DBFC Vets 4 Vs 1 Godfathers
KGV School Playing Field
Monday 12th June 2023
Squad: – Travis – Anago, Rigger, Tita, Nik – Justin, Pius, Ka Wing – Sammy, Crommy, Job–
Subs – Mike, DJ, Darius
Goal Scorers: Justin, Job, Crommy, Magic Mike
DBFC Vets weren’t just sweating because the Legends League season had somehow continued into June, spies in the camp had learnt that semi-final opponents Godfathers had been recruiting from the HKFA Premier League whilst DBFC were stuck on a squad of 10 players at the end of the weekend ahead of the Monday night game at KGV. Luckily Ka Wing was happy to travel straight from the airport to the pitch having just returned from a holiday in the UK, whilst prodigal son DJ returned, and Anago and Mike added their names to the list before contributing superb performances.
Gaffer Gazza was dialling in on the bat phone from his own UK holiday, leaving a leadership committee of Rigby (kit washing), Crommy (oranges), Nik (ID checks), Stephane (substitutes) and Tita (managing Pius) in charge of the significant responsibilities. Luckily DBFC are such a well drilled outfit and know each other’s roles that we were one up in the first minute. Sammy received the ball on the touchline, cut inside, and lofted a perfect ball for Justin to side foot home even before Godfathers could bring on their new signing at centre back.
DBFC showed this was no fluky start, attacking regularly on both wings, but it was the middle of the half before the second goal arrived. Pius won a bouncy ball in the centre circle, which Nik knocked on first time, putting Crommy up against the opposition right back. Having learnt from previous attacks that Job wasn’t running behind the defence, Crommy pulled the ball back this time and Job rolled the ball home with a composed finish.
DBFC saw the half out comfortably with Job deserving a penalty when facing away from goal he was cleared out by the Godfather’s keeper. Rigby was shutting out the opposition striker, whilst Anago hustled strongly against Godfathers’ second new HKFA premier signing, who was brought on at left wing. DBFC were able to bring on their own strong substitutes at half time, with DJ protecting the defence and linking up play in a professional centre-mid performance, whilst Darius would enjoy getting up and down the right flank.
Crommy and Sammy also switched wings, and as Crommy entered the box on the right wing, he found himself moaning about the lack of runs or support. Finally deciding he had better get on with it himself, he tricked and turned, drawing the left back into a clumsy challenging. Picking himself up, Crommy pinged home the penalty to increase the lead further.
After a strong controlled performance for almost an hour, a chaotic two minutes followed. A Crommy free kick 30 yards out saw the ball just miss Nik and Justin by inches, as the ball was cleared, Godfathers broke down the vacated left flank and a simple low cross allowed a tap in to reduce the arrears. DB’s very next attack was partly cleared to Magic Mike 35 yards out. Despite the demands of his attacking team-mates and doubts of many others, Mike clipped a perfect chip over the keeper to regain the three goal cushion. This seemed to take any last belief out of Godfathers and DBFC could see the game out, before beginning to plan for the final in two weeks against Spartan Masters.
