As per always, no responsibility is taken for any factual information finding it’s way into this report…
It was a night that was perhaps won and lost in the first 15 minutes.
A determined start by the Stormcats that saw each man tightly marking his opposite number to the point of constant error and handover of possession, resulting in at least 3 hot chances that strayed wide of the target. On any other night (other than Holland Park that is) these chances may have been converted stitching up an early result.
But it wasn't to be. And once more, against the run of play in the 23rd minute, the Stormcats found themselves behind on the scoresheet by a well taken chance from an acute angle that caught all by surprise as it stretched up into the back of the net. 0-1
The game evened out for a bit with neither team able to penetrate nor take the upper hand. It was in the 31st minute that a free kick in front was handed out as Alistair Cargill the third buckled under the weight of his opposite number as he seemingly perched like a morbidly obese shag on big Al's shoulders. Apparently, Al's inability to shoulder his opponents load was deemed dangerous and a free kick ensued.
Sadly, this was only the start of a bizarre chain of events as the Stormcats prepared for what was considered to be an indirect free kick as more than one player thought the Ref had raised his arm in the air. The shot on Goal was taken without a second touch and Simon rightly thought he could let the ball go for a goal kick. Despite Eggs best attempts at negotiating a parlance with the Referee, the Ref blew his whistle and awarded a goal. 0-2
The half-time whistle blew and Pete's stirring half-time speech seemed vaguely familiar...
"We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in the forward line, we shall fight in the midfield, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our goal, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the benches, we shall fight on the ground, we shall fight on the field and in the car park, we shall fight in the goalmouth; we shall never surrender!"
Sadly, the opposition caught wind of this speech with perhaps a more literal context as we found them wanting to fight us on the field, on the bench and in the car park. (Sorry Wilt, I wasn't the one that told them I drove an orange Ford).
As per always, Pete's speech did the job and the Stormcats came out to play the second half with more purpose. It was in the 50th – 53rd minutes that Tony Z commenced a Steve Mcmanaman style run prior to unleashing a Gerrard screamer (Steven Gerrard 2004 Group Stage Vs. Olympiakos comes to mind) that gave the keeper no chance as the ball scorched the underside of the crossbar. 1-2.
Soon after a spirited defensive effort from Joe sparked the opposing attacker into retaliation causing the Ref to show his blue card. The Attacker saw red and the Ref obliged allowing the attacker to finish the remainder of his vent from the sideline.
1 goal down and versing 10 men, the Stormcats could sense something was going to happen. But despite a number of attempts a second goal did not come.
End result Stormcats 1 Western Spirit 2
Post match discussion centered on the absence of Chris Warner, it seemed we missed his experience, wisdom, fortitude and skill. Due to some confusion, a long time LFC supporter, Chris jumped at an opportune trip to visit the home of his beloved Reds.
Once again, I’ll finish with my choice for Man of the Match as it seems no-one else has mastered the how to vote option yet…
For mine it was a tough night to separate.
For his stirring half-time speech and determination on field, M-O-M this week goes to Pete.
Tony Z’s goal … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upCq1YkmuNE
