2005-6 Season
Kenchels FC 1 Japanese XI 3
The Mighty Blues fought long and hard but ultimately could not stop the Japanese from seizing victory in this, the Battle of Marble Hill. Hero of the hour was Craig who, moments after taking a Jap stud in the guts, leapt magnificently to tip a controversial penalty shot around the post.
We had started so well. ‘Chels’ first half performance had been almost faultless. The Japanese were fast coming forward but midfield worked hard to contain them. Our passing was sweet and we had several chances on goal – despite considerable Japanese pressure that won them several corners.
There were battling performances from Rich in midfield, Tom Bradbury and Robin particularly. Stevie B was mopping everything thrown at him in his new centre-back role and Tom Taw’s passing from right-back was impeccable.
At half-time it was nil-nil and we really looked capable of holding the Japanese to a draw if not snatching a victory. Robin, Tom Taw and Chris came off to let myself, Arif and maverick star Greengrazza on.
About 15 minutes later, the Japanese broke through the middle and put a stonking shot past Craig from the edge of the box. It was a bit of a blow, I can tell you. But still we were in it and we were continuing to pass and move. Scoring opportunities were there but we just weren’t potting them.
A few minutes later, what Wayne described as a "fifty-fifty ball" ended with Craig removing a Japanese boot from his navel and Stevie B taking out one of their players. Referee Wayne – still smarting from his injury against the Marbles a couple of weeks back – had no doubt about the penalty, which produced such a superb save from our Dracs.
Two-nil and heads were dipping. In yet another controversial incident, Arif took a through ball that left their defence for dead. Their linesman waved his hankie for offside but Wayne was in no mood for it and Arif put the ball in the back of the net. Two-one and the game was on.
The Japs hit the bar twice and for a brief period had us under a lot of pressure with a string of corners. We weren’t beaten yet though and were able to put them under the cosh at the other end too. The ball went across the goalmouth, over the bar, by the post…but it wasn’t going in.
About ten minutes or so from the end, they broke through on our right flank and managed to get a cross in past the flailing defender – me – and scored from close range.
So it ended 3-1 to them but we had played our hind legs off. It had not been an easy game for the Japs and the scoreline flattered them. No doubt they were all breathing a sigh of relief over their sake and chips in their chosen pub – yes, you guessed it. The Rising Sun.
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