Our only game in April and not enough numbers to do training , it was with some trepidation that Baz hastily arranged this fixture , if only to alleviate the stress of Thursday night football in May . It became obvious during the week that we would be short on numbers , but with a few non-shows on the morning the situation looked bleak to say the least . Toon , despite his injuries and on a morning when perhaps he should have been elsewhere , donned the gloves to go between the sticks . Gaz took the mantle of target man despite his long term injury and Luke Lloyd kept his place but was employed wide . They say when the going gets tough , the tough get going ; as Baz nipped down the offy to get some water he returned just in time to see Tom Brettle strike our opener after a nice team move . Our opponents Crosswells finished runners up in the league but had to survive some great moves from us . Gaz and Col renewed their old understanding and looked a threat . As Dan held the midfield together both Rick and Tom worked their socks off and picked up every second ball . Robbo and Luke worked tirelessly down the flanks , Andy getting some good space , but Lukey having to toil up and down in the boggy side of the pitch . Toony wasnt troubled into a reflex save but did have to collect several long range strikes which he did so safely . We put together some fine football, as we had done for several games recently . Understandably we looked tired second half and several players took knocks and niggles .Without any subs at that time they knew they were up against the odds . As Crosswells fought back their striker Dan Dickson ran on to a through ball and slotted in a fine equaliser . At this stage it looked like a repeat showing of recent games as our opponents won several corners and free kicks . Our defence though were simply awesome and protected Toony magnificently , reducing Crosswells to half chances . Colin shrugged his weight problems aside to torment their defenders and we had several chances ourselves .Joe Cohen turned up to replace him though when he twisted his knee. The game opened up and both teams had chances , Cohen almost heading the winner within minutes of coming on . As the draw looked like the unjust outcome , Ricky burst into the box at lightning pace to be tripped , just as the referee had the whistle to his lips . What happened next will be talked about in thebustling pubs of downtown Darlaston for years , as Gary denied Roberts the chance of glory to claim the spot kick . The crowd held their breath . Crosswell defender and lifelong Baggies follower Josh Fletcher got himself red carded , likening the ref to the female anatomy . Unbelievably our Captain was gonna put his cruciate ligament aside to take the penalty . A tear came to little Colins eye. Baz's reservations were muted protestations as emotions were put before common sense . An eerie silence filled the Black Country sky , as in silence , Holder took a few steps back before slotting home the winner with the last kick of the match . The opponents managerAdam Siniarski forgot himself and punched the air in delight . Sheer class . In a fit of Altzheimers onset Baz declared free beer at the conny club and even more smiles ensued . A class day lads and well deserved .
