Benalmadena 10th March

Match reports by Rory & Steven

WFS avoids UK Government Sanctions By Rory

It was another good turnout at the Polideportivo with Keef managing to scrape together two seven a-side(ish) games of the sport formerly known as walking football.

Despite the rallying opening speech from our esteemed leader, the collective hamster heads promptly forgot everything he had said and confined their walking to the water breaks. Your over-verbose correspondent will be reporting on the first game, nearest the bar.

The red bibs had a solid looking team with KDN taking the gloves, Rory and Keef adopting their attacking wing-back positions and the Commander being the conduit of all the reds’ flowing moves. John slotted into the lone-striker role supported by Ken on the wing, wearing what looked suspiciously like a West Ham shirt circa 1982. New boy Manuel had a bit of Platini about his control, passing, and languid style.

The blacks had the legendary goal-stopper Breck between the sticks, with the Eoghan providing solid defensive cover in front. They were given width by Bambi on the right with Dave the Owl ghosting between the lines and creating opportunities for “shoot on sight” Colin up front. Gary showed what a great engine he had and covered a fair bit of plastic as he linked midfield and attack.

The early exchanges showed that both teams had the skill to break through the opposition defence, but for the reds, there was no way past super-Breck with the ball magnets attached to his hands and feet. Gary was making some good progress down the left flank, teaming up well with Dave and creating some early opportunities and near misses.

With Eoghan building on his new “hard man” status at the back (anyone else noticed his studs make a pretty pattern on your calf?), the blacks were looking increasingly difficult to break down. And although a few half chances fell to John and Ken early on, there was no way through.

With Bambi again putting in a decent passing shift down the right, Colin eventually got the chance his shooting practice deserved, and having been put through nicely by Dave, made no mistake by hammering the ball into the roof of the net past the flailing KDN. The blacks were deservedly ahead 1-0 with the reds struggling to break down the well-marshalled blacks’ defence.

The reds started to work their way into the game, with Keef combining well with Manuel to release Colin. The Welsh international found a rare gap in the blacks’ defence only to be thwarted by another good save by ready Breck.

With the Commander getting more of the ball in midfield the reds started to get into more advanced positions and began to stretch the blues defence.

However, Eoghan and Gary were having a blinder reminiscent of the best days of Adams and Bould for the gooners. With the reds driving forward prompted by Keef’s pace down the flank and Manuel’s penetrative passes, it only seemed like a matter of time before they drew level.

However, the blacks executed the perfect counter attacking move with some great play between Dave and Gary finding Colin in another goalscoring position. The big frontman didn’t waste any time and toe-ended the ball into the corner of the goal to give the blacks what looked like an unassailable two goal lead.

The plucky reds kept going with Keef urging his team forward and John continuing to make himself available upfront. Eventually, some neat wing play from Bambi opened up some space for John in the middle.

The blacks defence was pulled apart and John hammered the ball past the previously unbeatable Breck. 2-1.

Despite the reds’ best efforts the blacks’ defence held out for a deserved victory. A tight match which fully respected the spirit of the game. Well played lads.

Slow Farts match Reds 4 Blacks 1 from Steve

A partial round robin event for todays football..2 games 30 minutes each.

After introductions and a briefing from Keith the teams headed to their allotted pitches.

Kick off and the blacks soon found themselves overrun by reds Johan, Johnny and Jorge who quickly ran up a 3 goal lead. The experience of Boris and Pete in defence for the blacks stemmed the flow of red goals and big Al began to push forward and fire in some shots. Unfortunately for the reds Daz was in top form in goal and made a number of top saves.

Al eventually managed to pull a goal back for the blacks but the reds quickly restored their 3 goal advantage. With the reds now pushing to increase their advantage the blacks were relieved to hear the full time whistle.

Game 2 – Reds 4 Blacks 1

Plus ca change for the reds as Rory, John and KDN now had them under the cosh, kindly supplied by Geoff! KDN rattled in a hat-trick and Al again got a consolation for the blacks.

Meanwhile Keith was manfully occupied as ball boy, fetching all the wayward shots.

The reds increased their lead and cruised to victory at full time. For the reds, played 2, won 1, lost 1. The blacks consistency, played 2 lost 2. Rain forecast for next week so we’ll see what happen then.