Kilburn
It was with sad sad thoughts that the Fellas came to the pitch (a while back now) as everyone was aware of the fact that it was Kilburn’s last match for the Fellas (well, at least for a while). Given that, Cap’n Howard selected yours truly to provide the pre-match words of inspiration (despite the fact that I was leaving in a couple of days and had no time to write a match report, hence this match report being over a month late)!
The speech was basically unforgettable, though I don’t remember much of it! Now to the game… Starting line-up (I think): Philip (GK), Doug (RB), Bear (CB), Kenny (CB), Seba (LB), Kai (RM), Howard (CM), Shaka (CM), Cedric (LM), (FW) Derek and (FW) Pete (2nd half subs - Spencer in at LM, Ikes in at LB and Peps in at CM) Spectators: Cresser (couldn’t stray too far from the toilet if I remember correctly) We started off in typical Fellas fashion with total domination and total inability to score. We peppered the opponents box with repeated shots and crosses for the first 10 mins (notable strikes from Shaka and Pete – 1 forcing a great save and the other hitting the post). Cedric and Kai were causing significant issues on the outside for the outmatched Men United squad, but we weren’t able to get the opener. It should also be noted that Cedric missed an absolute sitter…(it’s been a while Ced, but the boys still haven’t forgotten)! On one of Men United’s 3 attacks of the entire game, a through ball slipped past the back line that a MU striker calmly finished. 1 – nil down. The next 25 mins were played nearly 100% in the MU box thanks to a strategy change where we were just trying to get as many crosses in as possible. With about 5 mins to go in the half, Doug played an exquisite cross into the box that skipped to the far post that Killer sweetly side scissor-kicked past a hopeless MU keeper (that’s how I remember it anyway…what really happened was I nearly missed the ball, hit it about 3.5 mph right at the middle of the goal where the goalie was not, luckily). Half time tied at 0-0. Half time speech consisted of Howard’s traditional ramblings about how he wishes he was taller and about how we should try to score more…to be honest I don’t really remember much of half time, but who really listens to him anyway! 2nd half started out much like the first though we had a bit more determination and conviction both offensively and defensively. I don’t remember our defense letting UM even get into our box, Howard was winning balls at all corners of the pitch and Shaka was continuously opening up the opponent with solid runs and through balls. 1 Shaka run stands out as he single-handedly took on the UM defense, getting past 5ish defenders only to dive at the end (or he may have been fouled horribly, but the dive makes it sound more fun). After about 15 mins, Shaka played a rather nasty through ball into Killer that I ran onto (after a traditional stiff-arm), played past the goal keeper to Pete who casually missed only to have me poke in the rebound. 2-1 Fellas. Pete (though the runs were very quality) subsequently missed 2 near break-aways (you owe me 3 now Pete!) and Killer missed a sitter from the top of the box, but the game ended with little threat on our goal thanks to a stellar defensive effort and a lot of offense. -On a side note, just wanted to let everyone know that I miss playing with the Fellas big time, but I hope I get another chance before the end of the season (I really only care about keeping my golden boot, but it will be nice to hang out with everyone again as long as Howard promises post-game American food). Seriously though, it was an awesome 2 year run and I hope to stay in touch with everyone. If anyone visits NYC let me know and you’ll have a place to stay. My new cell phone # is below and my email address is the same (Derek.kilburn@Wellsfargo.com and Derek.kilburn@wachovia.com both work). If you visit, bring a massive f(_*^*)&% jacket…this place is freezing! Stay in touch! Killer (#49 even though I wanted to be #19)
