The 'A's
As the sun struggled through the clouds over a blustery Buck Park (with a wind-chill of -16 . . . fact) it would need a sizzling performance to warm up the boys and their loved ones. Roll on summer!
Joe G. [GK], Nathan, Fin, Max B., Callum, Rhys, Ryan and Matt W. made up a squad that were looking good in the warm up. Fishersgate Flyers were big lads and as each of them polished off three 'Shredded Wheat' washed down with a litre of 'Irn Bru' it looked like we might be in for a tough one.
In his yellow and blue strip Nathan resembled a certain Edson Arantes do Nascimento* as he took a speculative shot straight from kick off which forced the first save of the game from the FF keeper and an early corner; fair play to the lad - it was about the only one he did keep out that day. Strikers were on fire from the off and played a high tempo game that FF really struggled to contain. Nathan found himself in front of goal after some marvellous support play from Matt W. and his left foot shot against the keeper rebounded back into his path. He made no mistake this time. Strikers: 1 FF: 0
Rhys (on his right foot!) and Fin decided to join in the fun and were looking good for a second when, totally against the run of play, FF equalised with a great shot from outside the box which poor ol' Joe G. could only push on to the underside of the bar. He did well to get a hand to it, to be honest - a stunning strike. Strikers: 1 FF: 1
However, this shock just seemed to strengthen the boys' resolve. Ryan was having a blinder in midfield as his vision (excuse the pun) and accuracy in passing resembled his namesake; the one who wears the number 11 shirt for the team in the red half of Manchester**
Callum linked up with Max B. and saw the ball go just wide and Joe G. was super courageous in collecting the ball from the feet of the FF attackers on more than one occasion. Rhys was causing his usual problems breaking out of defence and one of the FF Big Lads slightly mistimed a tackle that saw our left footed defensive rock negotiate a somersault Tom Daly would've been proud of. Soon we were up against a corner and a defensive mix up (and that's putting it kindly) saw our opponents take an unexpected lead. Strikers: 1 FF:2
A quick look down the line and it was clear Fin wasn't happy as his tiny head went through a range of colours last seen on the Deep Autumn range of last year's Dulux Paint Chart. Which is just what was needed as his through ball from kick off sent Nathan on his way for an instant equaliser. Strikers: 2 FF:2
Pressure from Callum in midfield and super-calm defence from Matt W. made sure that the boys would end the half on a high and after a mix-up in the FF box Nathan had time to take the ribbon and wrapping paper off the ball and thank every member of the Flyers individually, and in writing, for the gift of a goal just before half time
Half time score - ASC Strikers 3 Fishersgate Flyers 2
More of the same in the second period as Matt W.'s close control and awesome (yes, awesome - like the Grand Canyon) midfield play saw FF quaking in their size eight Slazengers. Relentless pressure with Nathan hitting the bar and Fin running rings around the defence paid off as Callum laid on an inch perfect ball from the right wing straight into the path of Nathan who slotted home his third and ASC's fourth into the bottom right hand corner. Jacka-nacka-nory. Strikers: 4 FF:2
Fin then decided he'd put on a masterclass in close control and first-touch technique, which earned a ripple of applause from some of the parents on the opposite side of the pitch. Cars screeched to a halt out on the Upper Shoreham Road and the lady in the coffee shop actually took less than twenty five minutes to make a skinny latte; just so she could come and have a look at the diminutive prodigy ply his trade.
The ball then broke to Callum who with great vision and technique saw the FF keeper off his line and placed a precision lob into the back of the net. Jurassic Park. Strikers: 5 FF:2
Nathan wanted more and struck a beautiful half volley on to the bar. Soon after, Fin's shot rebounded off the defender to Nathan who struck it just over. It had all become rather enjoyable.
Callum was tenacious in all areas and covered back well as FF had only one break out of defence. As all the team joined in the fun Rhys popped up out of nowhere to go on one of his runs where everybody pitchside is shouting 'PASS!' only for them to applaud heartily as he slots home the winner. Of course, we knew he was going to do that. Strikers: 6 FF:2
A fine display throughout the team with some stupendous passages of play and goals to remember. Well done to all involved - including that bloke who likes to humiliate slightly overweight parents by making them do star-jumps at training on a Saturday.
Final Score: ASC Strikers 6 Fishersgate Flyers 2
*changed his name to Pele in case you didn't know. 'Thank goodness', according to his Mum who was the one that had to call him in for his tea.
**that's Ryan Giggs, ladies. (This joke is copyright of Mr A. Gray, formerly of Sky Sport)
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The 'B's
Fin [GK], Joe W., Alfie, Bill, Tom, Max M., Joe G., Sunny and Matt S. had a bit of a hard act to follow and Fishersgate were obviously out to avenge their colleagues' humiliation in the previous game.
Looking back through the notes of this game there's lots of stuff about Sunny's undoubted skills in the art of the sliding tackle, another momentous run from the enigmatic NLB and a post rattling left foot shot from the same Bill who is fast becoming the Eric Cantona of the ASC 'B's.
Fin was the real hero in goal who seemed happiest when being struck very hard by a wet Mitre Size 4 on various parts of his body. Joe W. attempted a Rene Higuita Scorpion Kick from a corner and Fishersgate gave as good as they got and arguably had the better of the goalmouth action.
In the age old cliche of it being like a game of chess, it was a chance to have a look at individual performances. Matt S. was looking very cool in defence and Alfie tracked back as usual when they needed a hand at the back.
Half time: ASC 0 Fishersgate Flyers 0
Joe W. opened up proceedings with a low shot and Joe G. replicated his namesake's effort soon after. FF had good moments themselves and again Fin was called to the rescue.
A corner from Joe G. was put just over by Alfie and there was good cover from Sunny as FF looked to capitalise on the break. As the game wore on it was Strikers who began to boss it with great pressure from Joe G. and Alfie and Tom remaining tenacious in midfield.
Just as it looked like it was going to wind down to an inevitable draw, FF had one last break and their attacker found himself one-on-one with Fin in the Strikers goal. As he screamed at his defence to 'GET BACK!' (a high pitched noise that made a number of the Buck Park dogs chase their tails and attack passing pushchairs) he realised that it would be ultimately up to him. As the ball left the FF striker's right foot, time went into slo-mo as, just as it was going into the bottom right hand corner of the ASC net, Fin managed to get his foot on it. We all watched, mouths agape, as the ball skimmed off the outer edge of the ASC post. Cor lumme!
Another clean sheet with a lot of positives in the game and a great way to bounce back after the defeat at Hangleton. Well done, lads!
Final Score: ASC Strikers 0 Fishersgate Flyers 0
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