A ‘must not lose’ game was how Saulio described it in the changing rooms.
The Nags, one of our main rivals for a 2nd place finish, were the opponents in our furthest away trip to date in deepest, darkest Wakefield. A long way to go to not get a result.
After another 2-2 draw this time with Sheffield Aurora, we found ourselves one point behind our opponents who had a game in hand. We were also looking to put the record straight after an opening day 3-1 defeat at the Stadio Della Doreo. The pitch was wet after overnight rainfall but it was flat and the day was remarkably mild for a mid-winter’s afternoon.
The game kicked off and it was the Nags who looked the livelier. Perhaps the lack of a real warm-up, and the absence of our own practice ball, was the reason for our somewhat flat-footed start to the game.
However, after about 15 minutes, there was nothing flat footed about an absolute beauty of a goal from ‘Lucky Shorts’ Pete. Receiving the ball wide out on the left, Zahid’s normal lightening pace wasn’t there to get him up to support. Therefore, Pete assessed his options, cut in on his right foot and unleashed an absolute rocket that went in off the far post leaving the keeper, and the rest of us, stunned.
With the advantage gained the belief seemed to come back into the team. Tackles were being won and headers being met with a ‘my ball’ attitude. It wasn’t long before Pete added to his tally with another well taken goal. He was then unlucky not to get a third with another rocket that hit the bar, the rebound went to Zahid who was able to clear the danger for the Nags rather than make it 3-0. Having seen so many games this season where we’ve been in control of a game and leading but not able to kill it off the old adage that ‘2-0 is a dangerous score line to lead by’ looked like it might once bite us. A last ditch tackle by Torrs, who for once wasn’t busying complaining, in the penalty area stopped a rare and real goal threat from the home side.
Therefore, a superb half ended with the lads up at 2-0. The team talk was simple, keep things tight for the first 15 minutes of the second half, weather the storm and consolidate the lead.
However, things were to go from good to excellent within just a few minutes of the restart. A corner on the left resulted in Torrs using the concrete between his ears for extra purchase, to plant a bullet header past the keeper to make it three. And not longer after another corner broke to the edge of the box catching Darren by surprise so he hit the ball with his standing leg, again giving the keeper no chance. There was no way back for the Nags now, they were a broken team, it was a question of how many. Fortunately we still had the chance to see Banjo plant another good opportunity towards the moon and Alec also threaten the greenhouses of the nearby houses with what you would loosely term ‘shots’.
Pete was to complete his awesome display of striking prowess with a coolly taken fifth goal marking a well deserved hat-trick. At this point Saul seemed content that my introduction would at least see us end with a draw so I got a 15 minute cameo as a substitute. I didn’t realise until I ran onto the pitch, that my feet had frozen running the line so that’s my excuse for booting my first pass off the pitch…
Nick was to complete the rout with a sixth as the keeper obviously shell shocked by now, misjudged his shot and saw it slip through his grasp and into the net.
So 6-0 it ended. A fantastic result putting us back in 2nd place once again.
I have to say that even as a reluctant substitute it was a pleasure to watch the team’s performance. Some of the passing was superb the extra width of the pitch seemed to suit our game. I remember the home match against the Nags when we were 11 players you could tell had never played together before. However, now there is a real understanding that has developed on the pitch. Everyone knows what to expect from their counterparts. I also have to earmark both Pete and Ian for especially excellent performances. Pete’s pace and power were too hot to handle for the home defence. Ian won everything in the air and put his body on the line numerous times. He was a Scottish colossus. The combative central midfield pairing of little and large was tenacious, Banjo and Nick contributed tirelessly. Despite things not quite running for Zahid he still worked his proverbials off. Darren, Mark and Torrs were also excellent in winning their personal battles and Butch stayed alert when called upon.
We’ve now got eight remaining league games. Seven of them are defintely winnable and if we can reproduce the form of the Outu Kumpu and Nags performances we can give Gawber Road a run for their money when we travel there next year.
A perfect way to sign off over the Christmas period. Perhaps if we can get the “friendly” with the firsts sorted we can have a run out and prepare for the trip to the Norfolk Arms in the cup in January carrying our form with us.
Well done to everyone – Merry Christmas!