Final qualification game Calvert Cup Group Stage

Having already qualified for the quarter finals it was good to just go out and enjoy the game. A draw would have been good enough for us to win the group, but as I said to the gaffer before the game, "we've got to go for the win".
Mysterons enjoyed much of the early doors possession and territory but failed to create any chances thanks to the no nonsense defensive partnership of Roger, (whose stats from last week's 1st team game stated Carnley and I had started when in fact I was in Gran Canaria and Carnley is in China) (late-night error on my part! - ROGER), and Taff who looks to be a good acquisition by whoever acquired him. The first chance of the game, however, came to Garnett when a quick counter attack found Robbo 2 who played Hopkins through on the inside right channel. A feeble, but accurate shot was well saved by Mysterons agile keeper.
The first 20 minutes were generally scrappy with both teams struggling to get the ball down and play any decent football. On one occasion when Garnett did, a Holmes through ball picked out Robbo 2, 10 yards from goal. He faked to shoot with his right peg, sold the defender, cut inside him and saw a left footed thunderbolt well saved. 26 minutes in, after a period of concerted pressure by Garnett, a floated corner from Concordium was met by a bullet header from Hrrrvearrryd, the ball roaring into the top left corner.
At 1-0 Garnett settled down and began to play some delightful football with Holmes and Hrrrvearrryd instigating most of the attacks. Cockroach's class was beginning to show on the left wing and Wonders was starting to get in behind the opposition's left back. Mysterons were clearly on the ropes. The second goal looked inevitable and on 30 minutes it came. A long throw from the gaffer was flicked on by Robbo 2. Confusion reigned, Hopkins the keeper and a Mysterons defender all went up to challenge for the ball, all misjudged it, and the ball ended up in the net. Reflecting back, the morning after, I can still recall the ball brushing one of my hairs. The goal was initially awarded to myself but the post match panel cruelly took the goal away from me (brainless buffoons).
Anyhow, 2-0 and with confidence flowing, Garnett were really dominating. Then from nowhere the Garnett defence was breached, the Mysterons' striker was clear through on goal. He prepared to shoot unaware of the big German keeper rushing towards him. He blasted the ball towards goal only to look up and see Jochen inflating about a metre away from him. The now enormous Jochen plucked the ball from the air, no problems, and quickly set about a Garnett attack with his favourite, the quick throw out. The gaffer darted up the right wing played a quick one two with Wonders before sending over a dipping cross. Hopkins nipped in to loop the ball over the centre backs head, Cockatoo collecting at the edge of the box. He was one on one against the right back. He dipped his right shoulder tapped the ball to his left to find room to shoot and sent a sweet left footed shot into the bottom right corner. It was a moment of Rivaldoesque genius.
The second half was less competitive with the game under control for Garnett. A peach of an own goal from Mysterons, struck just inside the post from 20 yards and one in the right net were the main talking points. Fatigue set in late doors, the game really opened up and there were a few half chances for both sides, mainly from long range. The introduction of arse-licker Walker brightened up the game. He showed his ability to keep it simple but also showed he could go past a player. Cockerel continued to produce moments of skill rarely seen in the Corinthians League.
4-1 it ended in a game where both teams concentrated on the football and not the usual rough tactics used by the Geordies. The new signings all look good players and all the old lads played well. The season ahead looks promising, though reliability and availability is crucial. Roll on next Saturday.

Star Man: Concorde: 80 Minutes of pure dynamite.

Translations:Roger = P. Miller; Taff = A.Alexander; The Gaffer = M.Pollard;
Hrrrvearrryd = H. Sorensen; the big German keeper = J.Zengler;
Concordium, Cockroach, Concorde = That little Geordie lad Dan, who plays on the left.

Team: J. Zengler, M. Pollard (A.Bell), R. Turner, H. Sorensen 1, P. Miller, A. Alexander, M. Wonders (L. Walker), B. Holmes, D. Robinson, G. Hopkins, D. Corcoran 1.

Many thanks to 'Gish', 'Gaz' Hopkins for his 1st ever published match report on the Green and Black website. (Feel free to make any comments about it on the Message board of course!)