Championship hopes in tatters after woeful defeat
After a two week absence Myton Jaguar travelled to Folly lane looking to build on their current form and rise up the league.
There were headaches for John Ison, partly due to coming down from a 12 year drinking binge, but more to the number of missing personnel that has constantly hampered Jag this season. Micky Sex Panther, Ian 'referee liaison officer' Turley, Cashley Jackson, Jez 'I'm not watching the cricket honest boss' Carpenter and Adam...well Adam were absent for the fixture.
Before the game Dale seem pleased with the firm Argentinians he had picked up the day before at the grocers and was keen to talk about his newly installed quality control processes. Rod and John clearly now running a tighter ship from the 'towelgate' days under the previous stewardship.
The pitch was in great shape, if you were a farmer about to lay down his seeds. John Woodhouse looked particularly pleased with his 10 yard square of turf. It was evident that little football was to be played on the day.
Stevie Wonder blew the whistle and the game began, then pondered on with little action. A long range effort from Andy Bynon and a wild swing from Kiam were the only chances of note as both teams struggled to cope with the poor playing conditions.
Something eventually happened though on 25 minutes when attacking full back Danny Drew looked to play a neat 1-2 with keeper Ade Etherson. Unfortunately Ade wasn't interested in the '2' element, instead opting to slip in the opposing striker for an easy finish and 1-0. Ade put his head in his hands but subsequently dropped it.
Jaguar tried to make their way back into the game but with chances at a premium, went into the half time interval trailing to the distinctly average home side.
Dale certainly lived up to his own pre-game hype as the zesty Buenos Aires orange segments melted in the mouth while John tried to instill some fight into the below par Jaguar side. It was another confidence booster for the Jaguar number two who is still to put to bed the pip infested Kwik Save specials fiasco in February.
The second half was an improvement but the ball just wouldn't fall in the right areas; Andy Bynon went closest with a volley from a corner.
With 15 minutes to go the game opened up as Jaguar pushed men forward. Folly lane almost doubled their lead as defensive gaps were left but the post came to the rescue. Jag knocked and knocked on the door hoping that one final chance would come, and it eventually did.
Ben Clay found some space on the right hand side and on reaching the by line, pulled the ball across the six yard line with his right foot. The goalkeeper spilled the ball as 3 Jaguar players couldn't react to the error. They stood transfixed. Did Ben really use his right foot?
However there was one player not stopping for the once in a lifetime event. He was primed. He was ready. He'd seen the Manchester derby weeks earlier. He knew what to do. He was ready to be the hero. He...he...he probably shouldn't try an overhead kick again in his life. Not only did Kyle miss with the goal at his mercy, but he took the ball off the toes of the advancing Andy Bynon. The ball rolled wide and the game ended 1-0.
Andy took young Kyle's error well, refusing him a lift home and stealing his pocket money.
A disappointing end to a disappointing game. It's clear that Myton's championship aspirations are now well and truly over.
More quality and more heart is required as a tough fixture versus the Aardvark awaits next week.
