Match Report

FOBG Squad: Tom Girling, Michael Hills, Phil Anthony, Colin Mant, Giles Foister, Waine Hetherington, George Kleanthous, Joe Skinner, Simon Thomas, Peter Harvey, Jay Hardy, Andy Ashe, Diccon, Gabriel Cozma, Dan Herbert.

Referee: Paul Parsons – 10/10

Kit sponsor: The Dog and Duck, Outwood.

Manager:  George Kleanthous.

Interim Chief Football Correspondent:  Phil Anthony.

Chief Impact Officer:  Phil Anthony.

On Remembrance Sunday, we had agreed a late kick-off to coincide with local church plans. The club provided stick-on poppies for our shirts, we had Paul Parsons to referee our match and took control. We joined in with the Sunday Reserves with what was supposed to be a 2-minute silence, but the appointed league referee decided 1 minute was enough, which was terribly disrespectful and we were very disappointed. I understand the club will be making a complaint.

Nonetheless, today was indeed a day to remember, the Sunday Reserves winning 7-0 against South London Panthers and this Senior Vets team going from strength to strength to beat CUACO Vets 9-2.

One thing to remember about Senior Vets football is that we will always need numbers, because at our age, knocks, muscle strains and fouls can easily lead to early substitutions, so bringing the squad from 13 on the Friday to 16 on match day, was to our advantage. Sniper bringing in Gabriel Cozma (from his Saturday Vets team), Tom bringing in his only friend Diccon (last name or first name we’re not sure) and Simon’s mate Dan Herbert turned up.

So, before kick-off, the team talk was very positive as usual, we had the numbers on a heavy pitch, we were confident with the strategy George had put in place and we even had Peter telling jokes.

We beat this side 6-3 a few weeks ago, but gave them 3 goals. This time we gave away 2, one from a dubious penalty decision which both teams were surprised at (George apparently swinging his left peg out, preventing the opposition playing) and the second from a terrible touch from Sniper (he had 2 choices, clear it completely OR bring it down look up and pass to one of our players … some might say too many choices) which landed at their striker's feet just outside our area.

Waine had purchased 2 new match balls and this might have made a difference.

Our starting line-up looked solid, but after about 15 minutes Giles took a knock and had to be replaced, Simon also took a knock, but carried on. So, we were very lucky to have the numbers. George was on drugs today, non-stop energy, driving runs forward, always wanting the ball from Tom and hence was hacked down so many times, we did wonder if he would recover. Joe was called a ‘Barbarian’ by their pony-tail guy after missing the ball completely and hacking him; a gentle word from Paul was needed to settle things down. Hillsy was quiet, but I believe there were some wagers running in the background – how long would he last on the pitch today?

However, the way this Senior Vets team is set up, we will always create chances and score goals. We finished this game exactly where we started, dominating possession, passing the ball, finding space, playing out from the back and 100% team spirit (apart from some handbags between Jay & Peter who we believe are forming a close relationship). We did have to check who scored our goals in the bar after the match, because this was end-to-end stuff.

George scored a blinder with his right foot (could have had 2 if the keeper had not saved another long-range shot). New player Gabriel scored with his head. Jay scored a lovely back heel. Hillsy went on one of his swerving runs and got a well-deserved goal from a long-range effort. Dan Herbert (not Hetherington) also got one.

A day indeed to remember for Peter, who notched up 4 goals, 2 in the first half and 2 in the second, all well-deserved. One direct from a corner, one from a through pass from Waine and 2 from good team work and fine finishing.

Food was provided by the lovely Leanne, 50 rolls, ham. cheese & tuna, with pickles and mustard + sausage rolls and pasties.

Man-of-the-match:  Votes started out close between 2 players. Simon, Hillsy and Dan H, all got 1 vote each, Diccon got 5, but at the end, there was no doubt who deserved the man of the match, with 7 votes, 4 goals and a superb performance on the day. Peter announced to Danny in the bar that he was back …We hope so Pete, the Senior Vets needs you!!!