29th April

Match report by Geoff

Mondays 9 aside match at the Polideportivo, although a low scoring affair was nevertheless terrific to watch, a viewpoint concurred with by a slimline El Tel and others after the match.

El Tel adding, it was the best game he had played in for some time at the Poli, indeed if not the best.

This in no small part due to Breck the match referee allowing the game to flow.

There was some excellent three touch football by both sides in the first two sessions, obviously playing with the smaller goals this made it more difficult to score.

Nigel the Blacks keeper stood out in the early stages, not only for making some excellent saves, but also for wearing a pair of bright orange gloves and matching boots, which in all probability dazzled the Reds attackers when shooting at goal.

Alvin playing like a mini Bambi disputing decisions, especially when penalised for running, but thankfully without any abuse, nevertheless  stood out for the Reds in midfield.

Alan (Blacks) in true Leeds United style missed a n absolute sitter, putting the ball wide of the Reds goal when it looked easier to score, no doubt put off  by the imposing frame of ‘man of the match’ Trevor in the Reds goal.

The third session was somewhat frantic with Trevor still in goal for the Reds enjoying his farewell appearance until returning later in the year.

Nigel for the Blacks showing dazzling footwork in his bright orange boots easily beat 3 Red defenders only to see his shot rebound off the post to safety. Still no goals.

Trevor then made an absolutely fantastic diving save off a Rory thunderbolt , only to then make an even better one off Big  Frank of United notoriety, saving his penalty shot following encroachment of the Reds area.

The last session began with the game still goalless At last, in the dying minutes a goal from Dave Cab following a well taken corner by Laurence.

1-0 to Reds.

Almost immediately Utd Frank  equalised from the penalty spot following an infringement in the Reds goal area.

1-1.

In the final seconds Fred our avid Arsenal fan took great pleasure in making an uncharacteristic great save of Big Frank tipping the ball over the cross bar.

As the former said afterwards  thank God for the smaller goals!

FT 1-1

The spirit of walking football can be no better be epitomised by the spirit of the 3 amigos who are no longer able to play.

Making a farewell appearance is Mick Houlahan one of the 3 amigos, for the past few months along with the 2 Franks he has acted as a ‘ball boy’ at the Polideportivo.

Safe journey back to Ireland Mick, the lads will miss you.