Old Kingstonians 1-1 Ladies
After one point from seven matches despite some heartening performances, it was important for the Ladies not to lose against a side with only one loss in six.
We achieved that aim and turned in a battling display after taking an early lead, resisting a tough last 20 minutes which was mainly spent in our 23. We took the lead on six minutes in bizarre circumstances. Tux hit a hopeful ball into the D from 30 yards out but with nobody following up there was no danger of anything other than a 16. But the OKs’ keeper aimed a casual kick, got the smallest of touches to the ball and after brief hesitation the goal was given.
As the second half wore on we started to get pulled back deeper and deeper into our half and the pace at times grew frantic. The OKs’ levelled on 50 minutes with a scrappy effort but thereafter the defence held firm.
Goan 2-2 3rd XI
With memories of previous controversial matches against Goan fresh in our minds, speculation was rife that the players would be hostile, and the umpires even more so. Given the expectation, the game was actually fairly well conducted, with a minimum of backchat and questionable calls. The notable exception to that was Robin “magnet face” Crumby being outrageously smacked upside the head for the second time (in only his fourth game this season), with no card being given against the fouler.
Goan fielded their usual complement of elderly gentlemen who are good with a stick and quick to shoot their mouths off. Comically most of their abusive comments were aimed at their team-mates rather than us, it has to be said that our own communication was considerably more constructive, let’s keep that going.
The first half began with an outrageous 15 second goal from the pushback. Our newest signing Matt Train lived up to his surname by powering down the left wing like a locomotive before popping a perfect pass to the handsome captain who was waiting on the far post. Unfortunately this stunning opening move seemed to imprint Matt in Goan’s consciousness and they marked him consistently for the rest of the game, though he still made some decent runs. For the first half the OCs kept the pressure high up the field, closing off Goan’s options and forcing them to play their classic game of hit and hope down the centre. The pressure paid off with a string of short corners, and Barry from the vets converted one early in the first half. Goan managed to get a few balls through and in spite of several good saves by Kevin, went 2-1 up by half time.
With everything to play for the OCs renewed the pressure in the second half, but Tim’s groin injury reduced our advantage of pace, bringing us down to 11 men, though Goan suffered an injury shortly after. In spite of this they kept three men high, and managed to find one of them in the last quarter to equalise. In spite of determined spirit, and some isolated spells of genuinely sexy passing on the offensive, we were unable to score again.
We may not have won, but hey it’s better than the last several games… therefore I am glad to declare that the recession is over! The recovery has begun and I predict good times ahead. Man of the match goes to Matt Train. Thanks to Tim for bringing him down, and to Andy for encouraging some of the vets to come. Guys, you are welcome in future, and I’ve added most of you to the standard 3rd team list. If any more vets want to be on the list, please get them to email me, I feel like the list isn’t long enough already… Nathan Glover