A strong BOC side had (*according to the Oppo) it's first win of the year against old sparring partners Alan Shearers Jockstrap. BOC had the luxury of 3 subs and used them to good effect. Game started with a strong spell from the oppo, who took the lead when their pacy young striker outpaced BOC's rather static ageing centre-half, and slipped the ball through Tyson's legs. BOC came back strongly and scored twice near the end of the first half. Quality work from Graham as he negotiated about 3 30-70 challenges like the rock-hard legend that he is, came out with he ball before passing to Flipper who lobbed the keeper, wheeled away in celebration before realising with horror that the ball had actually hit the bar and not gone in. He happily regained his composure to follow up and tuck the loose ball home, just ahead of the chasing defender, for the equaliser.
A few minutes later, some good pressure from Molby in the box and the ball squired to Tom. A stylish turn and shot into the roof of the net and BOC were, improbably some might say, 2-1 up at the break. New Neil was commanding the midfield, and also chancing his arm trying plenty of long range shots, and Olly had marshalled the defence very well throughout the 1st half It was another welcome outing for the suntanned ref, who was having an authoritative game, clamping down on the scourge of foul throws, and in general letting the game flow well. In the second half, ASJS continued to apply pressure, but a re-jigged defence with Tyson and Stu the new centre-half pairing, held firm. Oppo broke through down the left and their striker beat the advancing keeper (Hoofer), luckily for us also beating the post. Neil floated a series of free-kicks into the box, the last one saw Andy steam in at the far post to shin it in!
BOC weren't two goals in front for very long though, as a loose ball in the box was tucked in nicely off the left hand post for 3-2, ans 2nd goal of the game for the oppo speed merchant. BOC were not finished yet and went right back up the other end, with Molby's 2nd assist allowing Ilyas to slam the ball into the roof of the net to restore BOCs 2 goal cushion. The gathering of a small army of pastel tops and short skirts meant that it was time for the hockey girls to do their stuff, and time for BOC to de-camp to the Duke to discuss their 4-2 victory and other nonsense. Things I learnt at the Duke: England cricket legend Fred Trueman (looking like a young Elvis) used to present a show called Indoor League, featuring such classic games as Shove Ha'penny and Bar Billiards. Greg Dyke is the new Ally MacLeod (only less amusing).
Hoofer Hodgson
