Where to start in a game that had more goals than a whole match of the day program? Defending was definitely NOT the order of the day today! Christian rather sagely suggesting pre match that the game could very well end eight all. Conditions were atrocious, though some of the goals were of a very questionable standard. Taking the lead via Dale, who had three goes to get the ball in the net, the equaliser we conceded owed something to the comical. A speculative cross finding Mark sliding around his area like Bambi on roller-skates! 1-1. A flurry of exchanged goals then followed. Ben Back-healed one in, Gregor scored a tremendous OG, they gave us an OG back, Mark set up a wall that invited a far post repost, and finally we trudged off at half time something like 4-4. The second period was a little tighter, we defended a tad better, probably settling for a bit less possession in favour of a tighter shape. They are a good attacking side, make no mistake (defending not so much!). The Big Ginger No6 was very tidy, winning headers in a hotly contested running battle with Christian. No 11 the nippy winger gave Gav, Ben and Gary plenty to think about, the strikers causing plenty of trouble to the Old Firm in the middle and the right back launched many an attack with good passing and distribution. We trailed from a set piece goal for much of the second period, and only a rare foray on seventy odd minutes won us a corner form a Gav cross. The resulting corner was a bit American football in that the goal owed a lot to some lineback play from our offensive unit. The keeper was blocked and several players were …em …. “distracted” off the ball by the mean machine stye of the Rotten. No mind - five all - game on! To say it was dark now is an understatement, Diego was practically invisible (I know - sorry)! 15 minutes saw us take the lead through a goal that I can only describe as everybody’s goal. Again the Rugby scrum/mean machine Potten approach saw us put the ball, two defenders and the keeper into the opposition’s net. For once the over finicky ref didn’t blow up and the goal stood. The final 15 minutes were probably our best of the game in terms of ball playing. I think we had decided that it was all or nothing, and the lovely young people of Gadebridge were not to be having the best of us. We got two goals to the good via Rugby and Diego, and looked set fair. We didn’t however account for the ref’, and a fifty, fifty between Nolan and big Ginge’ saw a Stunned Nolan disbelievingly looking at a penalty. Its fair to say that Paul gave the referee the benefit of his considerable wisdom. 7-6 then! In an unexpected turn of generosity, the Right back (who had to be fair had an impeccable game) reached up to catch a ball played over the top for Diego. How he didn’t get sent off lord only knows, but the gift was too much for Gav and Diego to turn down, in successive games now, combining to put the tie out of reach. Lastly Gareth who on for Rob had struggled to find a pass. He was obviously saving up for his finale with a chest down, keepy up and volleyed scorcher from 30 yards - take a bow son! 8-6 Rotten. I would be much happier to see a return to lower scoring in our goal in the coming game at home against Hunton Bridge! Still good fun for the magnificent PESC who looked resplendent in their new coats, and treated us to Trea/Coffee/Hot Choccy at half time - Legends! Finally a word about Man of the match. In giving it to a defender (Gregor), it might seem a little odd as six goals were conceeded. However, the heart and desire shown was of the very top drawer. Diego was a nats chuff away from the award himself, as his physicallity and strength combined with goals and assits on the day. If the post hadn't denied him, it might have been too dificult for Gregor to wrest the MOM away from him. Its fantastic that we have players putting it on the line like these two gys did on saturday. Keep it Rotten.
