2011-12 Season

Second half battling gets ‘Chels off the Hook

Today the kit came neatly wrapped – shirts, shorts and socks all neatly packaged in their own little plastic bags courtesy of Stevie B. We were all greatly impressed with this touch of orderliness – which makes a change from the usual shambles we see out on the pitch.

So with the kit all ship-shape and Bristol fashion EP deployed his troops in the manner of master maritime tactician Admiral Lord Nelson – with one eye closed and his hand up his shirt. He went with Craig in goal, a back four of McNewbs, Chelsea Dave, Stevie B. and Cliff….midfield of Mrs Murphy, EP, Slo Mo and Tommy Taw, and an up front duo of Quick Mo and Alex.

From the kickoff we were also playing some tidy, neat football, until we continually gave the ball away with sloppy wayward passes. Still although we enjoyed most of the possession we failed to create one chance.

On the other hand Hook (not a hook – I know there’s a nautical theme but this isn’t Peter Pan) created a bundle of chances forcing Craig into making a series of world-class saves. If only Fabio Capello had been here today Joe Hart would have been toast and Craig would be packing for an extended stay in Krakow.

Eventually Hook got a break when Stevie B got his legs all muddled up, went over like Bambi on Ice and could only watch as their forward whacked the ball into the net. It remained at 1-0 because we could never put enough pressure on in their box to get a sniff at goal.

At half-time mass changes and latecomers Corrie and Phil (the new Alex) came on together with Wayne and making a rare appearance, Chris Twomey. El Tel was already on for Newbs as the wee Scot had twisted his knee and limped off.

Others coming off were Mrs M. Tommy T. EP and Mo (who later went back on for Chelsea Dave as he had to leave early.) The changes gave us a bit more bite up front and for the opening period of the second half we were well on top and threatened an equaliser.

Just before it came, second half ref EP had to stamp his authority on the game when the dreadlocked Sasha argued with him over a free kick decision. If EP had had a yellow card on him he would have showed it; as it was he only had one of Stevie B’s Chinese Laundry business cards to hand and obviously couldn’t show that. The free kick was taken, the ball came in and Corrie was on hand to nod it in – Phil following up to make sure. After the game Corrie was adamant it was his goal and it was already over the line when Phil put the finishing touch.

Almost from the kick off Hook attacked, a ball was hit to their forward who nodded it back to the edge of the penalty box where the dreads of Sasha came steaming in to whack the ball past keeper Craig who had no chance.

Hook were now 2-1 up and it was their turn to dominate play. Gradually we clawed our way back – Mo back on gave us a bit of a hedge in midfield – sorry that should be an edge – a hedge is of course a thick wooden obstacle.

Pressing for a second equaliser we put them under considerable pressure and at last a ball broke to Phil (the new Alex) who brought it down and smashed it past their keeper.

The game became more open now as both sides were pushing on in search of the winner. We had our chances but Hook certainly weren’t done and Craig had to pull out another few world-class saves to keep us in it.

They sent up their big men from the back including Chief Inspector Plod who came off worse in a clash with a Chel, held his head and complained of seeing stars. We’re the Chels mate….we’re all stars!!! So the game ended in a Desmond and our new unbeaten run continues.

© 2011 Kenchels FC, all rights reserved. For more information contact support@kenchels.com.