With the kick off for the game against 116 Exiles having been brought forward, we thought it may be a challenge to get a team out. With the usual influx of festival goers, Reading’s traffic is more of a nightmare than usual and a 6.15 kick off seemed optimistic. However, what was unexpected was the tremendous turnout. 21 players showed up for this game!
Selection for this game was difficult as (almost) all of our players were available for selection. Then there was the nightmare thought of how to make sure that all players had some football! This was made easier by agreeing to play 3 x 30 minute periods.
Once we had assembled on the pitch it soon became clear that we were not going to be playing 116 Exiles 4th team! In fact, it seemed that the majority of the team were from their 1st and 2nd squads. This team were going to provide us with our toughest test to date.
The game got underway and we started where we left off in our previous game; we were playing the ball around and looking for options. However, we found ourselves 2 – 0 down after 5 minutes due to some defensive lapses and a senior moment form our (otherwise reliable) keeper!
After 10 minutes Colin finally realised that handball IS okay if you don’t get found out! Indeed, it seemed the only person among the players on the pitch, side lines and dog walkers in the field that didn’t see the handball in the box was the referee – Colin, I have taught you well my son!
After a shaky first 10 minutes our centre back pairing of Rob and Colin settled to put in a solid performance and Nick and John offered wide support when needed.
We needed to settle and we did just that. Fred offered some additional strength in midfield and was happy to push on to assist Luke and Tino in the first period. Our passing became more accurate as the game went on and although we conceded another goal (well taken) we managed to pull one back before the end of the first period. Fred collected the ball on the edge of the box and managed to meander his way through 2 defenders to give himself plenty of time to pick his spot. He calmly dispatched the ball to the bottom left corner and we were off the mark.
The second period saw wholesale changes to the team. Our keeper, Colin and Rob were the only survivors from the first period. Aaron played up front with Martin and Rourky (out of retirement). Greig and Phil re-acquainted themselves in time-honoured style by complaining to each other throughout the second period. Our boys battled well in the second period but couldn’t prevent a fourth goal hitting the back of our net. Mark Anderton looked on form as he was dominant in the air and showed great awareness of where the ball was – getting to it proved to be another problem! Some speculative shooting and a wayward free kick didn’t deter us though as we dug deep to restore some pride in our performance.
After another wholesale change after an hour, we managed to get another goal back. Sam’s battling on the left paid dividends when his pinpoint cross landed plum on the head of Fred in it went for his (and our) second. Another change to our forward line up saw Martin and Luke take the helm. Still trying to play our football we were pushing for a third goal. Colin managed to pick up a knock and was substituted with 10 mins to go. 116 were beginning to tire as our squad strength began to show. Our commitment in the challenge was good and we managed to make our mark on a couple of their players. After a final round of substitutions, Tino found himself in the clear and heading for the 6 yard box with the ball when he was cruelly scythed from behind by a 116 defender – PENALTY! With our usual penalty taker on the bench, Fred stepped up to seal his hat-trick. With the ball on the spot and the keeper looking nervous, Fred stepped up to fire the ball home – GOAL………. Oh, no, wait! What the fuck did he just do there? He had tried to ‘dink’ the keeper who looked too old to dive anyway! The ball chips up from the spot, onto the cross bar and away from goal and out of danger.
Fred was substituted for being silly and the game ended 4 – 2. Despite the result against a team ranked 3 divisions above us, this was a great turnout and a good performance.
Fred has vowed to smarten up his act, Colin will start using his hands more and Rourky is going to try to get a touch of the ball in the next game!
Next Game – 28th August, 12.15 Kick off Vs Sonning Common at Bishopswood.
Corker
Goal summary:
40 min - Fred (7/10)
Converted from just inside the box with a right footed finish, it was a well-finished individual goal which Fred wont forget! The move started with some clever play from Chris Corke.
70 min - Fred (8/10)
Fred fired home from close range with a superb headed goal, following a cross from Sam.
