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Reds out moo-noeuvre Yellows at Monkton Cowfield…
In a week that saw rife speculation about the future of Wayne Rooney and Farmer Ferguson talking a load of old bull, all eyes were on the cow fields of Monkton to see if the Red cows could get back into the swing of things against the Yellow cows who have put in some impressive performances in their debut season. Not for the Reds, the jaw-dropping amounts of money that are killing the beloved game at the top level but there were whispers that some of the Reds were on a bonus hot-dog if they could get that elusive victory and put their season back on track.
With the rain having lashed down overnight and still falling steadily, other matches were cancelled. In typically glorious conditions at Monkton - mud, mud, and yet more glorious mud, Stan’s little sister, Stella, provided the pre-match entertainment, getting stuck in the best and muddiest puddle and having a fantastic time generally splashing around! But with the Reds and the Yellows primed and ready to go the first ever competitive match between Reds and Yellows kicked-off.
So far this season the Vipers have beaten the Reds, and the Yellows had an excellent draw against the Vipers. Predictions before the match were made with no real confidence, other than the match would be played in a good spirit, the lads would need a good bath afterwards and that Phil’s fingernails would be just that little bit shorter.
The Reds were away and dressed in orange, the Yellows were at home and dressed in red and yellow. For the Reds, Alex in goal and Jordan and Lewis Ireland at the back. Nathan was up front with Harry was in the middle, Adam on the right and Jack on the left. Lewis Keenan, Captain Marvel and Taylor were the super-subs.
And Nathan shot out of the blocks straight from the kick-off with a fantastic direct run into the Yellows’ box before finding Harry whose first time shot left the excellent Adam Wardle no chance and give the Reds an early lead, 1-0.
But the Yellows soon made it clear they were a force to be reckoned with as Jack McBride’s persistence nearly created an opening. A quick counter-attack from the Reds and Adam Elstob took the ball almost to the by-line before lashing in a strong shot from the tightest of angles that the excellent Adam Wardle did well to save.
Much of the Reds play was being channelled down the right wing and a good cross found Jack in the box, where else? Neat control and a well placed shot just evaded the diving goalkeeper to put the ball in the back of the net, 2-0.
The Yellows were determined not to let these early goals disrupt their play and some good attacking play saw Jack Barry place the ball dangerously into the area and over the goaline to reduce the deficit. Good work Jack and great pressure from the Yellows, 2-1.
Good run from Harry, launching another attack from the right and an excellent cross finds Jack, who chips the ball over the keeper and under the cross-bar, 3-1.
Throw-in specialist Harry Delap then fired a ball into the area and Jack tucks it away to give him his hat-trick. Well played Jack! 4-1.
In between Reds’ attacks the Yellows did well going forward and the Reds’ defence was called into action. Jordan and Lewis were both at their best with a series of well-timed tackles and great defensive blocks to keep the Yellows at bay. And another cross from the right gave the outstanding Nathan an opportunity to slot the ball away, 5-1.
Time for Nathan to turn provider as he shows excellent control from a throw-in, and holds the ball up well before laying it off to Captain Marvel. Quick change of feet from our midfield maestro and a well-struck left-footed shot extends the lead further. As his dad said, welcome back Rob! 6-1.
But if the scoreline didn’t do the Yellows justice, their fantastic play was typified by a mazy jinking run from Harvey who beat at least 3 players but unfortunately the shot was unluckily just the wrong side of the post. And the Reds’ keeper Alex was called into action after a great run from Lewis almost ended in a goal, but a cat-like dive and a strong hand turned the ball around the post. Excellent work, Alex!
The second half saw Taylor and Lewis Keenan on and continue the good work with some great clearances from Taylor in defence and some clever touches from Lewis, the thinking-man’s footballer. The Yellows stepped up the pressure and it wasn’t long before Jordan was called into block a good attempt from the dangerman Lewis. Unfortunately the rebound came back out to John, lurking ominously at the edge of the area and who had obviously wiped enough mud out of his eye to unleash a thunderbolt that proved to be unstoppable as the ball whacked the back of the Reds’ goal. Fantastic strike John! 6-2.
So, overall a really good performance from the Reds, particularly in the first half. Well played too the Yellows who showed that on another day and with a little bit of luck the scoreline could have been a lot different.
And if anybody wants to really know just how good mud is for cooling the blood, just ask Jimmy. With his hurdling technique called into question, the perimeter fence proved to be a challenge too far as, once again, Jimmy failed to get his leg over and had to content himself with getting down and dirty by rolling about in the mud. Even funnier than the robot James, and always entertaining!
Final Score: 6-2.
