Sometimes motivating a team isn’t necessary, such as for a top of the table clash, a derby against close rivals or simply for the prospect of beating a team with monogrammed initials on their tracksuit tops.
An Alex v Project fixture ticks all of those boxes, and is always the one the highlights of the football calendar for players and fans alike, with Sky coverage reported to have started 4 hours before kick off. And a record crowd of 2 lining the side lines.
It’s easy to see why Project intimidate so many teams in the league. Walking across to the pitch all in black, they look like the bad guys in a family sports film. The Hawks from The Mighty Ducks, Robo-gym in Dodgeball, or the Cobra Kai from the Karate Kid.
This Alex side is built made of strong stuff, knowing they can come out of games with three points regardless of the opposition. Even Project’s 10 minute huddle and extensive pre-match warm-up didn't disturb the Alex’s quiet confidence.
Sanders glancing across, dragging thoughtfully on his fourth pre-match cigarette. Daisy brooding in silence, briefly flaring his nostrils every now and again. Allcott pacing back and forth with the pent up energy of a 6 year old on Christmas eve. Miller, where’s Miller? Oh there he is, nonchalantly arriving 2 minutes before kick off, clearly unfazed by the magnitude of the game. This is a team confident with their abilities.
The Alex’s verve shows straight from kick off, eagerly closing down Project players, and when in possession playing it quickly and purposely. Allcott, Daisy and Duncan pulling the strings in the middle like virtuoso harpists playing their favourite sonata . The back 4 looking imperious, swatting away Project attacks and distributing quickly to the eager wingers of Tiahan and Miller.
A healthy crowd of 2 cheer each pass and tackle, with Wardle’s live updates keeping those who couldn’t get tickets on tenterhooks across the globe.
The first goal was an excellent team move, unlocking the Project defence with a number of short passes, before finding debutant Duncan in the middle who slotted home with cool precision, the terraces erupt.
Project haven’t got where they are by rolling over though. A competitive side they dig in and were soon back on level terms. A deflected header looping agonisingly away from the sprawling Gandy into the net. The Alex responded straight away, reapplying the pressure and retaking the lead via a driving run into the box from wide man Tiahan, whose shot is spilled by the keeper, the ever reliable Rob Goodman is on hand to follow up. 2-1 to the Alex, a deserved lead at half time.
A few motivational words from Captain Allcott, and back out. We waited for a backlash that never really materialised. The midfield continued run the game, working the ball around well probing for openings and controlling the tempo, whilst the defence kept their structure and worked hard to repel any threat from Project. Whilst a 1 goal cushion is never enough, Clapham’s third goal effectively put the game to bed on 60 min. A raised arm in the box by a Project defender. Hand Ball. Penalty. Goodman never looked like missing as he slotted away his second, and the 7th goal in 6 games for Clapham’s newest danger man. There were a few chances at both ends over the last 30 minutes. Riley had a header cleared off the line from an Allcott corner, whilst Gandy brilliantly smothered a shot that bounced awkwardly in front of him. But the Alex were good value for the victory.
The sound of the final whistle is greeted by cheers. To have won such a game without the league’s top scorer, our gangly target man, and a host of other first teamers seems a remarkable accomplishment. But with the strength in depth and the single mindedness the squad now possess, such feats are no longer unexpected.
There is a long way to go, and winning the league is still very much out of our hands. But it’s looks like this battle hardened team aren’t going to go down wondering. Up the Alex.
