AP 9s 12 Scorers: Jenkins (2), Millard, Simpson, Allan, Freeman, Varall, Laouar, Simpson, Crawford, 2 OGS.
AP 8S 2 Scorers: OG, Brown.
Fireworks on Pitch 2 shock!!
The 15 players who turned up for the 9s made history – this was the first time AP have put out such a side. The aim is to have games for a friendly XI on a weekly basis, hopefully without travelling the length and breadth of the SAL. With five no-shows, the idea of two separate XIs for each half didn’t materialise so we could resort to rolling subs. First, can I say thanks to all those who did bother to come and play and who made my job so easy. You were a joy to manage. A good bunch of lads who gelled off the pitch and once the game had started, gelled on it.
It was obvious right from the kick-off the 8s might be in trouble. It wasn’t too much of a surprise that the guys had a point to prove and the scoreline didn’t flatter them. It could have been 20. The 9s looked solid in a 4-4-2 formation kicking downhill. The passing and movement was excellent and they carved open the 8s at will. Skipper for the day Euan Millard opened the scoring after 10 minutes or so – shooting home, unmarked, at the far post, following a corner. From then on it was carnage. The 9s led 6-0 at half-time. Keeper Ram even saved a penalty.
The 8s got one back early in the second half, but the 9s continued to dominate. I can’t remember all the goals , but there were some corkers, the best being Tyrone Allan’s outrageous Peter Crouch-like volley and Andrew Crawford’s run and finish. Former AP 6s player Adam Jenkins bagged a brace but avoided buying a jug. Amazingly, Tim Jenkin didn’t score. If I missed you out, I apologise. Darren Tullett hit the bar and Andrew Brown maintained his goal a game for the 8s with another cool finish but the game had long gone by then. To be fair the 8s played better in the second half, but man for man the 9s wanted it more.
Overall, a hugely successful exercise for the club and an indication that we have strength in depth. It also makes my job my more complicated! Hopefully more reserve players will get involved but they have to be proactive about it.
Starting XI: Mabubhani, Layton, Millard, Day, Brown, Crawford, Johnson, Kendall, Varall, Freeman, Jenkins. Subs: Jenkin, Simpson, Laouar, Allan.
