The day started with a 11.50 meet up at the Grosvenor. Luke had greeted me with a grin that meant only one thing...... he had been 'on it' all night. Sure enough, he was quick to show me his vomit that was still visible in the flower pot!
After chasing our tails to find the away ground, we finally got into the changing rooms and started to get our game heads on. Park Villa would provide a stern test for our boys as they had comprehensively turned us over last term and were on the right end of a 9-0 game with us in the last game of the season. Newly promoted, they would be looking to bang in as many goals as possible to top-up their confidence levels going into the new season.
The Grosvenor FC had other ideas!
Many eyebrows were raised in the first 5 minutes as we were trying to play the ball and create chances against a team that had always dictated play in previous encounters. Our creative and probing play was rewarded after 5 minutes when a nicely played through ball from our newly-signed midfielder, Fred King, was met by the right foot of Nick Steele. Being a left footed player, Nick calmly turned the defender in front of goal to create a left footed effort on goal which passed the keeper to put our boys one up! A great start and a cool finish.
After a lapse of concentration we conceded a goal after Villa's long ball tactics were rewarded 1 - 1.
We re-grouped and again controlled most of the possession and were still playing the ball and moving well. A speculative long-range effort from Fred King left his right foot and was goal-bound. It didn't appear to have enough direction or pace to beat their keeper, but never-the-less, through his legs it went. 1 - 2 to the Mighty GFC.
The move of the match produced a great goal from one of our youngest new recruits. Sam had made a nuisance of himself since coming on at half time and his hard work and pace paid off when Nobby fired over an inviting and point-perfect cross at the far post. The ball was hit on the half volley and was dispatched by Sam to put daylight between Villa and The Grosvenor.
After half time, some changes were made and the shape of the team changed. Although this unsettled the team, we stayed true our values and continued to try to play the ball. Luke had a great chance to put us 1 - 4 up with a one-on-one with their keeper but the shaky keeper stayed on his feet and managed to save to keep the score at 1 - 3.
As the sun beat down on us we started to tire and our lack of pace invited the opposition to attack us. Although we were to concede two goals to bring the match to a draw, we battled hard to maintain a strong back line in the face of the growing pressure.
With the referee continually adding on time in order for his side to press for the winner, we made it through to the final whistle with a 3 - 3 draw and could leave the field with our heads held high. There were some good performances to note including Nick Steele (back to his best), Sam and Fred King. More of the same during the season and our expectations of what we can achieve next year should be raised.
Next test, 116 Exiles on Thursday.
Chris Corke
Goal summary:
5 min - Nick Steele (8/10)
A well delivered through-ball from Fred was converted by Nick Steele. A first-class finish with the left foot from close range.
35 min - Fred (6/10)
A flurry of activity in the area led to an opposition error. Fred took advantage by scoring a clinical right footed goal from long range.
40 min - Sam (9/10)
James Hill supplied the cross, and Sam found the net from six yards out with a spectacular left footed effort.
