The 'A's
Joe W [GK], Matt W, Ryan, Ross, Reggie, Caldé, Rhys and Fin arrived at what can only be described as a windswept postage stamp. Somebody in the crowd was heard to say 'I've seen bigger Subbuteo pitches!' With our brand of quick passing football, it should prove no problem. Surely?
The first exchange came with Ross blasting in a shot that skimmed off the defender's head, on to the SR keeper's hand and on to the bar. It was all ASC as a beautifully floated corner from Ryan was met by Reg with a looping header. Just over. He was soon involved in a one-on-one with the SR keeper who spread himself well with a fantastic save at close quarters. It seemed the only concern today would be the ability to open my 'Snickers' with heavily gloved hands.
Of course, I've got experience in taking things for granted. Distracted by a small girl walking my dog, I turned round to see Joe picking the ball out of our net? It didn't seem right - the boys were all over 'em. I'd managed to open my wholesome nougat, chocolate and nut snack. What could've happened. Interrogation of the keeper has yet to yield the definitive answer.
SR 1 ASC 0
All was soon well with the world as Caldé became poacher, picking up a rebound from the SR defender and planting it gracefully in the back of the net. Right - now for la déluge.
SR 1 ASC 1
The boys picked things up now and applied good pressure, but SR were proving tough opponents. However, they struggled with Fin's skill in midfield and Ross and Matt were absolute powerhouses at the back. Soon, we were on the attack again and a blocked shot saw the ball loop high in the air. Reggie was there with a cracking half volley as it alighted.
SR1 ASC 2
Our hosts heads could have dropped so easily but they were well up for it and began to set up attacks of their own. A speculative shot from distance skimmed the post and Joe was equal to a well-struck free-kick. Soon after, a high ball from out of the sun was caught well. What was needed was the cushion of another goal.
Half time SR 1 ASC 2
The half time pep talk produced dividends with a couple of lovely moves through the SR defence. Caldé shot a zinger just wide and Ryan and Reg linked up well; again just wide. As SR's very own Norman 'Bites Yer legs' Hunter worked his way through the ASC side it seemed that the day may be quite frustrating. Ross went . . . yep, just wide and Reggie fell victim to a couple of nasty bobbles; shots he would've buried on another day.
They kept the pressure on and a beautifully worked move from defence almost paid dividends. Great vision from Rhys to find Reggie who rounded the keeper but could only hit the side netting from a very acute angle.
SR's confidence now began to build and an uncharacteristic mix-up in defence saw Joe called on to make a double save that kept our lead intact.
The pendulum was swinging in ASC's favour now with Ross and Reggie giving the keeper all sorts of problems. It wasn't long before the cushion was established; Reggie knocking in a parried ball.
SR 1 ASC 3
SR came on strong from kick-off and Joe made a good save from a well struck shot outside the box. As the clock ticked down, a melee in front of goal saw the ball headed against the post and drop just behind the line. Joe was able to get on it, but the whistle had blown. [They had one that worked this week!]
SR 2 ASC 3
Thankfully, that was the last piece of action preventing a tense finish. A good victory against a team that refused to lie down.
Final Score: Southwick Rangers 2 ASC Strikers 3
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The 'B's
The last meeting saw the boys on the wrong end of a 3-0 loss so Charlie [GK], Fraser, Joe W, Joe G, Sunny, Bill, Matt S, Henry & Max were back in action with a quick turnover and a chance for revenge on this chilly afternoon.
ASC kicked off. SR moved up. San Marino 1993? SR 1 ASC 0
So, the boys had a bit of work to do but SR were looking good even at this early stage. Charlie was called into action on a number of occasions and his bravery shone through, diving at the feet of all & sundry as our hosts maintained their barrage.
The boys were soaking it up well though and were soon making progress through midfield. Sunny hit a peach of a corner that caused a fluster in the SR defence and Max was called on to defend on more than one occasion. Still our opponents came on to us, hitting the ball just wide [the phrase of the day]. Charlie made yet another double save to keep us in the game and just as I was writing We haven't got much up front [story of my life!], Bill popped up with a deft little nutmeg on the SR keeper.
SR 1 ASC1
Half time SR 1 ASC 1
The boys blasted out on the attack with Joe W even managing a left foot shot. SR returned the compliment with a lovely little back-heel flick changing the direction of a well struck drive. Thankfully, just wide [again].
ASC were looking confident now and a lovely through ball from Max allowed Joe W to pass the ball beyond the SR keeper. Smooth.
SR 1 ASC 2
In an evenly matched game, the home side soon worked a great move of their own and Charlie could do little about the resulting tap-in. Honours even.
SR 2 ASC 2
Sharpy was having a great game and was instrumental in marshaling the defence to keep SR out. Joe W, Henry and Joe G linked up well through the middle; the latter being very unlucky not to convert his chance.
It was a case of all hands to the pump. Bill, it seems, was prepared to sacrifice more than just his hands as a hard struck ball connected with that special area just below the waist line. Let's just say, he looked like he had mumps for a short while afterward; I think you get the picture.
The Continuing Story of Bionic Bill
This has been the second week in a row that Bill has been in the wars. Not long after, Fraser absolutely blasted a shot which, had it connected with the net would've knocked a couple of the pegs out. Unfortunately, its progress was impeded by something else; namely, Bill's face and on a cold day like today - that's gonna smart.
Though SR continued attacking, the boys stayed strong. Sunny and Sharpy kept us in the game and Henry and Max shored things up in midfield.
It's worth noting that the Bs haven't lost a game since October - a feat of which they should be rightly proud! [That's put the kiss of death on things . . .]
Final score: Southwick Rangers 2 ASC Strikers 2
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