2013
 

Match Report continued...

Time for a change, and given his penchant for helping Lenton, young Harry swapped sides for the remainder of the game. Whilst still looking one of the best players on the pitch, he never quite peaked in the same way. However, this change together with continued tireless running from Sheff and the swap of Sid and Dave, coincided with Lenton's best spell in the game, with this third quarter 15 minutes remaining goalless. 1-5.

Mince Majestic!

No need for anyone to break into a run, as the WebMaster is observed moving forwards.

The final and fourth 15 minute quarter, saw Hendo spring into action and try to grab some limelight from his young team-mates. This he did with customary clinical gusto. Intercepting a goal kick from replacement Lenton goalkeeper, Deslick, Steve held off a rugby tackle from Max and hit the ball into the top left corner. 1-6.

Steve then tried to claim a brace, after collecting a pass from midfield dynamo Danny, holding off a tackle from Sheffy (Steve later confirmed this when he said it was someone who he had a height and weight advantage over, which ruled out Jez) and slid it in the bottom left corner. Unfortunately for Steve, he'd been in an offside position when collecting the through ball. Steve claimed later in a moment of only partial lucidity, "Ha! This must have been the offside goal then. Although taking the resulting free kick from the middle of the centre circle was a bit of a cheeky yardage gain!" The WebMaster, as theoretical centre back, of course doesn't remember any of Steve's goals as he was gasping for air on the left wing at the time, and so has taken the word of the official match reporter, Claire McKinlay.

Andrew Attack!

Andrew McK on the verge of breaking his Allstars duck.

Not to be outdone by the other youngsters, Allstars veteran Andrew added to the tally when he curled a sublime finish into the gaping and largely abandoned by now, Lenton goal. His first Allstars goal at the 12th attempt. 1-7. Just to complete the rout, man of the match, Master Halliwell slotted another soul destroying shot into the net 1-8.

Interviewed after the game, an ecstatic and slightly jaundiced Andy Kit, was moved to state that "the ROW team were an obvious example of synergistic understanding of total football, with excellent goalkeeping, stalwart defending, sublime passing in midfield and mercenary attacking up front. Total football. Oh and not forgetting that a 12 year old on our side scored your team's only goal!" It was difficult for anyone in the Lenton dressing room to muster a defence.

In retrospect, Lenton Hall could perhaps have used a bit more intimidation, and followed Cookie's lead when he sent Andy Kit flying with one early challenge. There was a general recognition though, that such actions of barbarity against another team member's kid on the opposition, were not the best ploy for team harmony. There was also the small matter of actually catching the little bastards.

Clearly suffering in the sun, Rich Isherwood was heard expounding the theory that Lenton "went wrong by only playing 70 mins and not the full 90" feeling that Lenton "had them on the ropes and we would have romped it 10-8 at least. This was proved in our majestic penalty shoot out as they were clearly a spent force!" He presumably has equally forthright opinions on the authenticity of the moon landings.

Billy Scores PenKeeper Pens. Advantage Billy.

And so, promises were once again made to get fitter for next years match, as the players trudged back to the impressive new Highfields changing facilities.

Mark H was presented his Golden Boot in the winning team's changing room, although honourable mention to Dean Shaw for a solid display in a well-beaten team.

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