins in the league, and
5 out of 6. Things really are looking
good, and it feels like we are growing as a team with every game. Let’s keep it up, and make sure we are in the
mix for the league title come the end of the season.
Robin claimed his second MoTM award of the season for a
typically dominate display in defence, with Webby a close second for an overall
solid display and a couple of vital saves in either half.
Next game: Sunday 7th December @ home v Sparks –
Ted Fairchild Cup Round 1.
Goal scoring chart
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