Games against Diemen Sniep (what even does that mean by the way?) are always full blooded affairs. It is fair to say that The Revs do not have the best record against the orange men. However, with a potential ban on social sports coming up due to someone getting peckish and biting the head off a bat, this was the last chance to put in a performance of types.
As with most teams, the opposition had the lion’s share of possession but Evans Snr was at the back not giving the opposition an inch and this meant efforts on goal were from distance and Tyman gobbled these up with ease.
When The Revs did put passages of play together they actually looked dangerous and one such play even led to the opener. Yes, The Revs had the audacity to go one up when their backs were to the wall. A nice little meg from Hartrick allowing Evans Jnr to run onto the ball and smash underneath a despairing keeper.
This goal only ensured Diemen upped their game and they came at The Revs with intent. However, time and time again they were rebuffed either through well timed blocks and tackles or some scrambling defence – it wasn’t always pretty but got the job done.
It was therefore unfortunate that Evans Snr lost his footing when turned and allowed the striker a gap in which to get his shot off beating Tyman at the far post.
And things could have got worse early in the second half when Hartrick put in a last tackle tripping his man and the referee pointed to the spot…
However, in the history of penalties very few would have beaten this one to the title of ‘Worst Penalty taken’… high, wide and very un-mighty… besides, Tyman had it covered. Just took a while for the ball to come back down in order to restart the game.
For all Diemen’s possession in the second half and the fact they were camped in The Revs half for most of it, the best chance for the full spoils actually went to The Revs. Hartrick bending a shot round the keeper but it was to be denied by the post, coming right back into play but no one was quick enough to the follow up and it was scrambled away.
Diemen’s did have a final flurry themselves when a misplaced poke from Dave P gifted the opposition the ball but Tyman stood strong denying the would be goal scorer twice from point blank range.
Overall a point was a fair result for both teams and it was played hard but fair for the most part. The most rewarding aspect was the work rate of the players. Dave P hounded and chased up every loose ball in the final third. Beardall ran his ass into the ground putting in the hard yards. Allen continued his impressive run in midfield recently by being that cool and composed baller. Meanwhile Lewis Evans was in determined mood, controlling the ball at his feet and keeping the opposition at bay. His older brother enjoyed one of his better games recently with a towering performance at the back, whilst Tyman was superb in-between the sticks. Hartrick also got stuck in, tracked his runner and didn’t give an inch. Each man put in a determined performance to frustrate the opposition, who based on historical results, thought they had this in the bag. Especially the lad at the back who cuddled Dave P from behind and gently whispered this fact in his ear... and they say romance is dead.
Am still unsure as to why they have a teenage fan club follow them and heckle from the side lines, but it does add to the entertainment.
Well played both teams though, now we can sit back and watch the world burn together eh! Football, we’ll miss you… keep in touch yeah?
