Jaguar show their worth as the league champions hold out for draw
Top of the league came into town as Jaguar looked to finish the season on a high having suffered in the last four league matches. It was a good opportunity to pit their wits against the already crowned champions, in what could be a dress rehearsal for the upcoming cup semi final.
Nostalgia was again in the air as former player-manager Stuart Nicol returned to the team to support Jaguar's cause. It was the first time he'd been back having been forced to resign in the wake of his shameful part in the now infamous 'towelgate' episode. Kiam Galdins was not available for comment. Stuart's return was in part due to Adam Whitefield's absence, who has now joined a Bros tribute band following a poor return from his Journey South tour of Liverpool.
Jaguar were short on numbers on the day with Clinical Clive returning to starting XI and "young" Kyle the only substitute, buoyed from getting a free packet of Match Attax when buying his Milky Way earlier in the day.
Gatehouse started the game in a more positive fashion, the younger legs pressing high and taking lots of ball possession. Despite limiting Jaguar to a defensive role in the first 45, Gatehouse failed to register a shot on target as the back four remained solid, led resolutely by veteran skipper Macca. The best action of the half came when the Gatehouse manager threw out his teddies and offered Sean Monington the opportunity to have a fight. However, having been told about Sean's windmill action style, as seen vs. GNP in a prior season, the opposing manager thought better of it. Either that or Dale pulled out his orange slicing knife...
Onto Dale, half time saw a return to action following his one match suspension. Dale broke his silence to the News of the World before the game, blaming his produce for his below par showing since January. On the advice of Rod Ison, sporting a Miami Vice look in the sunshine, Dale has now changed suppliers, vowing never to use those "Spanish B*stards" again. South African clementines were the order of the day and they certainly hit the bullseye. Dale was back, and he knew it, as seen by his fist pump when clearing away the empty tupperware box.
The oranges certainly played their part in the second half as Jaguar gradually forced their way back into the game. The brick wall of a back four provided the platform to get the others involved. Jez and Turley began to pull the strings as Ben and Andy pushed on supporting the lone striker Kiam who worked tirelessly for the team on the day.
The away side crumbled at the back as chances began to materialise, firstly through Ben Clay who misguided a lob whilst running onto an angled pass, his right foot is clearly for standing on.
Ben went close again moments later as he latched onto a through ball but the goalkeeper smothered well at his feet; Ben unable to lift the ball over the keeper's 46 stone frame.
With 15 minutes to go, controversy reigned, as yet again the league provided Jaguar with another 'one of those' referees. Ben Clay powered through the back four only to be scythed down by the last defender as he was about to shoot high and wide into the trees. It was a borderline penalty and a definite red card, but again, the referee shat his pants and waved play on. Rod "Don Johnson" Ison on the sidelines was definitely not best pleased.
Jaguar continued to press as young Kyle came on for Clinical Clive having ran himself into the ground. The injection of energy caused yet more problems as Kyle was brought down on the edge of the box, providing another goalscoring opportunity. Kiam drilled the free kick which was parried to Ben Clay who couldn't get the ball past the flailing keeper with the goal at his mercy.
There was time for Ben (4th chance) to spurn another opportunity as he hit the keepers legs when played clean through with five minutes to go rather than opting to round him, however given the keeper's physique it would have been a very long way round.
No efforts on target for the league elite in the second half and they looked quite relieved when the final whistle blew.
0-0, and the second clean sheet in the three matches since Ade has been injured. That's the same as we've had all season up to this point. Surely this is down to coincidence alone.
A great second half performance by the team as all the players worked for each other on the day. On the league front it is surely a season that could have been; manager John Ison must be kicking himself with the inconsistent spell in February and March putting paid to the promotion hopes, not to mention the cheating c*nt referee against the Aardvark. On the positive side, Jaguar must feel there is a great chance to reach the cup final on this showing. Some better finishing (Ben) could have saw a comfortable victory but it was not to be. Andy Clay was quoted after the game as saying "I can't believe that keeper isn't professional. Four world class saves in the second half, I've never seen anything like this in my life. It makes Gordan Banks' save against Brazil look like a regulation stop".
Man of the match sponsored by Stuart Nicol was skipper Gary McCauley.
