So another year comes to a close for the mighty Potten End. Once again it has been my great pleasure to play with such a terrific group. We have taken the game from the pitch into other areas of our lives, and I hope that some of our younger players can see how we have such a good following and length of association within this group. On that, remember Legends day is on the 10th at Leverstock Green 3pm KO, all Rotteners are welcome to attend and spectate and drink in the legends atmosphere. There have been so many highlights this season, not all of them on the pitch. some impromptu sessions, additions to the playing staff’s Family with Gilly & The Machine and some football in there too! There have been some low points, and we have fallen a little short of the potential that will leave us all with some “might have been thoughts”. Its the time of year when I look to you all for your nominations for players player (I will text you all directly). We have an end of season do sue on the 7th or 12th details will be on the Facebook page and texted out (for the dinosaurs). Saturdays game was against Oxhey Res’s as now seems the case every year. Played in glorious sunshine and with nothing to bear on the outcome, I negotiated roll on roll off subs with the ref and Oxhey. To the teams great credit we had a full five up un the subs bench including the return of one Mr Mark McDonnell. Macca having played in the first game of the season, deciding that the last game would round it off nicely and keep things tidy! 20 minutes of huff and puff produced few chances for either side. With the luxury of Rolling subs I changed the two centres of jonny & Ben for the Hopkins boys, and dividends were paid immediately through a combo of Rob, with Diego scoring it all looked easy. We scored again swiftly as Dale hooked up with a ball I played from deep in our half, Mark in goal played a quick ball out intelligently and we simply caught them sleeping. 2-0. we switched of for a spell, and conceded just before halftime. Most of the entertainment came in the second half. Alkie and a returning Dave Melhuish causing the hosts all sorts of problems. Having only just come on, Dave found himself on the end of Alkie’s hard work one foot out and the tap in was just too inviting. 3-1. Not five minutes later the Dave cup was back on the scoresheet from Gareth’s assist, this time form eight inches out! we then conceded two really silly goals largely down to me changing the team around too much. In making sure everyone got good minutes on the pitch we lost a bit in shape and discipline. I hold my hands up, but it was a reasonable risk to keep it fair for everyone who had turned up. at 4-3 we could have wobbled, but didn’t. Jonny was slid in by Alkie and he wandered into the box faking to pass on several occasions. Dave particularly keen on a hat-trick showing and hoping - no chance, Jonny had only goal in mind, and his impudent chip sailing into the very top corner. With a good eye for the Gag, Macca didn’t miss his opportunity, subbing him instantly for his cheek…. Masterful Macca. Masterful. You just can’t teach that. We sowed the game up shortly after and perhaps appropriately (?) with your Captain Ben sliding in your gaffer, ending the campaign with a percentage back stick ball beating the keeper who waved at it despairingly, as another season came to a close. 6-3. Thank you all for your terrific support and company this year. PEFC, PESC and Raz - all of you superb. One Potten End. Keep it Rotten & see you all at the end of season do and of course………..next year. Gav x
