The night when Goodfellas spoke Italian by Alessio Savona
BENVENUTI ALLO STADIO OLIMPICO “VALLE FELICE”!
Goodfellas clash against Lui Tuen took place on a warm Thursday evening.
Approx. 27 degrees, 67% RH, Pitch in good dry condition.
Team was rounded by the Captain for the inspirational talk, on this occasion, delivered by myself (Ale). As I lost my team talk virginity I mumbled something about Goodfellas team spirit, work rate and commitment, which I must have mentally prepared beforehand in expectation of this moment to happen at some point! UNO-DUE-TRE-FELLAS! WE’RE ON!
Starting line up: Mullenz in goal, Belgium and Kettz at defence line, Justin in the middle, Kingsley right wing, Garrow left wing, Sandro upfront.
The game started at a slow pace, both teams studying each other, but it soon become apparent which of the two sides was going to command the fixture. Fellas comfortably settled into their game and into some good passing and running that soon started to produce some half chances. The ball spent most time in Lui Tuen’s half and most of the time they had to defend with the whole team behind the ball. In the few attempts they had to test our defense line, Belgium and Kettz stood their ground strong and Mullenz had nothing more than some standard “goalkeeping admin” to deal with.
Fellas’ build up some good pressure, Sandro battling for space and Justin having a few shots to try and test the keeper. A ball played on the right side from Belgium to Sandro found him short of options but to strike the ball hard and low to put Fellas upfront! Joy and relief, as getting the goals has been somewhat laborious in recent games.
Lui Tuen came out of their shell to try and justify their presence in this game, but with no great worry of our defense line. At this point subs were made to bring in fresh energies: Alessio for Kingsley, Ced for Sandro, Dave for Justin and Vince for Garrow.
More spaces opened up upfront amongst their defense line for our attacking players to show their pace and skill. Ced and Alessio both failed one on ones against the keeper after individual efforts, increasing the frustration of a game being dominated, but not showing in the score line. Then, the miracle happed: a corner kick taken by Garrow cut across the whole box to bounce on an unspecified body part of Dave’s (shin? knee? Left bollock maybe??) and hit the back of the net! Surprise and disbelief among the Fellas as well as on Dave’s face, not quite sure how to celebrate the (a?) goal.
The double lead injected more confidence in the Fellas that now dominated the opposition. Flying high on the wings of glory Dave delivered a precise mid-air ball down the right wing to Ale. As the keeper came out in a desperate attempt to block the bouncing sphere, Ale elegantly lobbed it above him and proceeded to head it into the empty goal to open his personal account with the Fellas. Not even two minutes had passed that Dave found himself running down the left flank and sent a pacey cross in the box that met Ale’s left (!) boot. Once again the ball sprang above the defender and keeper and fell just under the crossbar in the net. Four goals up and the fans are singing!
But it wasn’t over yet. Ced attacked centrally to send a slick ball down the right side were Ale saw his hat-trick attempt bounce off the keeper and back to him. Unable to score he returned the favor to Ced that clinically placed the ball in the bottom left corner. Five nil at half time, when was the last time that happened?
Second half saw Belgium in goal and Mullenz outfield for some glory. He paired with Kettz at the back; Dave in the middle, Ale on the right, Garrow on the left and Ced upfront.
Goodfellas made possession and kept up the first-half momentum by running at the opposition. There were first-touch passes, back-heels and other slick stuff but less precision when it came to finishing the chances. On the other side Mullenz bullied Lui Tuen’s attackers when they came close to our goal and Belgium showed his confidence in the keeper role he has got us used to.
The second half continued with the Fellas solidly in control of the game and having the best chances with the new subs Sandro, Kingsley, Vince and Justin. There was indeed more Italian glory as Sandro corrected in goal a sweet personal effort by Vince and brought the score up to 6-0. The game ended without other surprises.
Well played to everyone, let’s work hard for more of these performances in the future and be more clinical upfront!
And if you’re looking for a goal celebration may I suggest the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XOL8o-3TZ8&feature=related
