8th April

Match report by Rory

Monday’s game at the Poli threw up a number of highlights and talking points. First, Stephen managed to beat Dazza’s long-standing record for sending a ball into low orbit around the earth.

Most readers will understand just how difficult it is to send a ball over the high protective fencing behind the goal, and it takes exceptional effort matched with an inability to kick a ball properly for the sphere to break through the earth’s outer atmosphere. Congratulations Stephen, and we can’t contain our excitement as we wait for Dazza’s return so that he can launch (literally), a new assault on the record.

The second notable event was Alvin scoring from range with a great piledriver into the bottom corner of the net. Alvin, renowned for his many shots which rarely venture near the goalposts pulled a beauty out of the hat to help secure a good victory for the red team. Finally, Ian once again unleashed a range of exotic, fast foot moves while in goal providing a rare treat for those lovers of creative dance.

A further interesting point about the game was that although the blacks looked the stronger team on paper, the reds pulled off a great comeback and win thanks to superior teamwork. A lesson for us all. The blacks started out strongly with Nigel re-writing the handbook on centre forward hold-up play. Skilful Dutch midfielder Gert was a source of good balls through the midfield. The defence looked solid with Dave the Cab working well with Olaf and Ian to keep things tight.

The reds had Garry’s dynamic big toe playing up front with dangerous Tim settling well into midfield. Our Keef under interrogation denied playing in any particular position, and so it proved to be the case. The blacks smoothly moved into a comfortable 2-0 lead which their skilful link-up play deserved. Following quick thinking by yours truly Alex fired a great shot past the static Keef between the sticks. This was followed by a nice finish by Nigel, whose hold up play and all round game deserved a reward. Blacks 2-0 Reds

With one-touch Terry moving into defence the blacks looked even more solid. However, they hadn’t banked on Garry’s big toe which hadn’t seen too much action up to this point. The deadly appendage could sense blood as the game went into the second period. Sure enough it struck brilliantly to pull the reds  to within a goal, and leave the blacks stunned. Blacks 2-1 Reds.

The fightback was momentarily halted when Gert rounded off a great move by using his cultured left foot to serenade the ball into the top corner to restore the blacks’ two goal lead. Blacks 3-1 Reds.

Keef and dangerous Tim were working brilliantly together to run the blacks ragged. The pressure was beginning to tell as the blacks’ players started having a go at each other, always a bad sign. Indeed, this opened the way for Tim to work his way to the edge of the opposition box and get another goal back for the reds. Blacks 3-2 Reds.

The rest was up to Garry’s big toe which brilliantly drilled two great strikes past the pirouetting Ian in goal, giving the reds a surprise lead. Blacks 3-4 Reds. The stunned blacks were rocked back on their heels as the reds knocked the ball about in style and created a number of opportunities to bury the game. The inevitable eventually happened when Alvin scored his surprise goal with the spectating blacks’ defence fully expecting to see the shot whistle into the already severely damaged fencing. Blacks 3-5 Reds.

The killer blow was delivered by Dundee Utd’s finest, Mike, who ghosted off the back of the blacks’ defence into oceans of space in front of goal. Sure enough he was picked out by a great ball. One touch and then bang! Blacks 3-6 Reds.

The blacks managed a consolation goal with a tremendous shot from Kevo finding the top corner, but it was too little too late. The reds were the deserved winners thanks to some great teamwork.  Final Score Blacks 4-6 Reds