The return match of Florist’s early season thrashing of Flying Time FC was always going to be one the team were relishing going into the match. Unfortunately, any pre-match joy was marred by the appearance of Florist’s archenemy of referees, who once again would mar the spectacle.
Florist started the game with Tristan Mann in goal, Charlie Carter and Morris in defence, Jack Carter and Morph in midfield and new singing, Rob Spires, leading the line.
The game began in an unorganised manner for Florist. Despite being comfortable on the ball, defensively the team were at sixes.
Flying Time took advantage of this when a break down in play in the Florist midfield led to a chance for Flying Time which they duly took, Mann managing to get a hand to the ball but not keep it out. Florist would have to come from behind.
Florist ran the changes bringing James Slater into the fold to bring some much needed organisation to the team. Tom Carrot finally making his debut after a prolonged absence also got onto the pitch.
Nick Morris won the ball high up the pitch and played a ball into Morph who finished nicely equalling the scores.
Florist went on to have a number of half chances which they failed to convert.
Then the big talking point in the game happened. Flying Time had a number of chances in a defensive scramble and when Jack Carter made a heroic sliding block, the referee unduly blew his and called for a penalty.
Despite objections from the Florist players, Flying Time scored from the spot, putting the ball to the right of Mann.
Florist finished the half looking like the better team but had nothing to show for it. The referee was enthralled in a debate with Nick Morris at half-time about his absurd decision.
The second half saw Florist start strongly and they got their reward when Charlie Carter closed down a defender and saw his tackle rather fortunately fly pass the hapless Flying Time goalkeeper. They were even again.
Florist continued to make opportunity after opportunity, Tom Slater being rather unfortunate not to get a hattrick, let alone not a single goal.
Then, in the words of James Slater:
“[James] Slater pinged the ball majestically, only for a fault with the turf, see it hit an opponent. Slater mused, as he ran onto the rebound, and slipped the ball into the far corner to beat the world class goalkeeper, and continue his fantastic start with Florist, his 3rd goal in 4 matches.”
Florist had the lead finally.
They then added another when a lovely exchange of passes between Tom Slater and Jack Carter, saw the latter tap home a gorgeous team move.
Morph added to his first goal after Morris played it outwide before he fired home from long-range to score a marvellous fifth for the Floristers.
The game came to an end and the win sent Florist third. However, controversy was to entail after the game, when Charlie and Jack Carter were embroiled in a fiery debate with the referee over the awarding of the penalty.
This incident ended up with Charlie and Jack Carter receiving two and one match bans respectively. It is thought that Charlie Carter is to appeal the bans. Despite this incident, it was a fantastic result for the club and sees them stay in the hunt for promotion.
