Well another week and another STC victory, that’s 3 in 3 for the STC superstars.
So after a last minute change of venue we arrived in the car park ready with a new kit, but apparently it was not usable as it was too small. This coming from Captain Scott, he of the belly…… So after Steve tried it on it was clear the kit was indeed fine and that Scott will just have to tape 2 shorts together, or stop eating pies.
Onto the game. STC welcomed Wickham Park Vets for the first time in what turned out to be well mannered and hardly fought contest. STC welcomed back Justin for the first time this season and the returning headteacher Shaun from his 50th birthday celebrations with Mike fresh from the mix up of last week.
The visitors started strongly and STC were up against it in the first 10 minutes, with visitors number 7 bossing the midfield, but STC always looked dangerous on the break. The first real chance fell to Slim, whose strong header was tipped over, following a cross from Justin. And so entered the star of the show. In true Graham Taylor fashion, Wickham Parks manager decided to bring on a substitute goalkeeper, which turned out to be a masterstoke, if you are a STC player or fan.
What proceeded in the next 5 minutes was nothing short of comedy and goalkeeper masterclass.
First, Andy played a speculative long ball into the box, which the keeper somehow fumbled and Josh followed up to make it 1-0, ending up on his backside. Next, the lively (yes I did say lively) broke down the right and put in a low cross which the keeper again fumbled and Justin tapped in the scramble. 2-0. Next it was Jordan’s turn. After a horrific showing last week, Jordan somehow misjudged a long straight ball and managed to run under it, the ball bouncing over him and into the net. So in effect lobbed in a goal that small to say the least. 2-1. It was soon 3-1, Justin going in 1 on 1 and with a powder puff effort, the keeper still managed to fumble again and Sheggs was on hand to tap in. 3-1 and after a 5 minute cameo, the keeper was withdrawn, I expect, never to be seen again.
There was still time before the break for Lee to miss 2 one on ones, deciding to take early shots that just missed rather than advance on goal. Well he is a right back so what more can you expect.
The second half started the same as the first, a tough battle and the next goal was always going to the decider. And it came from a pearler of a throughball from Captain Scott who put Justin in on goal, who outpaced a defence lacking pace to round the keeper and make it 4-1. The oppo were still looking good going forward and soon it was 4-2 with pressure finally counting against a very strong defensive display from STC. Shaun, Steve, Mike and Deano looking solid with Scott and Gavin establishing control in the middle.
This was a real battle now and soon the game was over, a goal kick from Steve was flicked on by Lee and Justin ran through unchallenged and made no mistake.5-2
There was still time for a consolation for Wickham, the number 7 playing a fantastic through ball to which the striker made no mistake 5-3, and that how it ended. A fantastic and tiring performance, the whole team battled well and used its full contingent of 14 players well, everyone taking their turn on the side without complaint. Although getting Lawrie to stop sun bathing and Sheggs telling Slim to FK off when he asked to change in the last 5 mins was amusing.
Special mention to Gary, who refereed well and did not get flustered under pressure and some dubious appeals from the Wickham forwards. Added to which, and as confirmed by the Wickham side in the bar (although I don’t think this was the actual player in questions name, Andy Osbourne was the biggest whiner this reporter as ever had the pleasure of watching, screaming like he was having an orgasm every time he was touched and flinging himself to the floor like Willem Dafoe in Platoon. Seriously mate, very entertaining and yet ridiculous.
So a good team performance, lots of effort and an excellent defensive display. Man of the match was Sheggs, great effort and just pipping any of the back 4 who could have been named in this reporters opinion and of course Justins hat trick.
Roll on next week and a 4th straight win. Signing on fees are £30 this year lads and if you have not paid by the time we get back from Portugal you won’t be considered for selection.
