On a weekend where a header and an awful decision by the officials at the Reebok dominated the Premiership news, there was a similar story at Victoria Embankment although the header and bad decisions were separate events in this case! Boots Weds played a double header versus Fat Cat due to the backlog in fixtures, each half being worth 3 points, but unfortunately it was a case of so near yet so far, a common story in Boots’ unpredictable season.
FIRST GAME:
The first half was a close match, and the sudden realisation that one mistake or goal could make all the difference made it a tense and tight affair. The pitch also didn’t help the ebb and flow of the game as the ground was particularly bumpy, making the ball hard to control. Arguably Fat Cat started the stronger but the defence of Patto and Subo in the middle and Chris and Croz stood up to most of the challenges, and Phil was not really called upon.
However, Fat Cat broke the deadlock when their striker wriggled through the defence and rounded Phil and his shot just beat the despairing dive of Crozier who managed to get his studs on it but not enough to stop the shot. This spurred Boots into action, with Si breaking up the play, Christian and Chibs starting to get more of the ball, and they started to involve Rich and Griff on the wings and Bally up front.
There were a number of times when the bounce just wouldn’t go for us or the ball was in the wings but we weren’t able to cross or find anyone in the box. However, eventually the increased pressure told and Rich floated a delightful ball in the area (with his left foot I believe) and Griff, yes Griff, I repeat again, Griff rose up above his marker and placed a great header into the bottom left corner. The goal was superb and celebrated in style as Griff let out an almighty roar like a caveman and then was bundled by Chibbert!
The rest of the game was then an even affair, subs were made to bring Rowan (who ran like a maniac for 15 mins) and Ash on for Chibbert and Si. Boots hit the bar with a header from a corner, before the best chance fell to Griff as a break down the right saw Bally put through Griffin on the left. As he trotted into the box he unleashed a shot that was well saved by the goalkeeper, but whilst shooting he was scythed down by their defended making a despairing lunge. A clear and blatant penalty, not given.
After that it looked like a draw would be the outcome, until in injury time a mix-up saw the Fat Cat striker intercept Phil’s throw-out to Chris, and he finished to make it 2-1, breaking Boots hearts.
