REEM TEAM 5 – 3 BIN LADEN’S WARRIORS:
Captained by Brett ‘Nice Legs’ Tugby, Reem Team became the very first winners of the Monday Evening Football Fiesta by defeating Bin Laden’s Warriors, led by Peter ‘Banter’ Allaway. The first half was a very even affair, with Aidan’s header (from Griffiths’ precise cross) the only difference between the teams, as Paul made a number of scrambled saves for Bin Laden who couldn’t really threaten Griff at the other end (Sicky clearing one attack over the fencing into a heavily-fortified hedge with a thunderous header).
As fatigue began to creep into the Bin Laden defence in the second half, Reem Team played through-ball after through-ball to utilize their pace but were denied by Paul or defensive blocks on numerous occasions, and were punished for their wastefulness when Pete squared to Luke at the back post who beat Griff with a fine finish to level the scores. Refusing to give up, Reem Team rallied and took full advantage of a brief period of tired play from Bin Laden to go 4-1 ahead, with rapid finishes from Griffiths (in off the far post), Sicky (deflected left-footed shot) and Fletch (lovely dummy and finish) doing the damage after good possessional play from SuBo, Sicky and Fletch in particular. Patto then lobbed a wandering Griffin with an audacious left-footed lob from half-way to give Bin Laden hope, which was shortly followed by a controversial third as Phil (returning to the pitch after retrieving a wayward shot) squared to Spence who bashed the ball into the net from 1 yard. Although Bin Laden had chances to equalise as Swithers and Phil both fired headers over, Pete hit the post with a lob and Patto narrowly chested Phil’s cross wide, Reem Team made the most of their pace up front to see out the game when Griffiths beat his marker to fire a low finish inside the near post, while Sicky fizzed several shots wide.
Winning Captain Brett chose Fletch and Pete as Men of the Match, as both used the ball well and competed well in midfield in what was an enjoyably competitive match.
