Match Reports
18/02/06
Eastbourne 2-3 Men's 3rd XI
‘The Sunshine Coast’ my ar$*. Captain Simpson’s 3’s Platoon travelled to a distinctly wet and muddy Eastbourne to take on the local rivals in what was a vital battle after two defeats on the bounce.
Having lost 4 key men from the week before, Captain Simpson did nothing to improve 3’s / 4’s public relations by snapping up Russell and Tosh at the last minute.
Despite a shaky start, during which possession was turned over more often than my TV during last night’s Villa vs. Man City game, Captain Simpson’s’ men finally manoeuvred into a position from which they could attack.
And attack they did. The 20 minute artillery onslaught caught Eastbourne on the back foot. With all guns blazing, it was Captain Simpson, leading his men by example, who opened up the Eastbourne defence like a can of tuna, coolly finishing at the far post from gun-man Davros’ good work in a crowded ‘D’.
The 3’s platoon breached the Eastbourne Bastions again shortly afterwards. A clever first-time sweep from Ed ‘Dimebag’ Cox was met by Russell, who tucked the ball past an on-rushing goalie. Then, to add insult to injury, Davros launched a heat-seeking missile of a drag-flick into the bottom corner. 3-0.
Perhaps because Sergeant Beglins’ hip flask of rum was passed around at half-time, the 3’s came out a different team in the second half. Whether Eastbourne picked up their game or the Brighton troops were content to sit on the 3-0 lead is difficult to tell, but Eastbourne’s front line were allowed to pick up a head of steam and punished shaky defensive work twice. Cue another nervous final 10 minutes. It was not enough for Eastbourne, who simply ran out of time.
Special mentions go to the new recruits, who ably adapted to the challenge.
A vital 3 points for Captain Simpson’s’ men, now 6 off 2nd spot, frustratingly now occupied by a Burnt Ash team the 3’s beat only 5 weeks ago.
EC