Langton FC 2 Broad Plain Sundays 3
Controversy had reared its ugly head long before kick off at Frys yesterday when both teams struggled to field a starting 11 and a pitch that resembled Redcatch hill such was the slope of the grounds. Broad Plain were able to make changes and start the match with a full line up unlike Langton who paid the price in the latter stages of the game for turning up with just 10 men.
After a scrappy start and a poor opening 20 minutes from both teams it was Langton who struck first as BPS failed to clear the ball on the edge of the box and a flukey strike somehow found its way into the back of the net having picked up pace with the bounce on the way in. Sam Evans efforts to save the ball were in vain and it proved to be the beginning of the end for the goalkeeper as he landed awkwardly on his knee and immediately winced with pain. The goalkeeper continued valiantly but on making a crucial save from a one on one situation just 5 minutes later the decision was taken by the manager to substitute Evans and avoid any further damage. Captain Joe Suchceki took on goalkeeping duties and the team looked somewhat lost without his leadership and influence. The half finished the same as it had started with long balls and an inability for either team to control the game.
The manager decided to start the 2nd half of the game with Richard Lohan in goal and to move Suchecki in to the centre of midfield to ease the workload of Gary Shorney. It was a decision which lead to BPS looking much more solid and allowed Shorney space and time to dictate play culminating in a superb 30 yard strike from the midfielder which bamboozled the Langton goalkeeper and immediately reignited the game. An hour played and BPS looked to finally be getting on top of the game until a disgusting foul on Jason Magee just outside his own box went unpunished and Langton took the opportunity to score another scrappy goal this time leaving stand in goalie Rich Lohan in no mans land. BPS had held the lead for just 4 minutes and it felt as if it was going to be one of those days but for the fighting spirit and bounce-back-ability of the team who refused to taste defeat for the first time. Play was stopped in the 70th minute when Langtons Spanish playmaker appeared to be attacked by an invisible man possibly squeezing his genitals such was the noise that came from him with clearly no BPS player making any contact at all. The referee was conned and Langton tried and failed with there attack as Lohan covered his near post and watched the ball slowly roll wide. Nick Wheeler ensured it was Langtons only move for the rest of the game with a Gandolf style “YOU SHALL NOT PASS” attitude time and time again dispossessing Langton and distributing the ball with confidence. The 77th minute came and again Shorney serged foward to the edge of the box and was brought down with a malicious attempt at ending his game, Penance was served in the form of a penalty kick which initially Joe Coffey placed with the hope of ending his goal drought until Manager Sam Moore red faced and screaming from the touch line demanded Shorney finished what he started. Shorney sent the goal keeper the wrong way and again the match was for the taking. Chances came again and again for Broad Plain but the strike pairing of Coffey Martin just couldn’t find the back of the net. The game was reaching its close when substitute CB Jack Gough picked up the ball and skipped past Langtons defence before a cool finish to ensure all 3 points for Broad Plain. The final whistle lead to jubilant scenes and the feeling that even on a bad day Broad Plain do not lie down leading many pundits to describe them as definite title contenders for the 2013/14 season.
Man of the match was a close call and in the end went to a player vote resulting in Mr 100% Nick Wheeler pippping Gary Shorney to the award by one vote.
UP THE BPS!
