It was a wet and windy Sunday afternoon as the Allsorts were beginning their usual pre-match warmup routine. With the fear training leaving a few of the lads feeling 'unsettled' the boys turned out for their kick about.
Questions were asked when Dom 'Smallsy' Jarrett turned up late to the game, looking dishevled, unsettled and unshaven. However his usual 'South American' warm up seemed to alleviate any early concerns.
Before kick off, nerves were high - speculation was rife that not only had the other team played football before, but also they were reigning champions. This was to be the first major test for the Allsorts - could they hold their own against a proven team and prove the entire crowd (of one) wrong?
No was the answer, but it was a close game.
After a nervous start the Allsorts passing carved open an unmissable chance for Sam 'Gaffer' Mayes. Unfortunately he missed with the keeper making a good save down to his left. Chances were few and far between following this run of play, with Dom 'Smallsy' Jarrett picking a shot out which was likewise saved whilst James 'Mitchell' Mitchell also had a few pot shots but was frustrated by the ability of Scoregasm's big man at the back to block the ball.
The first half was a tight and cagey affair, some great defending by Chris 'Wacko' Mitchell with the support of the entire team. The Allsorts showed their great composure on the ball and fantastic teamwork. With the scores 0-0 at the break the Allsorts were pleased but recognised the need to kick the ball into the goal in order to score.
Scoregasms demonstrated an inhuman ability to claim every throw-in, corner and free kick regardless of what actually happened. The ref was having none of it.
The Second half was where things really started to hot up. With Sam making a trademark run down the left side, he made the interesting choice to roll the ball to Dom. As Dom took his run up to shoot, the crowd and entire Allsorts team were shouting 'Keep it low!' However on this occasion he blazed the ball over the bar.
Chris lived up to his Wacko nickname after a solid tackle on a No. 9 who attempted a virtual simulation plunge, but ended up looking a football fool. Wacko tried to make amends but their number 9 was having none of it. The beginning of a beautiful rivalry?
Mid-way through the second half disaster struck. Adam 'Adamsy' Sayers got caugh in possesion and lost the ball - who could blame him with the Allsorts providing so many options! But unfortunately he chose none of them and was tackled. With Chris unable to stop the charge of Scoregasm's no.9 the ball ended up in the back of the net after a neat finish past Bushell.
For the remainder, the Allsorts kept the pressure up but could not find a way through the solid defence, a free kick led to a good save from Scoregasm's keeper but otherwise most shots deflected all over the place. It was safe to say Scoregasm's had parked the bus. (No actual bus was parked)
With tackles flying in left right and centre, conditions worsening and an ever increasing sense of urgency - a cool head was required. Somehow Dom ended up playing the last man and was faced with a 1v1 situation when Scoregasms played a long ball through. After barging through Scoregasm's looked sure to score again as the attacker neared Bushell's goal. But out of no-where came Dom with a sublime leg trip to halt the progress of the attacking player. No goal this time sunshine!
Before the ref could even reach into his pocket to pull out the Blue card - Dom was already off the pitch. The ref immediately apologised but it was too little too late.
The Allsorts continued to press for the last few minutes, but it was all over.
A competitive game, but a frustrating result - bring on next week.
