Don’t Judge the Book By It’s Cover
The score line does not always tell the true story of game and Sundays encounter between title chasing Corner Pin and the disappointing Woodlands, was a case in point. With no chance of silverware and a depleted team, the Woodlands went into this fixture expecting little. As it turns out the game could have been so different but for a couple of key moments in the game.
The home side were certainly not overawed by the visitors and matched them in the early exchanges. In fact the clearest of early chances fell to the Woodlands, although none were taken. Soon after the visitors showed why they top the league and converted from what was their best chance of the first half.
The home team stuck to their task admirably and continued to press. The unlikely pairing of Pheasant and Marquis was to prove effective down the left. Initially the order was to keep a tight formation but they were extremely successful going forward themselves, particularly when combining with Maundrill, who would prove a constant menace all morning. On 25 minutes the home side were level. Good work from Taylor, Oldridge and Butler allowed Ellis to release Maundrill, who scored to notch his twentieth of the season.
The away side appealed for offside, the referee said no and the scores were level. At this point it really looked as though the home side, fresh from their touring exploits in Germany, the previous week would pull of another unlikely result.
This was not going to happen. Thorpe, who up to that point had been solid was adjudged to have pulled back Wilkins in the box. The same player stepped up and it was two one. It was cruel but football sometimes loves you that way. Half time saw O’Donnell replaced by Collins, this time citing blisters due to the hard surface. This had been one of O’Donnell’s best games and his link up play had been excellent.
Shortly after the break Corner Pin pounced on the break and the score was three one. Still the Woodlands did not give up, chances came and chances went. With the away side getting edgy they brought on the experienced Bri. He soon made it four one and effectively game over.
But still the spirit of Hamburg prevailed. Still the home side pressed and it is to their enormous credit that they gave everything in search of a way back into this game. Bottomley replaced Oldridge and Howard replaced Marquis and in the last 15 minutes three chances to bring respectability to the score line were squandered. As it was the final nail came in disappointing circumstances. A hopeful long ball caught out everyone to leave Corner Pins centre half with a free header. 5-1. Game over.
Manager Cooper was full of praise for the team performance and commitment to the cause, especially given that there was no referee for the game.
With two games to go it is perhaps a disappointment that the Woodlands are not competing for the prizes but they still have the potential to influence the outcome, with their final fixture away to the Thorne side. All concerned can be assured that they will do everything to win this game for personal pride.
Pink productions, 2009
