Old Challoners V Old Danes IIs
Saturday 11 February
Team: Van Nistelgoalie, Lancaster, Beill, Croker, Rae, Beauchamp, Dias, Bevins P, Sharman, Thomas, Fitch. Subs: None
Score: 6:0
Scorers: Fitch 4, Thomas, Rae
Danes are always a bit on the unpredictable side particularly when they are on their travels, so it wasn't a huge surprise when they arrived with only 10 men. On the back of some really disappointing results OC's had placed some real emphasis on this week as being very important to the second half of the season and concentration was paramount. With only the bare 11 available and the gaffer taking advantage of his present injury by turning up unable to focus or speak properly it looked as though it was going to be pretty tough.
The first half started slowly and although we tried to knock it about using the extra man advantage it was Danes who had the best first chance with Beill neatly setting his man clear on goal with a mis-placed path, fortunately for us the finish was poor and never troubled Van Nistlegoalie. After this early wobble we took control and the lead when Tom headed home a Bevins corner. OC's were switching play from left to right with ease and Beauchamp was having a field day getting to the by-line and supplying some good crosses Tom most guilty of missing a good opportunity claiming the keepers touch was crucial in him taking an air-shot. We doubled our lead when Dias used his face brilliantly to divert the clearance to Fitch who made no mistake slotting past the keeper. Despite a dubious shout for a penalty the defence were rarely troubled and we went in at half time 2-0.
The crucial third goal was the main talking point at half time and rightly so as the game would be won if we got it. After 10 minutes of the second half a Beauchamp raid down the right ended with a Lancaster cross which eluded the defence and found Fitch unmarked at the back post to easily bag a brace. The ten men began to tire and argue amongst themselves and when an injured player went in goal the match descended into a bit of a farce, almost immediately Fitch was able to ensure he was going home with the match kit soon after with a tap in as the injured keeper appeared distracted at the near post when the ball was actually at the far. The goal of the game and arguably a contender for the season was next as Beauchamp picked a long range cross field ball which was perfect for Fitch to run onto and volley first time into the bottom corner for his 4th and our 5th. The icing on the cake came in the form of yet another long range effort from Ali Rae, aided it has to be said by a huge slice of luck, as the part-time keeper allowed it to bobble through and under his body onto the post and then across the line and into the far corner. 6-0 ended up the final score despite excellent strikes on goal from Beauchamp and Croker not to mention Bevins's rasping drive which bounced down off the bar and possibly over the line but the referee had zero chance of seeing it as he was incapable of making a decision that occurred right under his nose.
Man-of-the-match can't really be given to anyone other than a four-goal hero so well done Fitchy but mention also to Beauchamp who was a threat all game and looks to have hit top form after his lengthy lay off just in time for 2 weeks in the States.
THE LANCASTER VERDICT:
You can only beat what's in front of you and we did that easily it could have and probably should have been more but it's difficult to motivate yourself when the oppo are threatening to walk off the pitch and go home every time you score. Good to be back to winning ways lets hope that continues next week.
