The 'A's
'Lorks-a-lumme and Crikey Moses!' we all exclaimed in unison as Matt's Strikers recorded their greatest victory since being formed all those years ago [about three].
Joe W. [GK], Matt W., Ryan, Sam, Reggie, Ross, Fin & Caldé made the long journey along to Sainsbury's to play a team they beat 10-0 at the hallowed turf of Buck Park last year. The word on the street was HR were a different team this year; a whole new ethos reigned. New players, a new style, a completely different prospect. ASC got an early corner from the kick-off, Ross latched on to it. And we hadn't even opened the Jaffa Cakes. HR 0 ASC 1
As I was writing Ross's name in the notebook, excitement vibrated around the packed arena with a great double save from the HR keeper. However, it was third time unlucky as Birthday Boy, Fin pounced to make it two. HR 0 ASC 2
It looked like it was going to be an easy day as Sam linked up with Reggie who shot just wide. HR were looking different at this stage and they showed good strength as they broke through the back of the ASC midfield. Noticing Joe off his line, a beautifully flighted chip was only going into one place, but I've already used a picture of Alan partridge. HR 1 ASC 2
This seemed to spark Strikers into action and some of the play through midfield was exceptional as they looked to re-establish their two goal cushion; super-fast and accurate. HR picked things up in response and it seemed they were going to make a much better game of it this time round. Caldé shot low and hard forcing a fine save from the HR keeper. He soon linked up with the ubiquitous [runs around a lot] Reggie and a beautiful through ball from the little ginger 'aired kid [quote: HR Manager] allowed our new centre forward to slot home. HR 1 ASC 3
It was a case of déja vu two minutes later with a doppelgänger move from both players. HR 1 ASC 4
Half time Hove Rivervale 1 ASC Strikers 4
A mistake by the HR keeper almost straight from the kick off allowed Reggie to get his second hat-trick in succession with a well directed shot into the bottom left hand corner of the onion bag. HR 1 ASC 5
Keen to include others in the spoils, Reggie passed to Fin soon after; the Birthday Boy shooting just wide. He was soon back in the frame with Strikers' 6th and his second as a beautifully driven shot found its place; this time on the right. HR 1 ASC 6
HR were now well beaten and heads dropped. A picked up back-pass only seemed to highlight their turmoil but Matt directed the boys to release the ball back to them after the indirect free kick. A collective tear of pride was shed in the crowd.
It was business as usual not long after as Ross directed a low drive into the path of - you guessed it, Reggie. We now know that he doesn't miss from there. HR 1 ASC 7
He was then allowed to go on a run as HR were all at sea. His shot took a timely deflection and hit the bar.
In the meantime, Joe W. & Matt W. got on with something to keep themselves interested
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| If a joke's worth telling, it's worth repeating. Apparently. |
Caldé joined in the fun with a tap-in from a corner. HR 1 ASC 8
Flame haired scorer turned provider as the crowd shouted at Reggie to 'get it under' [God, I miss Phil]. Of course, in the main the crowd is made up of middle-aged people who know very little about Association Football. Reggie on the other hand knew instinctively that he didn't need to take a touch. Boom! What a player. HR 1 ASC 9
Fin was now hunting down his birthday hat-trick and employed great skill in making it worse for an already demoralised home team. The HR post played it's part on two occasions as their goal came under siege from Caldé, Fin & Reggie. Delirium ensued as Caldé and Ryan started passing the ball out to invisible people loitering on the edge of the HR penalty area. Parents on both sides were looking at their watches hoping for an early end to proceedings.
However, ASC were now on fire and Reggie secured his double hat-trick with a cheeky nutmeg on the HR keeper. HR 1 ASC 10
This goal cruelly prevented me from making comparisons to Malcolm MacDonald, with his 5 goals for England against against Cyprus in 1975. Here's a picture anyway:
Sam, who'd been playing a pivotal role in supplying the ball from the left of midfield, decided it was time to have a turn. Cutting inside he dispatched what can only be described as a touch of class with a corker into the top left corner. HR 1 ASC 11
Reggie almost made it seven for himself but the HR keeper salvaged a bit of pride for his team with a fine save.
As the clock ticked down, a rash tackle from an HR defender allowed Fin to finally get his hat-trick on his birthday and a memorable victory was wrapped up. HR 1 ASC 12. Yes - 12.
It's never nice to see a team get beaten in such a fashion and credit goes to HR for keeping their heads up and playing to the bitter end. That said, there is something special about ASC at the moment. They play with a smile on their face and as parents it really is a joy to watch. What a great day and what a fantastic team!
Final Score: Hove Rivervale 1 ASC Strikers u10s 12
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The 'B's
Many, many apologies but I had to leave before this match [some other football match in the sleepy village of Falmer]. It was the first time though, and it was a massive wrench to go. Next week's B report will be extra special - promise
Final Score: Hove Rivervale 2 ASC Strikers 2
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