At Long Last a touch of fortune.
This game took place at the impressive venue of Radbroke Hall in truly horrendous conditions that varied between driving Rain , Hail and Sleet.
First Half
The initial exchanges were probably shaded by the visitors , however our Achilles heel a combination of hesitation, a lack of communication and rank defending led to conceding two goals from corners . Chainsaw in goals being culpable for a fumble at the near post and was rather inconsolable to say the least! It was not a time to offer solace or advice. Worse was to follow as another catalogue of errors down our left side and at half time we were 0 - 2 . In normal circumstances we might regard this as a fair showing , however we were extremely disappointed . A few raised tempers some accurate analysis and frank discussion . This resulted in a tactical shift with Gunner and Ian Meredith switching positions and shoring up our left side.
Second Half
Play resumed in the same vile conditions.
However buoyed up with enthusiasm and playing with the wind we attacked with vigour . Reducing the deficit after Googles corner was met by Kurt`s head ( a miracle in itself ), and the ball entered the net via a slight deflection as a defender attempted to clear it. 1 - 2. At last we have a sniff of good fortune . Huw had a screaming attempt from distance go narrowly over, Phil had a shot turned round the post for another corner and we were actually competing in all departments . Dave nutt marauded up front and sent a header goalwards , defensive scramble and attempted clearance it fell to the feet of Google who urged on by team mates let fly and memories of a Jersey tournament were revisited . Top corner ! Get in , 2 - 2 . With about 20 mins left , Phil broke free evaded a tackle and went around the keeper 3 - 2 .
Uncharted territory this . Normally our second half performances just peters out in a whimper now we are actually winning .
However Huw did attempt to redress the normal service hauling a winger down in the box unceremoniously , Dave was beyond denying an offence had been committed it was that obvious .
The referee had no hesitation awarding a penalty . ( This was one of the best refs I have encountered , keeping up with play , explaining decisions and able to enjoy incidents within the match openly . )
The gods began to smile on us , after some brief discussion a defender elected to take the spot kick and sent it sailing over a bit like Waddle`s. Dave turned a couple of shots over as the last stage of the game was reminiscent of a scene from the Alamo. One incident in particular saw a save , a half clearance or wild swipe , a shot against the bar followed by the post and then a despairing lunge wide . We survived .
Final word for PK who feeling under the weather stood for the entire game on the sideline ignoring all attempts to join the foray with " no youre doing well , I am fine comments and encouragement.
The Whipping Stocks , celebrations were incredibly muted , most of us were in a state of shock or just suffering from hypothermia .
A well deserved victory , lets hope we can repeat it .
There you are Pete you may need to edit and amend
Kurt
