So STC arrived for the 1st of 3 back to back home games, to be greeted with a pitch that really needed a trim and a roll, and that is not doing justice to the state of it.
STC expected 13 on the day only to be let down by Deano, who was taken ill, but failed to let anyone know. A text is all is required Deano please.
So the first actual selection for the newly appointed managers, Statler and Waldorf boasting hundred years between them, resulted in Jordan between the sticks, Gav filling in at right back, Steve and Shaun in the middle and Rob left back. Sheggs on the LEFT, although he was to forget this point throughout the match, his brother on the right, pinky and perky in the middle and the returning strikeforce of Slim and Roberts. Sub for the day as Adam, who we thought Hooky had found on one of his swinger parties, but turned out to be his future son in law. Hooky kept that quiet until the bar, and probably best as there would have been lots of abuse I would expect…..
STC started brightly against 10 men, knocking the ball around well without creating any real chances, the only one of note was when Sheggs played a ball to Slim, continuing his run and taking both defenders with him. Slim in acres 25 yards out could only hit the corner flag, resulting in a throw, oh dear Slim.
Soon STC found themselves 1-0 down with Invictas 1st attack. The right winger, who was older than Steve and Shaun put together, broke down the right, well broke is not quite right, a clearer description was power walked down the left as Sheggs was nowhere to be seen, something that would last the entire half, and put in a great cross which was met in the 6 box, 1-0.
I’d love to say this kick started, but it didn’t. Passing was poor if non-existent and it was apparent STC were simply not up for it. What with Sheggs stopping to moan about a lack of ball, only to then ignore it when it rolled 2 yards behind him, to Slim moaning to Steve after tracking back in the box to receive Steve’s response, Well how many have you f@cking ran past to get here. Fair point Mr Steve.
However, STC were soon level, a cross came in that Sheggs bravely went for, the ball falling to Lee on the edge, who turned well before scuffing left footed shot that the keeper could only parry, where Slim, following up as all forwards should, slid in to prod the rebound in, 1-1.
The have continued in a dull fashion, poor passing, no movement and little effort, Josh blowing out of his arse after 20 mins and Sheggs deciding Left Midfield was not a position he felt like filling on the day, leaving Father Ted on the right to cause havoc every time and leave Rob exposed. Even at 98 years old, given no marker for 45 mins who wouldn’t have a field day.
Just before half time STC found themselves 2-1 down, STC threw too many up for a corner and on a quick break, Invicta finished a good move with a strong finish, with STC walking back, big lack of effort lads.
At half time there were some harsh words, but the quote of the day came from Sheggs, who stated ‘where do you want me to play, left back or up front’. LEFT MIDFIELD Sheggs, LEFT MIDFIELD. Albeit a close second was from Lawrie who was to later to mount a pitch invasion of his own, stating, F@ck me, Scott’s put on some timber.
So started the second half and what a drab affair it was. With WW3 kicking off on the next pitch, Steve spotted Slim (now playing centre midfield as Sheggs was goal hanging, clearly the chat at half time about Left midfield had been lost on him) from a goal kick and put a ball straight to his feet, Slim turned saw Lee running beyond the back 4. Slim put in a great ball and Lee ran through 1 on 1 to score, great finish Lee. 2-2.
Next of note, was Lawries pitch invasion, followed by Sheggs shooting high and wide when in a good position to take to 10 yards further. STC continued to push and look the more likely to grab a winner, Lee, again through 1 on 1 had an effort which was finger tipped past the post. Good effort.
Josh had come back on now and was blowing again, but did make one fantastic run tracking back the length of the pitch. Gav broke into the box and should really have squared it, but his shot was blocked. Slim wriggled free in the box from a throw and squared for Adam or Lee 2 yards out, but their outstretched legs missed by inches, with Sheggs, not for the 1st time, MOANING that the pass should have been a pull back to him.
Only 1 more noteworthy point, was the comedy act demonstrated by the headmaster. On the edge of the box, the ball rolled invitingly, up steps Shaun to put in the winner, only to show the onlookers how not to do it. A complete air kick which resulted in a self-induced hammy injury. Next time stay back mate.
So a tame 2-2 against a side STC should be beating comfortably. The unbeaten season continues, but against harder opposition, the run would have been broken with that performance. Everyone needs to take a look at themselves and the management will have some difficult decisions, selection wise when the likes of Scott, Mike, Crabby, Omelette & Deano return.
MOM was Steve, solid at the back as ever and full of running and a special mention for the Ref. Gary pleased check the rule book and learn what it is to ‘PLAY THE ADVANTAGE’
See you all next week gentlemen for a much improved performance
