13th May

Match report by Geoff

Despite a few late drop outs, it was still possible to play 2 games at the Polideportivo on Monday. One a six aside match for the so called ‘elite squad’ and the other a five aside for the geriatrics.

Your correspondent had the ‘honour’ to report on the latter match, well refereed by John, aka Fireman Sam.

Whilst the Reds in this game became six, due to the unannounced arrival of new boy Dougie Belize, thereby giving them a numerical advantage and in view of this, the Blacks played with a rush goalie and undoubtedly had the better of the opening stages.

It was pleasing to see Martyn Heath making a return, this after more than a year out of action with a serious injury.

In the early stages the Blacks had two chances, one when Bambi went close with a shot well saved by Fish the Reds keeper, the ball bouncing back to safety  off the crossbar.

The other from Boris whose shot went into the side netting giving the Reds another early scare..

However,against the run of play the Reds took the lead when Boris having one of his senior moments went walkabout inside his own  penalty area.

From the resultant penalty, octogenarian Ken made no mistake blasting his team into the lead.

1-0 to the reds

Almost immediately Brentford stalwart, the Bee made it 2-0 with a well placed shot past Welsh Steve in goal.

2-0 to Reds at end of first session.

The highlight  of the next session following some good 3 touch football by the Blacks, ended with a superb pass from Sonic to Tim to score to reduce the deficit.

2-1to Reds

The next session began with Bambi,  as rush keeper for the Blacks being caught completely out of position allowing new boy Doug to easily slot the ball into an empty Blacks net.For once this notorious villain was lost for words and couldn’t blame anyone else!

3-1 to Reds

This was followed by Sonic, having one of his better games making a fantastic dribble, to the surprise of everyone, including himself, passing to Welsh Steve for him to then blast the ball past Klaus the Reds keeper.

3-2 to Reds.

Welsh Steve, for the Blacks, then hit the post and just seconds later missing an absolute sitter in front of the Reds goal.

Just before the break Ken put Fish through into space to score for the Reds, no doubt leaving Welsh Steve to rue his previous missed opportunities.

4-2 to Reds.

The final session ended with two late goals, one from the Bee shooting wide of Tim in goal to make it 5-2 to the Reds to put the result beyond doubt.

The keepers mind on this occasion no doubt on other matters, namely the Mighty Whites play off match at ER  later in the week, having just learnt he had obtained a ticket.

Boris, then somehow tripped over his own feet, ending up doing a triple somersault to everyone’s amusement, fortunately not hurting himself in the process.

This was followed by Martyn hitting the Blacks post when it looked easier to score.

Tim then handled the ball out of his goal area, no doubt thinking he was still playing netball with the ladies. From the resultant penalty the Bee failed to increase the Reds lead which Tim saved well to ake up for his lapse of concentration.

He then, almost immediately made another excellent save off the Bee, no doubt thinking Leeds may select him instead of Meslier on Thursday night!

With practically the last kick of the match, following a flowing passing sequence, Welsh Steve scored a consolation goal for the Blacks, making the final score more respectable.

In essence, playing a man short for the whole match, this was in many ways a moral victory for the Black’s and not a loss.

The final score Reds ..5 Blacks ..3