The 8s first league loss of the season was notable for the initial absence of its fearless leader Simon ‘Villas Boas’ Tolcher, who was still recovering from a night on the cider at the local Rec, trying to impress girls on his moped. Undeterred, the 8s were being temporarily led by the modern day Clough – Taylor partnership of Ware and Waldrum. By the end of the game they looked more like Krankie & Krankie (George being the woman/boy one).
For the first half the 8s were playing some crisp, neat, passing football, with most of the creative energy coming from Lott, who was hungry like the (fancy dress) wolf. Dudmish and Wolfman were working the right side well; whilst Croft’s hold up play was calm, measured and effective. Over on the left, Payne had his winger under wraps and Waldrum was sniffing for the goal. Broome and Parsons were characteristically ‘bossing’ the midfield while Ware and Soundy were allowing nothing to pass. As ever though, the defence knew that if anything did get through, Jamie would have it covered. A few chances came and went for the 8s, including a speculative shot going narrowly wide for Parsons and Waldrum ruing a near miss.
Ware also found himself unexpectedley in front of goal after displaying his devastating speed on the flanks and playing a one-two with Waldrum into the box; but the Winchmore keeper somehow managed to save Ware’s left foot thunderbolt (despite the shot’s speed being officially measured at 2 mph). Ware will have to wait another 5 years for his next chance (and accompanying nosebleed for visiting the oppo’s half). The extra frustration was the referee’s failure to see the clear foul in the box on Waldrum during the build up.
The halftime whistle went shortly after and the 8s trotted in confidently; knowing that Winchmore were there for the taking. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way.
Despite continuing to look like they weren’t going to concede, the 8s had seemed to inexplicably lose their attacking ‘mojo’. This seemed to galvanise Winchmore who also remained resolute at the back. Their first clear cut chance was a goal…but miraculously not a goal!…Players on both teams alike stared in amazement at Jamie’s lightning fast reactions, as he tipped over the bar from a point blank downward header in the six yard box. Yes, it was like the Banks from Pele save in 1970….absolutely mind blowing.
This should have been the message the 8s needed to change gears and push on for the win. Jenkins was introduced to the left wing and settled quickly into the action. Unfortunately, lessons were not learned from the wonder save and Winchmore got their first goal after some sloppy marking from a corner. Heads dropped and despite a number of half chances being made and not taken by Tolcher’s troops, the 8s allowed a Winchmore striker to run through and slot in a second. Dr. Nigel Bagley was introduced in front of the back four to sure things up and he once again proved he’s not just a pretty face around the clubhouse. When a 2 goal ‘bang’ was needed in the last 10 minutes from the 8s, they went out with what was more like a dejected whimper; and were left to fret over a wasted 3 points. However, in the words of daft racist Ron Atkinson, ‘bouncebackability’ is vital and the boys have the perfect opportunity to show they have this in next Saturday’s cup match.
MOM: Despite a Makele-esque performance from Broome (and customary facial injury); and a typically battling performance from the verbally shy Parsons, the MOM must go to Jamie in goal as you don’t often get to see saves like that. AP legend in the waiting….
