Time until the next game at Benahavis

MATCH REPORT – BENAHAVIS 6th July by your chief Football reporter Rob Fitzgerald

Fair to say a slightly subdued atmosphere before kickoff at the stadium. Sometimes difficult to put a finger on why but, like so many other nights where expectations are low, the game that followed was a cracker.

13 players meant a 7 versus 6 game with Gary ‘Tommy’ Smith playing Mr Versatility and swapping every quarter between Blues and Whites.

1st Quarter. With the Blues playing the man short, was tight, tense and terrific. Whites unable to make the extra man count and Blues working incredibly hard to keep the score at 1 – 1.

2nd Quarter With roles reversed, Blues now with the numerical advantage and looking dangerous. The Whites countered with a phenomenal work rate which saw new man Tony ‘Danny’ Aiello cover every blade of astroturf.

3 – 2 going into 3rd Quarter.

Whites notched it up a gear and with the extra man kept control. TC Gary and Big Chris solid and classy at the back. Andrew, back to his near best after a serious dose of the craps (or was it crabs)?!
Paul ‘Rossi’ Rossiter and Tony A stretching Las Azules at every opportunity.
A much needed water break for the Blues.
5 – 3 to Los Blancos.

Final Quarter. Blues now with the spare man and utilising him to great effect.
Ant & Dec (aka PJ & Duncan) holding firm.
Quinny, Fitzy, Gazza and Adrian ‘Dennis’ Law probing for the 2 goals which finally came.
Some excellent football all round to the very end. A rare but very honourable draw after a pulsating game.

5 – 5 at the final whistle.

It must be said that the fitness levels as well as the technical football being played is a testament to every player and improving week by week.
Nick and Rob H also showing we have 2 very able keepers, with Alex still to return.

The spirit was enhanced in Amanda’s Bar after the game with the talk turning towards our next round of friendlies on Saturday. If we show the same desire, skill and energy that was evident tonight we have nothing to fear.

Thanks to referee Doug tonight.

MoM: Gary was class in both colours all night. A great example of how to keep the game simple.