Old Aloysians IIs vs Old Challoners

Team: Raithatha, Walsh, Redpath, Rogers, Weisz, Fallon, Powell, Lowes, Gardner (Croucher 60), Baker (Allen 70), Fuzz

Score: 1:3
Fallon, Fuzz, Croucher

Attendance - 2 (but most of them were watching the game on the other pitch)

With OC's moving to pole position last week for the first time this season it was imperative that 3 points were taken at Aloysians to cement our standing leading into the FA enforced Christmas break (2 week lash-up).
Yet again Bevins R was unavailable due to an internal contractual dispute over who is the quickest over 10 yards so El Weizo was forced to continue with centre-back pairing of Rodgers and Redpath. Rogers immediately repaid the gaffers faith with some quality use of the knee-support in the warm-up.
OC's started well with El Weizo and Croucher tormenting their left-back into some late tackles and ridiculous off-side appeals and it was no surprise when after some strong work from Croucher, Fallon lashed home, with great use of the new goatee 1-0.

OC's continued to create chances - Baker's header hit the up-right and an Allen effort was well saved by the OA's keeper. OC's were content to take their lead into half-time but a through ball from Powellie found Fuzz with the keeper to beat, a Titus Bramble style challenge saw Fuzz taken out in the area but the ref (clearly looking forward to a half-time rest) gave a goal-kick instead- priceless.
As with many away games, the half-time team talk missed the tactical acumen of Richard Weisz - although it must be said our off-side trap was working better without him as lino - so we had to contend with the musings of El Weizo, who reckoned another goal would do it

The start of the 2nd half saw OC's take the initiative with Baker and Fuzz continuing to out-muscle and out-pace (in that order) the OA's defence. On the hour Fuzz found himself six yards out, he lashed one effort against the defender and then lashed the re-bound past the keeper 2-0, should've been game over. However OA's found some resilience not seen in the previous hour and put OC's under some pressure and a defensive lapse saw the centre-forward head over the hapless Raithaththaththa. Captain El Weizo called for one last effort from the troops to make the game safe and OC's immediately went up the OA's end and Croucher broke the net with a rasping drive 3-1. Powell was replaced by Gardener and this allowed OC's to pass the ball around and the last 10 minutes focused on one mans mission to end a 6 month league goal drought. A fantastic cross from El Weizo saw Bakes head Pele style towards the OA goal only to be denied by the keeper, a drive late on was also put round the post. El Weizo and Gardener also had chances to extend the advantage. Good team performance with El Weizo and Walshy excelling.

Fallon MOM Award - Fallon

OC's MOM - Redpath - The all new Yoga enhanced centre-back continues to impress.