Match Report: Wednesday 24th November

Sean's Team: 6
Jason's Team: 2

It was a glorious winters evening and an exceptionally tight match was played out between two evenly matched sides - until the last 5 minutes that is!

It was a game where the songwords from England's Italia 90 World Cup Song 'World in Motion' took on extra meaning. Do you remember John Barnes rapping ''There's only one way to beat them - get round the back?'' Well, this was game where no-one managed this - the midfielders on both teams passed well but defenders were solid and rarely forced to turn to face their own goal. They were in control!

Sean's team started well and sneaked an early goal. Their midfield was driven by James, Buncey and Rich Townend with Sean and Andy Towney providing outlets on either wing. After the early goal though the floodgates didn't open and the game became a cat and mouse stalemate. Fletcher's midfield came more into it with Mike, Ed and John playing some delightful triangles in the midfield. Their slower start was perhaps due to John finding his range after coming out of retirement 6 years ago ( although he's still only 22 ) and Mike reaching the age where it just takes him a little longer to get going.

But for a long period defenders stayed on top and in control. It would need something special to break this deadlock - and Fletcher provided it! After a good move down the right side a miss-hit shot by Jonny fell to Fletcher who finished cooly at the far past. 1-1.

But still the cat and mouse continued with midfielders working hard but not able to turn the defences and make clear chances. Finally, a low driven cross shot resulted in Andy Towney pouncing at the far post for Sean's team to take the lead again.

Skill of the week: A most wonderful piece of skill was witnessed by all as Roy, who appeared to be hemmed in by his own corner flag with nowhere to go by Buncey, turned and then nutmeged him. The look on Buncey's face was one of wanting the ground to open up before him. Buncey couldn't make it to the bar afterwards as he had a taxi waiting for him! Great skill Roy!

Good Attitude of the Week goes to Rich Townend and Mike who despite being on opposite teams managed to find time to compare their respective sermons for this Sunday - I bet that's not what Lee Bowyer and Joey Barton chat about in their midfield clashes!!

Another break from Fletcher's team gave Jonny a tap in equaliser and it was back to all square stalemate again.

With 5 minutes to go it looked as though 2-2 would be the final score but then Sean's team lost a couple of players - without even realising it! ( That doesn't happen in the Champions League ) Sean's team made the most of the overlap created and got a goal up. Fletcher's team then panicked as there was little time left for an equaliser; they pushed further forward leaving even bigger holes in the defence than there already were due to players leaving early. It was carnage and 6-2 was the final score - although Fletcher's team would like to claim a third goal as consolation but I'm not sure it counts when the goalkeeper and defender are taking their bibs off and are already halfway to the bar!

Afterwards the bar was indeed the place to be and several stayed for a drink and also voted for Goal of the Week and Player of the Week.

Player of the Week

Ed and James were voted jointly on this but in the end it was given to James after a final group discussion. He dominated the midfield like a colossus mixing skill, stength and speed in a midfield masterclass reminiscent of Gazza in the 90-91 season. Well done James!

Goal of the Week.

The clear winner was Jason Fletcher's goal. It was a good team passing move and although the final cross was a mis-hit shot by Jonny and the finish was a simple one from close range it was the way Jason had powered from one end of the pitch to the other to get himself in that position that impressed the voters. A year ago Jason would have had to have a sit down on the half way line to complete a run like that but not any more - so the GOTW goes to the lean, mean, footballing machine that is Fletcher!

There will be BIG prizes at the end of the season for Player of the Season and Goal of the Season. Prizes will be dependent on amount of cash in the kitty - at the moment 's looking like a night out with the Church brothers for the winner ( and 2 nights out with the Church brothers for the runner up )

Don't miss your chance to come to the bar and vote at the end of the game next week!!

Match Report by Jonny W