Old Challoners v Shene Old Grammarians

Team: Sunil, Croucher, Redpath, Gardener, OUT, Allen, Powell, Clean Shorts, Fuzz, Baker, Fallon

Score: 4:3
Fallon (2), Fuzz, Allen, Baker

Attendance - 6 (although none of them paid full entry price as it consisted of 3 OAP's, a small child, a girl who avoided the stewards by arriving at half time and a tall bloke who claimed he was a sub).

It was a cold and windy day which saw the future champions take on a side one place above them in the league having played several games more. With the sidedown to the bare bones (or bear bones as the skipper once wrote), this was always going to be a test of resolve and character. A small reshuffle accomodated former stiker and crowd favourite Dave Croucher moving into a defensive position as all players do when approaching the end of there careers.

The pitch was in it typical January state, boggy and heavy in the middle with a light covering of grass in the wider areas.

The game started brightly for C's and the ball moved aroung quickly. An early highlight came in the very first minute when under no pressure Gardener shanked a pass well out of touch then tried to level out the pitch which was obviously to blame. C's had much of the early play allowing the back line to push right up to the half way line where it was apparent that some nose bleeds were happening. Then after 7 minutes a long ball where Fallon broke the offside trap did what Fallon does and teed up Baker. The 18 stone striker even had time to perfect a bambi on ice routine before crisply smashing the ball in the bottom corner. As much as it pains me to say a quality finish.

The lead lasted just 2 minutes when an in swinging free kick was not dealt with and a scuffed punch got no distance falling directly to the opposing player who smashed it home, literally the first time the ball had entered our box.

This bombshell seemed to un-nerve the future champions and the game turned scrappy for the next 10 minutes where both defences decided to drop deep and the game turned long ballish.

It was the 24th minute when the lead was restored, with a flowing C's move involving good work between Allen and Croucher down the right hand side resulting in a cross knocked down by Baker to the onrushing Powellie, who shinned with great precision into the back of the net. More belief started to flow through the team and even the left back (OUT) looked comfortable. The sooner Walsh returns the better!

The third goal followed shortly. A classic counter attack, with Fuzz who had caused lots of problems all afternoon picking the ball up halfway in his own half and attacking the defenders down the right. Baker then made a clever run (probably by accident) and was neatly picked out with a slick pass. Baker then showed natural prowess and ability as a heavy first touch somehow rounded the keeper then with an open goal from an accute angle finished in style firing low into the corner. The relief and confidence then flowed through the team and the inevitable 4th was just around the corner.

On 30 minutes defending a corner Gardener cleared with a massive volley this was dealt with by the defender by rolling it back to their keeper who instictivly managed to pick out the massive head of Gardener (Christ - who can miss it??). The result was a free header which found Fallon striding through direct on goal, like a crow to shiny objects, to finish coolly and cap a wonderful 10 minutes for the mighty C's bandwagon.

Half time came and I think many of the team were disappointed to not to get the scripted complacency speech.

The second half was scrappy for the most part as the pitch failed resulting in a bog in most areas not allowing much football to be played and more of a dogfight. The passion and commitment was all there from the home side who matched a 5 man midfield in the mud.

It was the away side pulling a goal back to make it 4-2 after 52 minutes kept the game alive, a bit of a scramble, these things happen in such awkward conditions. At 4-2 the away team seemed inspired and worked harder and started to dominate. All of a sudden the extra man in midfield started to tell.

As the pitch worsed Allan hurt his leg, claiming an old injury. This was the nod to put him up top - and Fuzz on the right, unbalancing the team. It was hold on time now. This was best demonstrated by what can only be described as a egg chasing tackle performed on the half way line by Redders. Somehow the yellow card never appeared. Sunil too showed his worth during this period of the game making 2 excellent one on one saves to keep us in the 'comfort zone'.

They scored right at the end.

Whistle blew. A good 3 points against a good team with a changed line up. The gaffer can't ask for more.

MoM - Baker