Well, we definitely owed these cunts something from last season! Travis came away last season with a 6 game suspension after deliberately kicking a ball in the face of thir mouthy centre midfielder after the game. To be fair, the ref (and the rest of the players) were more in shock that one of his passes reached the intended target!
Anyway, merged squads from last season of Unity and FC Shepherds led us to have a quick game of spot the token white man in their team..... before trying to pit our wits against them to take 3 points.
Longy and Bridle were welcomed back from the winning squad of the opening game of the season after a week out and also introduction Trav, Danny Aston and Dan Allen were all making their competetive debut for the season. Trav was only selected as it was his birthday but hopefully he would take his opportunity to display what he learned from Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott from his time at Southampton.
Starting line up was juggled around slightly as Bridle, who was feeling rough, was drafted into centre half to replace Stempy as he had to work with Gaz and Jay but we stil looked strong.
Stew and Gary were also not feeling fully recovered from foot/nkle injuries but were more than up for doing the job for the team.
We started brightly and looked so composed on the ball in the back line. Bridle and Sam always having the option to use the full backs as well as Char/Danny Aston wanting the ball on every occasion. We retained the ball well and carved out chances down both flanks and balls over the top. Pistol was comfortable on the ball and Stew was full of running in behind which really seemed to work.
Out wide, we had Gary that was finding the ball down the line every time and on the opposite flank Muffy was linking up well with Dan Allen who was lways pushing on to support his winger.
Then, after a long ball from Longy that was flicked on by Char (winning the first of a number of headers for the day) and Pistol latched on to it, kept his composurin the box and slotted the ball past the hapless, oncoming keeper. 1-0 to the Mighty Millhouse and Pistol levelling his goal tally from last season. Looking leaner (weight loss) and meaner (Eminem's haircut) and more like Stephan Henchoz than ever before, Pistol is in a rich vein of form. Good work mate!
We dominated in every area of the pitch but Muffy felt hard done by when not getting multiple free kicks that he appealed for and he vented his frustration by trying to get in the shirt of his opponent and finding himself getting booked. Perhaps my Hungarian was mis-understood when i told him to get under the skin of the winger..... he took it literally! haha
Char, todays skipper and the clubs vice captain this season, was then also booked for a late tackle that once again they over reacted with the play acting.
Half time and we were in the driving seat.
Longy points out all of the good things but a couple of things that need to happen:
1. When I ask someone to take the free kicks - THEY TAKE THEM
2. When I ask someone to stand in front of the ball on the edge of the box for their goal kicks - DO IT
I have a level of expectation from all of you that I do not have to remind you of every single job you have when you cross the white line to play
Second half and I felt we were under the kosh. Stew and Gary were cearly struggling and Trav used an injury as an excuse for being knackered so he could soldier on. They got behind our back line a few times but a combo of solid defending, saves from Longy and pony finishing kept the scoreline the same. But then, after a deflection they equalised.
How would we react? Would we crumble like last week? Not a chance, we stepped it up a gear and battled harder than ever to stay in the game. Longy suffered a nasty concussion after a blatant headbutt from their striker but then took his revenge 10 yards outside the box when he cleaned out their striker to give a tactical free kick away.
Gaz and Dale came on to sure us up a little bit and add some fresh legs as Gary and Stew had run themselves into the ground.
Dan Allen, who was quality today, took charge of a free kick and pinged in the perfect cross that was behind their centre backs but too far for the keeper to come and claim and Char nipped in and stuck his massive napper on the end of it to regain the lead.
Pistol hit a screamer that was ruled out for offside and we had the ball the net again but was called back for not waiting for the referees whistle.
We held on really well and Bridle capped a stunning performance with a goal with the 2nd to last kick of the game. The last kick being their keeper trying to clear Bridles free kick that he shanked into his own net..... a bit like all of his goal kicks haha
A cracking performance and display of graft / determination / compsure and I want more of the same!
Cheers to Sam's mate for running the line for us, Gary/Trav/Stew for working so hard when injured and Gaz and Dale for getting there to help us out!
All outstanding subs to be paid by next week as well as fines for bookings (Bridle/Stempy/Char/Muffy) which are a tenner each. If you are not up to date on the finances then you will not be made available for selection.
BBOB Reserves at Home next week lads so we have a good chance of back to back victories but it won't be easy.
Over and Out
Longy (Petr Cech of Brighton League)
