A disinterested performance by Phil’s Nalbandian Kickers allowed Brett’s mobile Anthony Taylor Fan Club to win this 6-a-side match convincingly, spurred on by some fine solo efforts from the returning Porty. Before the Kickers lost all energy and effort, the first half was pretty even but Pete’s high sweeping role forced most of the play to be condensed around the edge of Rowan’s goal, where Porty was able to get two shots away which were either accidentally tucked home by Griffin or thrashed directly beyond the injured Rowan. Ian, Phil Parrot, Spence and Kieran provided plenty of running for their teams, causing space to be exploited by those willing to run, but counter attacks were rare as both defences did their jobs (for the most-part). Brett cracked the post with a first time volley which rebounded away, while at the other end Patto’s floated corner set up Phil Parrot for their best chance of the half, but he headed narrowly over, while Gandy couldn’t steer home Griffin’s long range cross/shot.
With the Kickers struggling to track their men and Pete pressing forward unchallenged, The Fan Club tucked away several other goals throughout the second half. Phil’s team managed one consolation through Patto after a very brief period of closing down and energy, but after that Porty saw the game to bed as he dropped his shoulder to create the time for 2 more strong finishes through Rowan, who also made some fine saves from Pete and Crozier.
As the final whistle blew, Spence fell to his knees and cried tears of love for Anthony Taylor, who he is fanatical about.
0-1: Own Goal(Porty’s fierce strike from the left wing was going wide, but Griffin couldn’t get his legs out of the way and finished expertly (if the expert in question was Richard Dunne) into the bottom right corner)
0-2: Porty(A period of sustained pressure, with close passing by Spence and Crozier, ended with Porty rounding the slipping Griffin and smashing his shot beyond Rowan’s dive)
Half Time
0-3: Crozier(Pete’s speculative long range drive was diverted into the net by Crozier who had sneakily crept around the back of the Kickers defence)
0-4: Kieran(Nutmegged Rowan after receiving a pass from Pete)
1-4: Patto(After winning back the ball, Phil Parrot’s shot from the right was blocked and fell to Gandy in the centre, who slid in Patto for a low strike under Pete)
1-5: Brett(A quick corner from Crozier was tucked home by a poorly marked Toobs at the front post)
1-6: Porty(Dropped his shoulder to lose his man and smashed a vicious drive beyond Rowan)
Men of the Match were Porty, because Phil “wished he’d picked him”, and Phil P, as he was “involved in everything good that his team produced“.
