Old Challoners V Brent
Saturday 18 February
Team: Van Nistelgoalie, Lancaster, Beill, Armitage-Hobbs, Hendry, Fitch, Croker, Bevins P, Rae, Maker, Thomas. Subs: Henry and Mark
Score: 3:2
Scorers: Maker, Thomas, Henry
Looking to build on the victory and better performance of last week OC's had a tricky tie at home to league leaders Brent. Preparation was hit on Friday as news circulated that Fortress Eppo was suffering from an overflowing moat so the fixture had to be switched to the Theatre of Trees, Hervines Park. Having struggled for numbers last week it was hoped that some players would return from the treatment table for this encounter but alas it was not to be in fact things were worse! Foster was left reeling with the news that, in alphabetical order; Beauchamp, Bevins R, Cadogan, Dann, Daw, Dias, Foster, Lord, Smith, Weidner, Whickenden were all unavailable due to varying complaints such as a detached retina, broken ankle, sore knee, and no heart, to being in New York, premature retirement, the munchies and a bad bout of Fitch-itis…..Souness didn't know how lucky he was.
With the shouts of 'Foster out' still ringing loudly in his ears the Gaffer was under severe pressure, what could he do to secure a vital victory and placate the Challoner's faithful? Of course, having scored 4 last week Fitch was rightly dropped to the right hand side of midfield and replaced upfront by the 'prolific' full back/winger Maker. More understandably and with his hands tied he drafted in 4 players from the 3rd XI. Once everyone had been introduced to each other and been told where they were to play this week, the patched up side took to the field determined to put the required effort in and stay solid.
After 10 minutes it didn't look good, the slowest back 4 in living memory with a combined speed of a 42yr old asthmatic pit pony were regularly opened up and after 10 minutes went a goal down. However it wasn't a totally fair reflection on the opening exchanges as in attack we looked dangerous each time we went forward with the Brent back 4 looking equally shaky but just not as slow. Sure enough we were soon level after a flick into the box was left by defenders and goalkeeper for Maker to sneak in and make it 1-1. Despite some good pressure we were unable to add to our goal mainly due to some wildly inaccurate shooting from distance. Fortunately and in some cases rather by luck than good judgement we managed to stand firm at the back until half time 1-1.
The 2nd half was a carbon copy of the first with poor defending by both sides the main feature. Goal scoring opportunities weren't in abundance for us, an Ali Rae free kick straight at the keeper probably our best chance. We were continually on the defensive and were standing firm albeit with the help of Van Nistlegoalie who made some important saves until a free header from a corner saw us go 2-1 down. We all know that finding a decent keeper is pretty important and we are lucky that we have a reliable one each week as 2 attacks in the last 10 minutes saw us win a match which we hardly deserved to. Although I'm laying the blame with the keeper he wasn't helped by firstly two defenders tackling each other allowing the ball to run through to Tom who stuck it away whilst the keeper was horribly out of position and then Alex Henry on as a late sub ran clear on goal as the ball ran underneath a defenders boot, the keeper this time diving out of the way of Alex's toe poke. A nervous last 10 minutes were negotiated, the most dangerous attack snuffed out notably by a very calm bit of defending. Final score 3-2.
Man-of-the-match. For effort and versatility Jamie Maker picks up this week's award having scored in the first half he later found himself at right back and centre back before the final whistle. Proved Foster's selection to be spot on.
THE LANCASTER VERDICT:
An invaluable victory that hopefully will be built on as we see players returning to strengthen the side. Thanks to the lads who came in from the 3's it was much appreciated. For those who doubted:
An indirect free kick will be awarded if the goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate……… Subject to the terms of Law 12, a player may pass the ball to his own goalkeeper using his head or chest or knee, etc. If, however, in the opinion of the referee, a player uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play in order to circumvent the Law, the player is guilty of unsporting behaviour. He is cautioned, shown the yellow card and an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.
Manager's comments:
This was not the beautiful game. Quite the opposite. However, with so many players unavailable the 2s showed real spirit to bounce back from being behind…twice. An invaluable 3 points in the face of adversity (player absence, pitch moves etc.). Just goes to show it still takes a lot to come to our patch and leave with any points. MoM this week was Jamie Maker. On a day where commitment and graft was required from everyone Mr Versatile lead from the front, then the rear, nicking the first goal then helping to shut up shop when switched to various positions at the back.
