Jubilee FC arrived at Widford play fields for their second round game in the division one shield against Ware Saviours. Jubilee FC had pummelled Ware Saviours in the league 6-2 a few weeks earlier but were not taking Ware likely. Jubilee had a strong team of 15 players to choose from this week. Manager Elton Marks played the usual 4-4-2 formation with Luke ‘Bosnich’ Lloyd starting in goal. Saul ‘set-piece’ Charalambos and Chris were right and left back respectively with Dean Powell and Nicky Alvarez the first choice centre back pairing. Johnny ‘leftpeg’ Heather and James Cristion started on the left and right wings with Sam ‘spray-tan’ Brown partnering Matt ‘Mad-dog’ Brown in the centre of midfield. Piers ‘livewire’ Short and Marc ‘Barnes’ Farrell spearheaded the Jubilee attack. Max Charalambos, Josh Rogers, Barry White and David Binder were warming the bench today.
Jubilee kicked off and immediately dominated possession. There was some nice plays up both the left and right sides of midfield but there was very little in the way of chances made. Sam Brown and Johnny Heather linked up well down the left hand side of midfield. Sam Brown made it all the way to the by-line before the defender got back to clear for a corner. Nothing came of the corner and the Jubilee attack was getting caught offside far too often. Just when we thought this might not be our day Sam Brown went on a powerful run from midfield. Sam got to the by-line and was fouled inside the box. A penalty to Jubilee FC. Marc Farrell calmly dispatched the spot kick; 1-0 to Jubilee FC.
Ware Saviours kicked off and were obviously intimidated by the Jubilee team. They had hardly created anything and were chasing shadows all over the pitch. But a mix up at the back presented Ware with a counter attacking chance but was fortunately shot wide. A little reminder to the Jubilee players that Ware Saviours were dangerous! However a corner from Sam Brown that was cleared fell to Chris Antoni how chipped the goal keeper from outside the box – 2 goals in two games for Chris and 2-0 to Jubilee FC.
At half time manager Elton Marks was extremely pleased with the first half display. Very little in the way of defending had to be done due to the excellent retention of the ball. Elton just reminded the players that they shouldn’t get complacent as this Ware Saviours can score goals. Piers Short was injured and David Binder came on in his place.
Ware Saviours kicked off and immediately asserted some pressure. The Jubilee centre backs were not taking any chances with Dean Powell and Nicky Alvarez smashing the ball away. However, a through ball split the defence open and allowed the Ware attacker to strike home; 2-1 to Jubilee FC.
The Jubilee players were not worried and immediately raised their game. A Ball from Johnny Heather to James Cristion was miss judged by the goal keeper and calmly slotted home by James; 3-1 to Jubilee FC.
Just as we thought Jubilee were going to cruise to victory a goal kick from Ware Saviours was kicked over the high line of the Jubilee defence. A Ware player sneaked in behind in a technically offside position (but you cannot be from goal kicks, corners or throw-ins) and calmly slotted into the back of the net; 3-2 to Jubilee FC.
Elton Marks made a tactical change in bringing off Marc Farrell for Josh Rogers. Jubilee went on the attack again and a cross from Saul Charalambos was nearly met by Johnny Heather attempting a bicycle kick!!! Just when we thought we had seen all the goals. A through ball from Sam Brown was slotted home by James Cristion after a poor clearance from the goal Keeper; 4-2 to Jubilee FC.
Just as the game looked over a weighted ball into the path of Sam Brown from David Binder was slotted into the back of the net with the outside of the boot; 5-2 to Jubilee FC. Manager Elton Marks made his final substitution with James Cristion coming off for Barry White. Barry linked up well with Johnny Heather on the left and then tried an audacious nut-meg on the defending player that didn’t come off. The defender then gained possession and showed him how it was done by nut-mugging him…instant impact.
The full time whistle blew at 5-2 to Jubilee FC and they are through to the next round of the League shield against either Sun and Harrow or Bridge House. An excellent performance by the whole team but the stand out performer was Sam Brown. Free fish pedicure coming his way.
Game on Sunday 11th December is against New Riverside at Station Approach.
