Match Report

Not sure if it’s the “Gearing” factor or playing in front of our biggest crowd of the season, admittedly 10 of them were the opposition''s substitute bench, but we played as well this week as we did badly last week. And wait for it, people of a nervous disposition look away now, but we won by 3 goals to 1.

It was obvious by the stern looks in the changing room and the body language that we meant it this week. We started the game totally in command with the midfield quartet of Chris Bourlet, Toby Harlow, Colin Ebdon and Chris Ponulak dictating the play by spraying passes around the pitch. Toby was like a man possessed with his continual probing passes and tigerish tackles. The other 3 members of the midfield were giving the opposition no time to settle with Paul Smith and Trevor Stewart up front making themselves available at every opportunity. We had plenty of chances but unfortunately, despite giving it their all, Paul and Trevor missed narrowly with a couple of half chances.

The pressure had to tell, and eventually it did, Colin broke the deadlock much to the delight of the packed home end. Could we keep it up? We continued to push for a second, but the score remained 1-0 at half time.

The second half started and as normal we seemed to suffer from the rigor mortis that always sets in during the half time interval. It was time for the defence to shine along with our new found star in goal, Lee Southby; Pat Mongelard and Steve Blanchard in the centre of defence stood firm against ever increasing pressure with Keith Warman and Roger French tracking the runs of the opposition attacking midfielders. Lee made a fantastic save low down to his right hand side which drew a round of applause from the packed ranks on the side line. Despite this we continued to trouble the opposition goal, which eventually paid dividends with a well taken header from Chris Bourlet. Well done Chris, what a weekend, on TV and a well taken goal.

The home supporters started a Mexican wave in anticipation of a well deserved win. Their celebrations increased with a well taken third goal by Paul Smith.

The opposition began to step up the pressure and were eventually rewarded by the award of a penalty. Lee made a valiant attempt to save the penalty, but it crept in just inside the right hand post to make the score 3-1. For the next 10 minutes it became a bit like the Alamo, with our fresh faced wing back, Mick Gearing, coming on for the last 10 minutes.

When the final whistle blew it was hugs all round as we had won by 3 goals to 1. A fantastic team performance to take with us in our hearts for the 4 months until next season starts.

I cannot sign off without thanking Toby for his efforts as team captain and Vic for putting up with the continual mickey taking and the thankless task of allowing for the moody attitudes of a team of grumpy old men.

Long may local teams such as FOBG make it possible for young and old to play football on a Sunday morning.