So after drawing the past 5 games with Toby over 3 seasons, it was always going to be a closely fought affair and this was no different.
STC welcomed back some of their big guns after struggling in recent weeks and lined up with Jordan in goal, Deano and Rob full backs with little Scott and the headmaster in the middle, Bilbo wide left Roberts wide right Gok and Big Scott (but not for much longer if he keeps up the regime), Slim and Crabby up top with Steve on the bench, plus a guest supporter appearance from Hooky.
STC started the stronger with Scott and Gav bossing the midfield with the former spraying passes from yesteryear, but chances were rare in a close game played in right spirit. The pitch did not help and is becoming a major issue and is not conducive to the free flowing football STC enjoy. Toby had their own way down the left with Deano being turned inside out and seemingly forgetting how to pass the ball.
The first real chance came to Roberts. Scott played a pin point ball over Ray at the back post but Roberts fluffed his lines blaming the pitch, which to be fair was probably spot on. However, Scott saw it different and describing it as dressed with salt and pepper with a fucking napkin, probably sums up his sentiments on the matter.
Shortly after Toby took the lead. From a throw in their own half their robust right midfielder hooked a nothing blind ball forward releasing the forward who pretty much had a clear run and 1-0. Poor goal to concede and STC knew it.
Next was arguably the highlight of the match for everyone on both sides except Slim. After a good attach down the right flank a goal mouth scramble entailed and the ball dropped, invitingly to say the least, to Slim 5 yards out. Everyone thought 1-1, but somehow Slim managed to put it into row Z when scoring was the simpler option. Hang you had in shame Slim, it did not bobble, it was not outside the box and it was most certainly miss of the season.
So 1-0 at half time, Slim sulking, STC frustrated, Toby giggling and Jordan fixing twigs to his gloves to support and splint a suspected broken finger. Hats off for playing out the game Jordan.
STC started the 2nd half as they started the first and were all over their opponents. Crabby had 3 or 4 shots from distance without connecting, Slim saw a left foot curler hit the outside of the post and Crabby was tackled by the pitch when advancing on goal. Yes, tackled by the pitch. Scott was again spraying the passes, Gok was linking up well and getting forward and the pressure soon paid dividend. A quick free kick form Gok played in Roberts down the right wing, Roberts then played a fantastic cross towards the back post (well there had to be 1 good one) and Crabby nodded in from 1 yard out. 1-1 and just as well it was Crabby and not Slim (who was behind Crabby) as that would probably have ended up in row Z too.
5 minutes later and it was 2-1 STC and Slim redeems himself, well actually no mate not after that miss. Scott played the perfect free kick, Beckhamesque, pace and placement and found Slim who planted the perfect header back and across the despairing keeper with a strong header from 15 yards. Great header, great delivery, great goal and the lead to go with it.
The game started to get scrappy after that and a little niggly, with a few of the Toby players expressing themselves to the referee Gary Jones in profanities that belong on the pitch. Harsh lads and not on. Toby were enjoying a late push and creating a number of half chances and soon were level. A nothing break down the left resulting in a smart finish to the near post, but the keeper could have done better and being beaten at the near post is always disappointing. With time running out Toby had the better chances and with 1 notable miss resembling Slims from the first half (but not as bad Slim, you are not getting away with it that easy) the game petered out to a 2-2 draw. Not surprising given the last 5 games being draws also.
Notable performances from the midfield duo of Gok and BIG Scott, and from little Scott at the back who was named man of the match.
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