Team News
The Slade were travelling to the Isle of Sheppey with a lightweight squad, with Mon-Dayo cup tied, Mitch Beetlestone ill, captain Sam Beetlestone injured, Gaffer Harris still milking his popped ankle... and Paul Tille entering his retirement phase for the season. Returning for the Slade is the rare appearance of the cultured Bruno Marques. On a freezing cold day, it was important Walderslade started quickly and attacked from the off.
First half
Like already mentioned, it was important to start quick, but that just wouldent be Walderslade's style, and after 10 minutes Sheppey took the lead through a combination of poor defending and lack of tracking back, leaving the floppy haired lanky player an easy tap in.Tension was buliding the camp between OB and Rossy running the line, disagreeing at the decision, typical OB whinging... 1-0 Park Regis Sheppey. Instead of responding to this, the Slade were sluggish, and not in the game, and the cause wasn't helped with Warner having to go off after 15 minutes due to a leg injury. On comes the prolific goals to shots ratio Bergass to fill in at left back. There wasn't much entertainment coming from the Slade, with nobody really standing out, exept standing out was what Rick Wood was doing when mis judging a lump up the pitch, letting the ball bounce over his head, only to just about run back and claw it away. Lucky bastard, even luckier he didnt stack it, saving a certain D.O.D. Half time. Park Regis Sheppey 1-0 Walderslade
Second Half
Once again, barely five minutes in and the Slade concended an early goal, with Ben Lewis dribbling, turning, prancing about and generally doing sod all with the ball except fall over and give Sheppey the opportunity to create a goal out of nothing. Where was the ninja actions when needed most from Lewis? Only misatke of the season so we will let him off. 2-0 Park Regis Sheppey. With time ticking away, a shuffle of formation saw Pierce move into the middle with Stockbridge and Armour move up top. This lead to Walderslades best chance of the day, with Sharkey showing Messi like skill and pace bombing down the wing (the one and only comparison with Messi, except for the fact they are both ugly c****), crossing the ball perfectly for Ticehurst to.... head wide from close range, you almost feel sorry for the tuna, the ball just doesent want to go in for him. It wasn't until 25 minutes to go when the Slade were really starting to batter Sheppey, and a rugby tackle by the oppostion on Coney left the Slade with a penalty... and last weeks best penalty taker Armour was the much fancied taker...but up stepped last seasons cup final shit penatly misser Stockers to score a well taken penalty to reduce the arrears. Sheppy 2-1 Walderslade. With a few minutes remaining the Slade completed the comeback with a scramble leading to Bergass scoring his third of the season from close range. Prolific doesent even describe the boy, definitely the Slades answer to Robin Van Persie. Full Time. Park Regis Sheppey 2-2 Walderslade
Extra Time
To keep it sweet, not much happened in extra time (apart from Rick's dribbling skills) except for the last 5 minutes with both teams ready for penalties before a mistake by the old git at the back for Sheppey left Armour with the opportunity to win the game for the slade.... of course he finished it, who doubted him...3-2 Walderslade and cue some wild celebrations...don't mention bundling though... With almost the last kick of the game, a left foot 'piledriver' from Armour oustide the area caught the keeper off guard to give the Slade a flattering score line that in truth, was never really deserved. That's why we are top of the league, as the Sheppey followers let us know when we were 2-0 down.
Match Analysis
Can't fault the bottle and courage the boys continue to show, but technically we all need to improve as a team. There is no demanding the ball all over the pitch and we need to start passing the ball around like we showed we were capable of last year. Hopefully the christmas break will do us all good. Up the Fuckin Slade
MOM - Lee O'Brien DOD - Bruno Marques
