Greensleeves embarked on a rousing fightback after a shocking start to grab the 3 points that confirmed their Division One status. Whilst a mathematical miracle could still see Greensleeves promoted, tonight was about ensuring they stayed in their current division.
Holmesy returned early from his knee injury to take his place in the starting line up, whilst Steve 'Mad Dog' McEwan deputised for Eddie in goal.
Sam started on the bench, and was missed in the opening minutes, as Greensleeves started slower than Martin Klin in a Maths exam.
They were under the cosh from the off, and conceded almost immediately. A succession of failed clearances lead to an opening for Breast Rummage Albion. Steve acrobatically saved the first shot, and then managed to crawl across the line like a beached fish to somehow save the rebound with his back. Unfortunately, the BRA striker seized on the loose ball to stroke home at the third time of asking. 0-1.
B.R.A did not take long to extend their lead. A smart through ball was placed in, and the Breast Rummage striker was too quick for Josh, and smuggled the ball through Steve who had come out to close down the angle. 0-2.
Greensleeves had received the kick up the backside they needed, and they soon started playing a bit of football, albeit 10 minutes too late. Dave found Matt with a great ball, but his shot was hit straight at the 'keeper. Matt had a chance again after a great exchange of passes with Holmesy, but the 'keeper managed to hold a firm strike.
It was not all Greensleeves though, as Steve continued to dive around to prevent further concession.
A good move involving Sam and Holmesy ended when Matt collected the ball and smashed home, beating the 'keeper at last. 1-2 and Half time.
Greensleeves went in at the break knowing they could win the game if they kept the tempo high. The equalised almost immediately, Matt collecting Dave's through ball to finish into the corner. 2-2 and game on.
Greensleeves continued to push, and it was soon 3-2. Josh picked up the ball in the midfield, like a lanky blonde Andrea Pirlo, and picked out Matt with a majestic lofted throughball. Matt beat the 'keeper to the ball as it dropped and touched the ball past him into the corner. 3-2.
Greensleeves should have gone further ahead immediately after; Josh wasted a presentable chance as he blazed over.
There was then some late pressure to absorb. With the B.R.A 'keeper pushing up, Greensleeves struggled to protect Steve, who had to deny the opposition on further occasions. Dave and Sam tackled tenaciously in the final minutes to prevent an equaliser.
Dave's superb tackle with a minute left was unfairly punished and Greensleeves had one more attack to survive. The managed to clear, and the final whistle blew on an encouraging comeback.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Matt's hat-trick turned the game (If I can't give it to myself after a hat-trick than when can I?)
