Benalmadena and Keynsham Slow Game

REDS…3 versus BLACKS…0

Yesterday a warm welcome was given to our visitors from Keynsham near Bristol who last played at the Polideportivo in 2019.

Two nine a side matches were played mixing players from both clubs in the warm Andalusian sunshine and for whatever reason also under the superb Polideportivo floodlights, this despite the need to preserve energy in the present crisis.

It was mentioned in jest by one of our visitors that perhaps electricity was perhaps cheaper to use during the morning in Spain than at night!

The slower old farts match was well refereed by John, aka fireman Sam, in his normal calm manner thereby allowing the game to flow freely.

From the beginning the Reds were undoubtedly the better team and tested visitor Geoff Osborne in goal for the Blacks from the outset. The first quarter before the water break somehow remained goalless thanks to the many fine saves made by our visiting goalie.

In the second quarter homeboy Laurence put the Reds ahead with a fine shot past the outstanding visitors goalkeeper.

The second quarter ended 1-0 to the Reds which somehow did not reflect there dominance.

In the third quarter Andy another ‘tourist’ from the West Country gave the Reds a two goal lead following some excellent passing which easily ‘cut’ through the non-existent Black’s defence. The Blacks lacked any cohesion whatsoever in midfield and were totally ineffective in attack not having one shot as yet on target.

The last quarter started as the previous one had started with the Reds totally on top, however Paulo in goal for the Reds decided to give his opponents a chance by stepping out of his goal with the ball at his feet incurring a penalty despite his protests.

Visitor Clive stepped up to strike a perfect shot into the top corner of the net, in a dramatic Italian tantrum Paulo thinking somehow he was Dino Zoff claimed he was not ready and the goal was disallowed. The inevitable then happened due to the Italian’s dramatics to put Clive off he saved the retaken shot for the Reds only for them to breakaway for Laurence to blast home his second and the Reds third goal. Man of the match was Geoff (GK).

The whistle then went to finish the match and everyone retired to the balcony area overlooking  pitch for refreshments provided by Breck and Terry and plenty of banter. It was also good to see Bambi participating having a beer for a change which is more than you could say for him during the match!