Match Reports
20/01/07
Mid Sussex 2s 2-5 Men's 4th XI
The Super 4s needed to live up to their name and finally win a game, and with the league whipping boys Mid Sussex in their sights this would surely be our time to shine. Unfortunately, for the great majority of the match we played not as the Super 4s but as the rather Shoddy 4s or Sloppy 4s. I think our performance may have been tainted by watching the 3s finish their ponderous display v Horsham before us.
The first half was one of missed chances and a real lack of structure and effort from all involved. This was no more emphasised when Wappy decided to tie his laces up as the whistle to start the game blew which nearly gave Mid Sussex an early opportunity. Teapot? Yes, indeed !
The game was poor with both sides refusing to show any skill or intent but just about against the run of play a short corner was converted to give Mid Sussex a 0-1 lead at half time. Thompo’s post duties were called into question. At the post match analysis it was decided that less dithering and more post watching would be required (especially when Brooksy is playing).
A great deal of head shaking and bemused looks ensued at half time and the fun we had last week really had dissipated.
We looked much better in the second half and an equaliser was scored. We still had the impression that we were playing hockey a bed of semolina and fell behind again from a soft short corner that crept in via Brooksy’s left foot and through the cavernous archway between his legs, poor. At least Thompo wasn’t daydreaming on the post this time !!
This, however, seemed to prompt the 4s best period of play and what was described in the bar as champagne hockey. Two goals in two minutes, one of which was a reverse stick screamer from Tosh and the Super 4s were in the lead.
After a stunning demonstration of 1-2’s by Ben Williams and Thompo up the right wing, a penalty flick was awarded when Davros had his stick removed as he was just about to finish off the champagne move. The said flick was clinically despatched by Ade and some breathing room was established. I think that’s the first time the words “Ade” “breathing” and “room” have been used in the same sentence for some time. Davros briefly considered trying to take the flick, but the Dough Boy’s gravitational mass sent Davros spinning out of orbit.
The victory was assured by a final flourish to give the score line a flattering 5-2 sheen.
No game with the 4s would be complete without the obligatory tempestuousness. Thompo had a mild run in with a Giles Brandreth look and sound alike whilst young Irish Andy was quite vociferous when accused of cheating. Youthful exuberance it may be, but we had all been warned seconds before to stop whinging like a bunch of girls (sorry girls).
With the first victory of the year the relief was palpable and we have managed to open a small gap on the relegation battle below us.
Awards
Thompo : Dancing Homer - Kangaroo court stitch up again !!
Wappy: Teapot - For doing his laces up as game started and then blaming Thompo for losing the toss !!
Pilsbury : Handbag - Squaring up to 2 of the oppo and bouncing both of them on to the floor in a WWF/Big Daddy stylee !!!