DBFC 45s 5-4 SIA
Monday 12 April at Happy Valley Pitch 3, KO 6:30p.m
Squad: Newley/ Ben, Pedro, Steve, Simon/ Andy C, Morse, Thierry, O’B, Scottie/ Kieran M. Initial subs: Juggs, David.
We came expecting a good contest against the older version of BTDT who were unbeaten in our over 45s mini-league. However it was clear from the outset that we were more than able to take the game to them and that our only undoing would be defensive mistakes. SIA’s main outlet throughout the game on a small pitch was their extremely long throw, which forced us into two early OGs. The first after only 5 minutes caught us by surprise with the long throw skimming CB Steve’s head and going straight in. Soon after, SIA caught Newley slightly off his line and beat him from long range. Kieran pulled one back after breaking down the right wing from a throw-in. We thought we were back in it but SIA scored again from another long throw which Newley helped into the net. Shortly before HT, Thierry scored a penalty to make it 2-3 and we were confident at HT that we could get a result if we cut out the errors. We made a couple of changes to bring on our two subs for Ben and Steve and then set to work on eliminating the deficit. This we duly did with goals from Thierry and Kieran: Thierry with a well measured lob on the volley from distance and then Kieran latching on to a loose ball in the six yard box after the keeper fumbled. We thought we were home and dry but we got caught out by a bouncing ball between CB and GK to allow SIA to equalize. With minutes to go, it looked like we were living up to our tag as the draw specialists but there was more drama to come. First, Andy and their volatile Mario had a “coming together” which resulted in a second yellow for Andy for “ungentlemanly conduct” and a straight red to Macro for “violent conduct”. Both sides were temporarily distracted but Thierry took advantage by taking a quick throw which found its way into the area and was pounced upon by Pedro the redeemer. It was a scrappy win on a small pitch where we find it difficult to play our best football – but a spirited effort by all and a good comeback.
