Match Report

Arriving at the clubhouse Sunday morning I was dazzled not only by the big round yellow thing in the clear blue sky but also by the lurid paint job on Pete Harvey’s mini which was marginally toned down by the dodgy colour scheme on Simon Harvey’s “Scooby Doo” van. The car park was looking particularly busy for 9.40am on a Sunday morning so things were looking good for a full turnout. I was not to be disappointed with 17 players ready and waiting although this did include a certain Mr Tanton who was more there in spirit but not in body and judging by the fumes emanating from his direction the spirit was vodka derived.

Maidstone always manage to field a strong side but this time we had strength in depth with a full substitutes bench; in fact so full that we didn’t have enough kit to go round (not so good for those on the washing rota). So with the skateboard parked up our trendy manager (might have to re-think his look-a-likee along the lines of Bart Simpson) set about selecting the following starting line-up:

Gary Rosslee (GK)
Pat Mongelard (RB)
Chris Webb (CB)
Matt Wright (CB)
Roger French (LB)
Paul Tanton (RM)
Chris Ponulak (CM)
Neil Connelly (CM)
Colin Ebdon (LM)
Paul Smith (CF)
Pete Harvey (CF)

Subs:
Trevor Stewart
Simon Harvey
George Kleanthous
Paul Storkey
Steve Blanchard
Robin Lipscombe

Support:
Toby Harlow
Ian Shoebridge
Toby Manchip

Referee:

Micky Gearing

We kicked off and immediately took the game to Maidstone and had them on the defensive for the first 15 minutes with our now familiar brand of passing football. Unfortunately it was Maidstone who were to strike first and took the lead against the run of play and this brought them into the game. It also brought me out of the game having gallantly given way to allow one of our numerous subs a bit of the action – nah not really I just couldn’t face making any more cock ups. The game continued with chances being created at both ends but we could not get the equaliser we deserved. Matt and Chris combined well in the centre of defence to keep the back line in check whilst a ghostly white figure was seen drifting around on the right side of midfield. Half-time came with no further goals and changes were made to accommodate our large squad.

The second half continued with FOBG on the attack and it wasn’t long before Pete set off in pursuit of a ball down the right taking the ball into the penalty area and cutting an excellent cross back for George (who had come on as part of the half-time changes) to finish in some style into the roof of the net for our deserved equaliser. We now had Maidstone on the back foot and pressed forward. Paul Smith having picked the ball up in their penalty box and beat a couple of defenders was brought down just inside the box. Micky Gearing rightly pointed to the spot without too many protests and Smithy dispatched the penalty in his usual manner to put us 2-1 ahead. Maidstone are not the sort of team to give up although they do get a bit narky amongst themselves and we still had a lot of defending to do.

It wasn’t long before they were on equal terms following another penalty this time in their favour even though Gary was very unlucky not to keep it out. The Vets are made of sterner stuff these days and the combination of Pete and George paid dividends again when a corner was pulled back by Pete for George to dispatch his second of the game to put us back in front and it looked as if we were going to record our first victory over Maidstone for a number of years. However, it was not to be as into the last 5 minutes and Maidstone won a free kick just outside the box. The kick was taken and appeared to bounce just in front of Gary and ended up in the back of the net much to the disappointment of those in red. With little time remaining we went in search of that elusive victory but hopes were dashed when the final whistle sounded to bring and evenly contested game to an honourable draw.

Another very good performance and deserved result and a good indicator of how much we have improved since this fixture last season. Man of the match was well deserved by George for his 2 goal salvo in the second half and impostor of the game goes the right midfielder who was claiming to be Paul Tanton. Joint post match sweepers award goes to Simon Harvey and myself for being the last out the changing rooms and collared by Vic – it’s one thing to sweep your own changing room and our opposition’s but it’s a bit much when you end doing the other changing rooms as well – anybody got the number of Molly Maids?

Rog.