6s vs Civil Service 7s – 13.01.18

Merton 6s 3

Civil Service 2

Team: Swanny, Kev, Chappell, Grant, Spencer, George B, Matt, Trey, Callum, Nick, Pete – Subs: Reece, Dan P

The 6s retained their 100% 2018 and stayed top of the table – but like all good sides they had to do it despite playing well below par for much of the game.

The deck was shuffled again, with Ackers getting the call up (When will he learn) and Ty still being used as a drug pony by the Brazilian mafia – it was left to those who remained to bring the points back to the hood.

It was a strange start to the game, with Merton not really settling very well and Civil .. well lets say the way they stated  I thought it was going to be a walk in the park!. But there were more than a few sloppy passes from the boys in Yellow (Yes Yellow Spanner – thats the shirt you’re aiming for) and somehow this was giving Civil the confidence that today could be their day. Civils attack kept being given a few sniffs a goal because of our sloppyness AND their greater desire for the 2nd ball. Fortunately Swanny was equal to anything thrown at him. At the other end we simply looked like we could score at every attack – but we weren’t being decisive enough with our passes and openings created kept being lost cheaply. Yet again George was the brightest on the pitch and he picked up the ball and danced round a few before putting Nick clean through for him to score and we could relax ..we thought. We really shouldn’t have done as this didn’t really wake us up or make us start to dominate like we should’ve – Soon after the Civil attacker broke clear and finished well past Swanny .. Game ON!

The half time chat was all about us not playing as team, in both defence and attack – sort this out and we should get the win needed to maintain the pressure on Actonians.

Fortunately the 2nd half was better than the first – but far from perfect. We started well and were finally knocking the ball about with confidence – and were soon 2-1 up with Nick doing well before playing in George to tuck it inside the post brilliantly. We started to control the game a little more but there was still the sloppiness in midfield with bad choices and over playing that kept leaving us exposed. Just when we seemed to be on top their Midfielder picked up the ball cut inside Kev and struck a fierce shot that arrowed inside the post – I’m certain hes never hit a ball as true and as well in his life. Its moments like these that you can reflect on when the season is done – was this the league going because of a bit of one off magic by the oppo … But no … Up step the Man – The Myth – The legend – Reece Szreider who having stood like a titan in defensive midfield when he arrived as a 2nd half sub, blocking all that tried to pass, stepped up with the ball at his feet and played a majestic ball taking Civils defence out of play, leaving George the simple task of putting the ball home. Everyone at the Kings House Sports Ground stood and applauded, just thankful they were there to witness the ball of the season, nay, the ball of the century.

The 6s held on to the lead with some stoic defending from Grant and Kev – With Chappell doing his best Terry Butcher (Pat Butcher you mean?) Impression refusing to leave the field with blood pouring from his tiny twee nosey.

Mom – Unbelievable .. It wasn’t Reece … But with 2 goals and a strong all round performance it was given to George – Notable mentions to Grant and Swanny who both played well.

DOD – There were more than a few contenders this week as there was no stand out winner .. Unbelieveably Chappell got votes for bleeding (it seems) and Spence for failing to realise we play in yellow when passing the ball – But the winner was Kev for a mix of not having first aid kit and well, just for being Kev (Love you Gaffa)