As normal in this crazy world, the Scarborough Evening News SUNDAY League Division Three began on a warm Thursday evening.
In what can only be described as a tough, scrappy start to the season, Goalkeeper Ashley Buck took centre stage for his commanding presence of his Penalty Area.
With chances at a premium, The Commercial started out on top, but creating very few chances. The first real opportunity fell to a scampering Mike Clark who rounded the keeper only to agonisingly place his shot wide from a tight angle.
Next up was a free kick from 25 Yards from Tim Boorer which curled straight on to the bar. In a cruel twist of fate for the Tavern goalkeeper, the ball rebounded down from the bar on to the back of his head and into the net. Unfortunately for Boorer, an own goal it had to be!
For the next ten minutes The Commercial held their own against one of the tallest teams in history, until a well worked goal by Tavern ended up finally beating the man mountain Ash Buck in goal, which started a dyer final ten minutes of the first half for the Commercial.
The ability to pass, head, tackle and talk seemed to have disappeared from all Commercial players as Crown Tavern attacked. However, the Tavern second goal came with a side order of controversy.
As Mike Clark and John Cresswell were clearing the ball, it appeared to most eyes under the age of 85 to be handball by the Tavern player. Unfortunately, with the referee being in his mid 90's, he missed this and whilst all Commercial players know to play to the whistle, even though the tavern player nearly stopped also, amidst all the protesting we all appeared to stop and whilst Ash was randomly shouting at something (shock horror) their midfielder curled a beauty into the top corner.
A half time 'rousing' speech from The Gaffer seemed to light a fire back under the Commercial players early in the second half, however chances were once again few and far between.
After around ten minutes of the second half, a long ball forward was flicked on by the tufts of Pete Nobles hair 'allegedly!!' and this flick landed at Boorers' feet. As the advancing keeper was already gambling, one side foot from Boorer was all it took to guide the ball into the back of the net to equalise.
An un-eventful rest of the game ensued apart from some amusing 'Albert' decisions, until the last minute......Oliver Barron, who had been one of the solid performers of the day, decided he wanted to forget how to play football and whilst 'ronaldo-ing' out of defense lost the ball. With the Tavern attacker baring down on goal......Ash Buck looked menacing to the poor lad who went on to shoot from 15 Yards, I say 'shoot'!!, as he scuffed it wide of the post, much to Olly's and the rest of the players' relief!!
Shortly after this incident, Albert realised he had to get back to the OAP home and blew for full time.
A well deserved, hard fought point in the end, despite not playing anywhere near their potential, The Commercial were 'satisfied' with their evenings' work.
A vote gave the 'commanding' Ash Buck Man of the Match with 7 votes mainly due to his commanding of the area, good kicks and all round solid performance.
Boorer came second with three votes with the rest being spread evenly among a few members of the team.
Roll on another 'SUNDAY' League game next Thursday!!
