Sports 2009/10

THE DOG, THE PITCH AND A SILLY BILLY

Banyers 0 – 4 Sports Reserves (2B) – Sunday 3rd January 2010

Despite the sub zero overnight temperature the pitch at Eternit was deemed playable. Unfortunately, at the last minute, we were let down by Aaron (work); Rob Hutton (wife ill) Jamie (no excuse given). We welcomed back Charlie and Roger from injury and Shane after a minor operation. We lined up as follows ;-

COOPS

LEWIS        ROB SCRUTTON ©  HOLTY     DANNY MAC

CRASKIE

SHANE      BENJI               FERGIE            CHARLIE

ROGER

SUB:- SEAN DUFFY

IF NEEDED ;- MO

ON THE CAMERA :- SIMON

During pre match warm up it was obvious that the pitch was quite treacherous, as Coops demonstrated in the goal mouth. The referee did offer to swap his moulded boots for Coops boots. Whilst this was going on the warm up, which was due to have been taken by Fergie, was carried out by an Alsatian dog. It proved useful with the one touch, but invariably the dog won the ball. After a while it got tedious, and the dog then went and interrupted Banyers warm up. The referee called the two captains up and thankfully Rob won the toss and decided to change ends. The goal now being protected by COOPS didn’t appear to be as hard and frosty. Unfortunately, because of a lack of substitutes Stan had to run (or amble) the line.

The team settled very early and were pressurising Banyers all over the pitch and playing some good football. Instead of using both flanks we were trying to go through the middle or using just Charlie on the left wing. Some lovely football was being played by the back 4 (and Coops) through Craskie, who controlled the game throughout. Early play saw some good link up involving Danny Mac, Charlie and Benji.  Early shots were invariably by Charlie, who forced the keeper to scramble low at the near post to prevent the ball creeping in. Just when the game was settling down, back came the bloody Alsatian wanting to join in. We had a 7 minute break whilst a spectator got rid of the dog. We forced 2 corners which were poorly taken, firstly by Charlie and then Craske.

Banyers were trying to play through their captain in midfield, who in turn looked for Silly Billy, who was off side time and time again.

Roger had a few attempts at goal, and tried to constantly run at the defence without looking at easier and more obvious options. Despite the constant pressure being imposed on Banyers it took a piece of Benji magic to give us a well deserved lead. He beat 3 players in a fantastic run before beating the keeper.

Silly Billy was becoming a pest with his petulant little kick outs at the players and constantly arguing at decisions. As stated, the defence and Craskie were playing some good controlled football, and it was because of the cleverness of Craskies play he got caught in a headlock and pulled to the ground. It was accidental but certainly shook Tom up. Tom was carried off the pitch by Rob and Holty. Tom rested for a few minutes, but probably saw Sean Duffy eventually arrive at the game, and went back on.

The game was played mainly in Banyers half and we coasted through to half time with a 1 0 lead. At half time we said that we had to use Shane more plus Roger should be looking for more lay offs.

The second half started with Banyers changing keepers and Silly Billy dropping to right back.

We continued to press Banyers and looked even more dominating. The football was again very good to watch with some excellent 1 and 2 touch passes. Shane was seeing more of the ball and started to test the fullback, whilst on the other flank Charlie and Danny Mac were slaughtering Silly Billy and his defensive colleagues.

Benji was causing concern in Banyers mid field with his running plus incisive passing. After 15 minutes of the second half Fergie was substituted by Duffy. Simon commented that although Fergie had been substituted he was probably the best player on the pitch. Fergie took over camera duties.

Within minutes of Duffy entering the game we extended our lead with a superb passing movement which led to Roger netting.

We started playing pleasing passing football. A lovely move saw the ball go to Shane, who beat his full back and knocked a great pass for Roger to score his second. Roger was holding the ball up and playing the ball around with great confidence.

Charlie received the ball near the half way line and was bringing it under control when he was flattened by a burly midfield player. The referee played on.

The goal of the game soon followed with a great move involving Duffy to Benji who played a superb ball to Charlie who passed the ball in to the back of the net.

Charlie then received the ball in Banyers area and was unceremoniously poleaxed by a defender. The referee said play on!!! Charlie said ***************   referee!

Silly Billy started to push forward and tried to kick Holty, then Danny Mac. Apart from him the Banyers team were very sporting and contributed to a good game on a very tricky pitch.

Thanks to Mo and Simon for supporting the team.

On a difficult pitch this performance was very satisfying and the passing football played was a pleasure to watch. The whole team can take great credit in the performance today. Coops, whilst not having a great deal to do, gave the defence confidence. The defence were in total control and played excellent football. Craskie was superb in collecting the ball and distributing. Benji – sheer class. Good to have Charlie, Roger and Shane back. Fergie and Duffy also played very well. Its Fergie’s birthday next week and he would like to buy the whole team a drink next Sunday –sweet 17.

Man of the Match again was difficult. Benji got us going and played well throughout. Craskie was also class throughout. Roger had a great second half. Back 5 gave confidence.

As this was a complete team performance then I award the accolade to the whole team.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL IN THE CLUB AND OUR OPPONENTS.

By Stan “the man” Jones

UP THE SPORTS!!!

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