Deloitte v Springhill Dads

Tuesday 13th April 2004

Deloitte FC vs Springhill Dads

   A mild spring night at the Sports Centre saw Deloitte. FC - looking to bounce back from last weeks disappointment against P&O - take on The Springhill Dads.

    The Deloitte. FC team was strengthened by the return of Ed 'Judas' Judd and Mark 'SAS' Langford - who was making a welcome return from the back injury sports clinic, the notable absentees this week were Tim 'GMS' Sadler, who was wedding dress shopping in New York (on an "official" holiday), MVT who was on the Piste! (in Switzerland), Doug 'WPNINR' Grant who was on holiday (we think) and Sam 'not a great start' Patel who is presumably still driving around Southampton trying to find the sports centre. Steve 'sicknote' Badger and Will 'still have some chaffing on my shoulder' Carroll continue to recuperate on the treatment table, while Ross 'Dad' Chester was on holiday with his boys.

    That left a team of 11 to take on The Dads with SAS opting for the 'Tinkerman' role from the touchline. Luckily the opposition could only muster a team of 10 men so Deloitte. FC had the numerical advantage - well, 10 minutes in once Steve 'clear to touch' Williams actually finished getting changed! .

    Warm up again consisted of blasting the ball at the Cat from close range. The formation was set up and the Deloitte. team were ready, the game kicked off and …….. Oops, 1-0 after 20 seconds - a long ball over the top saw the Cat charge off his line and upend their forward who crashed the penalty down straight down the middle.

    C'mon boys - the Tinkerman was not impressed. The goal unsettled the Deloitte. team who soon found themselves 2 down after a goalmouth scramble. However after 20 minutes the slick passing game was re-discovered and a reply was on the cards until Ed slashed a half volley wide from all of 7 yards - SHOCKING, the 'Tinkerman' was heard shouting from the dugout.

    As half time approached disaster struck as one of the 'Dads' (…..aged about 19) picked up the ball in his own half, weaved past the entire defence and after a brave dive at his feet by the Cat tapped in the ricochet. 3-0 and a lot of work to do

    2nd half. The 'Tinkerman' was animated - things had to change and formation and personnel were changed. SAS came off the bench and Ed was pushed up front. The 'Dads' were strengthened to a full 11 as Dave 'Marathon Man' Hedges showed for the 2nd half - surely making the task in hand even harder. Would the changes work? Could Deloitte. FC come back?

    Not likely, 2 minutes into the 2nd half and a tame effort from the 'Dads' put them 4-0 up. Surely there was no way back. However within a minute a cross from Jon 'Precision' Henderson from the right was glanced in by Ed - surely just a consolation effort.

    Deloitte. FC were now imposing themselves on the game, and creating some half chances. A great break from Simon 'engine-room' D'Arcy sprang the offside trap and a slide rule pass to Ed to finish made in 4-2.

    Game on. After continued pressure and a crashing drive from Steve 'CTT' Williams off the post Simon 'ER' D'Arcy controlled the ball on the edge of the box and swung the leg in the same movement - 4-3, the great comeback was still on. Deloitte were pouring forward at every opportunity in search of an equaliser - but time was running out. Was there one last chance?

    With just 5 minutes left it was looking doubtful until the solid defence again broke up another attack and fed Steve 'CTT' Williams down the left - his through ball found the marauding Leigh 'Sublime' Wiltshire and as he cut in from the left to the bouncing he struck the ball high in the air…………where was it heading, hang on…….as the goalie retreated Leigh was off……..he knew…….as the ball hit the bar and nestled high in the far corner. The comeback was complete! The final whistle blew and the 'Dads' were disappointed they'd lost a convincing 4-0 lead.

    However, they were relieved as 10 more minutes would surely have seen the Deloitte. team wrap things up. Now the team must keep the momentum going in their next challenge against Tenon next Tuesday. How will they fare? Only time will tell.

    If there is anyone who would like a game for Deloitte. FC please let either Andy Sharvill or Mark Langford know. Additionally, supporters are always welcome - providing they bring half time oranges and capri sun. Playing netball is no excuse.

 

 


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