Benalmadena 11th April

Match report by Rory

It really was, “A game of two halves!” (#footballcliches) With Keef putting on the ref’s hi-vis bib two evenly matched teams took to the hallowed highly processed micro plastic balls turf. The blacks got together before kick off to work out who was going to play where, and this clearly paid dividends in the early exchanges between the teams. Colin started out as goal-hanger for the blacks and did a great job of leading the line. The blacks got off to a good start, moving the ball about well and seizing the early territorial advantage. Breck organised the back line well, making it difficult for the reds to find any space in front of goal, despite the energetic efforts of big Al and Gary who are never shy of a shot or two.

The breakthrough came a little against the run of play when milky Steve played a sublime defence splitting ball through to the goal hungry Colin. The big man took his time to pick his spot and thump the ball past the stranded Kevo in the reds’ goal. The reds were a little stunned by this early reversal but responded strongly with Jack Grealish wannabee Terry orchestrating moves through the midfield. Big Al and Gary were a constant threat on goal, but when they did manage to get a shot off, Billy the Fish in the blacks’ goal dealt with every effort comfortably.

Despite the pressure the blacks continued to play out from the back, hoping to thwart the reds’ high-tempo Pep inspired pressing game. New boy Alan A touch of good fortune split the reds’ defence when a misplaced pass from Terry was intercepted, and more by luck than judgement, found its way through to Colin who toe bunted it into the net past the normally unbeatable Kevo. 2-0 to the blacks

Following the first drinks break the blacks seemingly killed off the game when wiley false number 9 Dave picked the ball up on the left of the box and deftly guided the ball into the bottom corner past Mike’s despairing dive. There was a hint of Ray Clemence about Mike’s attempt resulting in him allowing Dave’s shot to squirm under his outstretched arms. 3-0 to the blacks. Although the blacks looked comfortable Johan the flying Swede started to pick up more advanced positions as the reds searched for the elusive consolation goal. The blacks paid the price for letting some complacency creep into their game, and sure enough the usually heavily marked big Al found himself in space with a chance to fire-off a long-range effort. As the ball arrowed towards the goal, the black’s keeper Mick looked like he had it covered. He didn’t allow for Johan elegantly leaping up to allow the ball to pass through his legs like a drunken dancer at an Abba Tribute disco. Sure enough, this did the trick and the wrong-footed Mick couldn’t get a glove on the ball.

With the reds sensing a comeback, they began to throw everything at the blacks and a fantastic duel ensued between Alan and Bambi somewhat reminiscent of Foden taking on (super) Andy Robertson in the big game. The blacks, who were having to play on the break did manage to fire off a number of shots on target, but they hadn’t bargained on Dino Zoff prodigy, Paolo pulling of a string of fine saves. Fortunately for the blacks Pete and Breck were having a blinder at the back and ensuring goalscoring opportunities were few and far between. New boy Alan from Aberdeen had had a solid game down the right supported by the ever-reliable Fish who once again demonstrated his prowess down the flank.

The game built to an exciting crescendo following a bit of good fortune for the reds when the ball cannoned off Rory’s knee to put big Al and Johan through on goal. Following some protracted pleasantries (after you, no after you….) Johan took on the responsibility of calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner past the statuesque Mick, bringing the score back to 3-2.

As usual, Keef wasn’t going to do the blacks any favours as he added on extra time in the hope of a “spirit of the game” ending to what had been a great match-up. With the blacks being pushed ever deeper it would surely only be a matter of time before the reds got their chance. Sure enough following some great passing interchanges involving Boris, Glyn and Terry, the ball broke across the box. With Mick out of position in goal, big Al hurled himself at the ball in pursuit of a spectacular equaliser. Time stood still as the assembled soccer-ballers watched the plastic-coated sphere sail over the bar to relief of the blacks and despair of the battling reds. Keef had seen enough and blew up for full-time. Blacks 3-2 Reds. Thanks to Keef for keeping the game flowing and played in the right spirit.