Middlesex Over 65's WFL January 26

Having had a couple of cold but dry Middlesex WFL Tournaments recently, Bannisters lived up to its reputation yesterday. With the rain starting before we even set off and continued virtually the entire time we were playing! Big shout out to Ken Rose and George Kent for coming and supporting us, considering the conditions. Unusually, we only managed to enter one team with not enough available players for two teams and more than enough for one. However, we started brightly against a strong Extra Time Welwyn team. Both sides created chances, but with no clear cut shots on target. 0-0 a fair and final score. Our second game against local rivals Watford, was another close game with only a defensive error in the first half giving Watford a 1-0 advantage at half time. After a change of personnel in the second half, we limited them to very few chances, but with John Bines cutting a lone figure on the left wing, we couldn’t find an equaliser. It is always frustrating to lose to your local rivals, but even more so when their goalkeeper, (who incidentally knows he’s a good keeper!) sat on a ball on his goal line for large parts of the second half. Personally, I found this disrespectful towards our lads and isn’t in the spirit of the game! Anyhow, after a small break we were back in action against Bumble Bees. This was a really good performance with John Lewis up front holding up the ball well and playing in Andy Balshaw, who scored with a superb shot into the bottom corner. 1-0 at the turnaround. The second half continued with us dominating the ball, with Alastair Greene controlling the midfield and finding Andy Balshaw, who with another magnificent strike into the top corner, scored his second of the game. A well deserved 2-0 lead. Our defence, marshalled by the ever dependable Steve Buckey, supported by Barry Lustigman and Brian Petrie, limited their chances. However, with almost the last kick of the game, they managed a consolation goal. Final score 2-1. Our fourth and final game was against RIP WFC Thursday and with the rain still falling, this was a game with very few clear cut chances for both teams. The best chance fell to John Lewis early in the first half, but his shot was just wide of the post. John Cahillane playing in goal didn’t really have a shot to save and for the second time, kept a clean sheet. 0-0 the final score. All in all, a good result for the lads considering we had no recognised striker or goalkeeper available. The squad at times played some lovely football and considering that we don’t play as a team that often, we are now able to compete with some of the more experienced teams at this level. Hive Foundation as an example, play the same seven players every tournament! The next fixture at Bannister’s is on Tuesday 9th February, but this clashes with our Thames Valley WFL Division 1 and Division 3 commitment’s, so its doubtful we will be able to attend, but I will ask for your availability closer to the date. 

Squad: John Cahillane, Steve Buckey, Brian Petrie, Barry Lustigman, Alastair Greene, Andy Balshaw, John Lewis, John Bines.