Middlesex Over 65's WFL November 25

Where do I begin with this report. It was a very frustrating team selection, with players injured, some at the very last minute, holidays, hospital appointments, baby sitting etc etc. No Premier League manager has these problems I’m sure. However, although I normally like to have at least two seven-a-side squads, it was touch and go whether or not we could field two teams on Monday morning! I did at the last minute on Monday, manage to get two six-a-side squads. This of course meant no substitutes for any injuries which may occur during the tournament and almost back to back, four 14 minute games. Having got completely soaked at the last two training sessions it was with trepidation that it would be raining again at Bannisters. It was actually spitting when we left the club at 9am, but it got brighter as we arrived at Harrow. Our Dark Blue squad on paper looked quite strong, but with no recognised striker. Our first game was against Beestingers (what a stupid name!) and although we bossed possession we were unable to score and with their goal hanging striker, who never wears a kit, just his trousers, coat and a woolly hat scored, against the run of play to be fair, two poachers goals. 2-0 the final score. Our second game was pretty much the same against a very good Hive Foundation team from Barnet. They seem to always play the same team, but from his signature 'training manual’ toe poke, John Bines scored the first goal. Unfortunately, during the second half John Durrant injured his ankle and was forced off leaving us with potentially no keeper! Fortunately, as this is a friendly tournament, Lloyd the Watford keeper stepped up, but was unable to stop Hive scoring twice in the second half and the game ended 2-1. Another loss, when we were bossing possession! The third game, with yet another stand-in keeper, was a tighter affair against a strong Watford team. Alastair Greene hit the woodwork twice without scoring and was hacked down several times by the same Watford player, but no blue card was forthcoming. Unfortunately, a lapse in defence saw them score the only goal of the game. 1-0 the final score. Our final game was against Meridian and again Lloyd from Watford stepped up to play in goal. Once again we bossed possession and yet again Alastair Greene hit the woodwork. However, this time, with the goalkeeper stranded on the floor, it rebounded kindly for us and from 20 yards out Andy Smith, with an intuitive first time powerful left foot shot, returned the ball through a crowd of players into an empty net. 1-0. Could we hold out for a win? With only minutes, left Meridian managed to get an equaliser, but it wasn’t without the sterling defensive performance from Steve Buckey and Chris York. All in all a disappointing result, but with only six players and no recognised striker, it was always going to be difficult. 

Dark Blue squad: John Durrant, Steve Buckey, Alastair Greene, Chris York, John Bines, Andy Smith 

Steve Manly took charge of our Pale Blue squad, so a big thanks to start with for Steve. We hope he’ll be back playing soon. This squad included two players making their debuts for the club and with probably our oldest player between the sticks in Brian Petrie, it was a tall order for Steve, but what a performance he got from them! First up was a very strong Leyton Orient team who dominated possession, but couldn’t break down our lads resistance. Nigel Walker, making is debut, scored a well worked goal with his right foot to open the scoring. Unfortunately that resistance didn’t last and Leyton Orient managed an equaliser. 1-1 the final score. Second up was RIP WFC Thursday (where do they get these team names from?) A tight game with neither side creating many chances. 0-0 the final score. Third up was Beestingers and another close game ended with neither side creating enough to win the game. Steve Beament had chances and Brian Petrie was the hero saving a penalty, for four running offences. Our final game against Cedars was another tight affair with few chances. Dave Marsh and debutant Ian Kavanagh were solid at the back and John Lewis carrying a groin strain, marshalled the midfield expertly. However, with literally the last kick of the game, Cedars capitalised on a mix-up in defence and scrambled the winning goal. All in all a great performance from the lads with three draws and a loss. 

Pale Blue squad: Brian Petrie, Dave Marsh, John Lewis, Nigel Walker, Ian Kavanagh, Steve Beament.