Before getting into the match itself I must admit I am beginning to believe that it is illegal for us to play at the horse stables in Ham without it absolutely chucking it down with rain and being freezing cold. Yesterday definitely didnt disappoint in that respect.
So Croygas took the long drive to Ham to renew the long running rivalry between themselves and Real Dundonald. Missing from the previous week were Garry, Ken, Zib & Rossy but they were replaced by Dave B, Ach and Ray. Croygas were sent out with an adventurous 4-3-3 formation consiting of Aiden, Sam-Dave B-Jordan-Adam, Matt-Rambo-Jim, Reeno-Reiss-Ray.
Gas couldn't have got off to a worse start with early pressure leading to an opener for Dundonald (the marking form the set piece can definitely be questioned here). Slowly Gas began to get a foothold into the game, this was to be put to the test when goal machine Reiss dislocated his shoulder in an innocuous incident. This led to Ach coming on left mid and a switch back to the fluid 4-4-2 formation. (On the sidelines many unsuccessful attempts pop the shoulder back in had proven unsuccesful and the slowest ambulance in the work was subsequently called).
Croygas' improved play led to the equaliser which must be said, joins an already extensive list of goal of the season contenders scored by Croygas players this year. This time is was Reeno's turn who recieved the ball 25-30 yards out and proceed the bend the ball superbly into the top right hand corner - unfortunely for Reeno it was somewhat overshadowed by Ach's enthusiastic celebration :-). Soon after it was 2-1 to Croygas and an excellent ball in behind the high line of the Dundonald defence by Sam but Jim through 1 on one with the keeper, as the keeper approach Jim knocked the ball past one side of him, ran round the other side an tucked the ball into the empty net before any of the defender could get near.
The half time interval was rushed (in the interests of finishing the game before the pitch became that specific level of unplayable). Dundonald started the quicker and were immdiately level as they broke through the Croygas defence and slotted the ball past Aiden.
The second half remained a close run affair and midway through the second half Gas were 3-2 ahead after a ball from the left allowed Reeno to get in ahead of the defender and tuck the ball home. The lead didn't last long and Dundonald levelled again soon after the the forward beating the offside trap and slotting home.
Another injury (this time to Ray forced Croygas into a furhter change with Brad coming on at right back and Sam pushing forward). Then Croygas has what can only be described as a clear goal disallowed when Jim ran onto a through ball from behind the defence and slotted home. This fixture does have previous for this sort of thing!
In the end this did not matter as Croygas were awarded a penalty with Reeno dispatched to complete his hat-trick and put the away side 4-3 ahead.
From then on it was a case of hanging on, which was completed for the last 5 mins with 10 men as Ach took a heavy blow to the ribs and had to leave the field (i'm sure it was the leaf on his back that caused the most damage though!).
A 4-3 win puts us (temporarily at least) back to the top of the table. The injuries are a concern but everyone is looking forward to the return match next week.
Player Ratings
Aiden - Horrible day for keepers but again made some good saves coming off his line - 7.5
Sam - Assist and again solid - 8.5
Dave B - Missed header for first goal but otherwise excellent - 8
Jordan - Solid (in every sense) - 8
Adam - Enjoyed his LB renaisance - 8
Jim - Scored (2 in theory) - 8.3
Rambo - Hard work in the middle - 8
Matt - Another excellent game - 8.3
Ray - Put a shift in until injured - 7.5
Reeno - Hat-trick and MOM (deducted a whole mark for needless petulance) - 9
Reiss - Injured early, will be missed massively - 6.5
Subs
Ach - Best game in a gas shirt until injured - 8
Brad - Came on and saw us home - 6.5
