19th October

Match report by Geoff

REDS ….2 versus BLACKS ….2

There being no late arrivals somewhat incredibly the match kicked off five minutes early on a miserable and damp morning in light drizzle, however much to the relief of everyone the forecast of rain held off.

The Blacks took an early lead from a 20 yard shot from Colin S with Stephen Mac in the Reds goal looking totally disinterested making no effort whatsoever to try and save the shot instead blaming the cold and damp weather.

1-0 to Blacks at the first water break.

New boy Trev coming in off the bench in the Blacks goal made a terrific save at the start of the second session only to be then beaten by a terrific shot by Kevo from 30 yards out with the ball flying over his head through his outstretched hands. 1-1 The Blacks keeper then almost immediately showed his prowess yet again turning an angled shot from Keef around the post for a corner.

Then just before the second water break old stager and goal scrounger supreme Ken scored a scrappy goal toe poking the ball into the back of the Blacks net, despite the best efforts of Ian trying to put him off.

2-1 to Reds.

The third session began with a disputed goal by Bambi for the Blacks when he scored after Breck the referee blew the whistle causing most of the Reds players to stop thinking there had been an infringement, nevertheless the goal stood as the referee contended he was never wrong and had played advantage following an infringement by Our Aud.

2-2.

A few minutes later Audrey,obviously still in shock, encroached into her own penalty area to concede a penalty.

Kevo then took it on himself to go in goal for the Reds, in an endeavour to psyche out Bambi the penalty taker, it was never in doubt that this ploy would work when Bambi blasted a high shot  straight at the keeper only to see it tipped over the crossbar. Justice done with Kevo completely out thinking Bambi.

Despite repeated reminders that there hadn’t been a final water break which the referee completely ignored, no doubt believing it wasn’t necessary  due to the cooler weather.

In the closing minutes the Reds threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Blacks goal, only to be denied by Trev in goal making yet another terrific save from Pete the Mariner from Plymouth, claiming it was definitely a shot from out on the right wing and not a wayward cross.

This was then followed by old stager Ken for the Reds much to his disgust having a goal disallowed for encroachment into the Blacks penalty area, then Alan hitting a terrific shot from distance which Kaj in the Blacks goal was only too pleased to see it narrowly go over the crossbar.

Then almost with the last kick off the match, Yoza for the Blacks almost snatched the win with a great shot saved by another new-be Steve in the Reds goal.

Breck, having played nearly 10 minutes of additional tim,e then decided enough was enough and blew for full time.

Final score 2-2.

Man of the match undoubtedly goalkeeper Trev in the Blacks goal, tremendous debut considering in the first instance he only came to watch.