Match Report

The much talked about Sunday Team “Big October” bore fruit as we remained undefeated with a record of 2 draws and 3 satisfying wins.

Our opponents on Sunday were the newly promoted Prince of Wales (POW) who have started life in the Senior Division with a mixed bag of results to date. The clocks having gone forward was bound to confuse elements of our team but surprisingly it was only our confused left midfielder Jason Miller who was left staring at an empty clubhouse @ 8.30 am on Sunday morning. He thought he had got away with it too. After much deliberation the management duo of Tant and Village opted for a similar starting line up to last week and once the pre match photo call was completed we rolled up our sleeves and prepared for battle…well I actually picked up the linesman’s flag…but looking around me at Steve Pester, Neil Connelly, Chris Bradshaw and Lee Cleaver all on the bench in one state of fitness or another I was in quality company!!!

We started brightly as we looked to attack at pace at the POW backline with threats coming from Ray Perkins on the right, Dave Harrigan in the middle and our frontline of Adam Dawson and Barry Cleaver. However as is often the case with FOBG teams of late our pressure didn’t produce any reward and we fell behind to a quick counter attack and so were 1-0 down with 20 minutess played. Our response was swift and decisive with another quality break down one of the flanks which led to a blocked shot and the ball rebounding to Ray who made no mistake from the edge of the box. Our tails were up and the watching crowd could sense more goals!!!

Our 2nd goal saw MoM Jason receive the ball from the White Cafu (Matt Pragnell) and he played Adam in with a nice through ball where Adam proceeded to beat the keeper about 3 times and then the two defenders on the line were left falling over themselves before having tired of this game he decided to square the ball to Barry to knock in a well deserved goal.

The third goal came with about 10 minutes to go at the end of the half and I can''t really remember it as I think I was being questioned about my linesman credentials by a member of the opposition at the time…. but it would have been a flowing move neatly finished by Adam. I should really mention the back four of Bodge; Adam Benningfield (Captain); Andy Cobham and Matt Pragnell who performed very well as a unit and were once again willing to make challenges and provide a solid base for the rest of the team. Also Jumbo had a very good game both in distribution and shot stopping.well done mate!!

The 2nd half had us with the wind behind us and we dominated possession and hardly let POW out of their half. Judgie and Dave were tireless in the centre and Jason showed both trickery and steel on the left…. to be honest it was very enjoyable to watch. Dave Harrigan helped himself to our 4th goal and at 4-1 Tant and Village decided to give a few subs a run-out with Neil replacing Matt P and Steve P came on for Judgie. The intensity of the game continued and the fresh legs encouraged us to push for a fifth which Adam D duly dispatched with his usual aplomb.

All in all it was a very good performance by everyone from the starting 11, subs, and the supporters and what I hope and I’m sure Tant and Village do as well is that this momentum we have now created is maintained and we continue up the league!

A final special mention to The Woodman who have very kindly sponsored us this year for which I know we are all very grateful!