By Sean Nevin
Score:
Half Time 3-0
Full Time 11-0
Team:
| Turner |
| Lees |
Nevin |
Martinello |
Murray |
| Bajraktari |
McInnes |
Dixon |
Swartjes |
| Reilly |
Cain |
Sub: Haddad
The safe return of the missing biscuit tin (all inquiries to Vice Captain Jess Dixon - who turned up 30 minutes late to try and avoid explaining his previous week's embarrassing post match display of a distinct lack of maturity and common sense) inspired the team to a resounding win against arch rivals Brussels British and keeps them 2 points clear at the top of the league.
With only 12 men to choose from, Captain Gerry Mulholland, (being suspended himself due to his lack of discipline in picking up 3 yellow cards - "practice what you preach skipper"!), selected the team above to try and maintain the 2 point lead at the top of the league.
A frustrating first 20 minutes saw the home side totally dominate the opposition but fail to find the vital pass that would unlock the stubborn defence of Brussels British.
Finally, a ball from Mergem Bajraktari was delivered deep into the penalty box and Gerry Cain's smart turn and shot was parried by the keeper to the feet of "Sniffer" Mark Reilly who found the back of the net from close range (1-0). This seemed to settle the home side and, at last, they started to play the style of football that has been present in most of their performances this season. Within 10 minutes the score had been increased to (2-0) as Gerald McInness finished off another quick series of passes that unlocked the opposition defence. Just before the half time whistle Gerry Cain made the score (3-0) by doing what comes naturally to him, putting the ball in the back of the net.
Half time analysis - Dave Turner in goal had only touched the ball about 5 times. The message from the drunken Scotsman on the sideline (our illustrious Captain) was that he was beginning to sober up from his all night session and wanted to see more goals going in (I think he missed the first 3 due to his drunken haze).
The second half saw the introduction of Faddy Haddad as Mergim was asked by the Captain to take a rest. The same pattern was soon evident with the home side completely dominating proceedings. It wasn't long before the goals started to flow. Gerald McInness with a shot from the edge of the box made it (4-0). Within minutes the score had increased to (6-0) as Gerry Cain scored 2 quick goals to claim his hat-trick. Willy Swartjes was next on the score sheet (7-0). The "Biscuit Tin Man" Jess Dixon then scored the goal of the game as he completely ignored the shout that Faddy was free on the right. A 30 yard screamer flew past the keeper (8-0). As the end of the match approached, the now relatively sober Captain, was screaming for more goals as the team were fast approaching his target of 100 goals scored this season. Gerry Cain (who else) increased the score to double figures (10-0) with 2 quick goals. With the team now on 98 goals, Gerald McInnes rounded off his man of the match performance with a header that had rebounded off the keeper from his own shot (he really wanted that hat-trick). Final score (11-0). The team are now on 99 goals scored and hopefully should reach the magic 100 next week.
In summary, a convincing performance, that didn't seem likely 20 minutes into the game. Once the team stopped trying to play as individuals and remembered that they are a team, the football was played at a much quicker tempo and the quality shone through.
There are 2 final thoughts for this week:
1. Luckily for the Captain, there are several players absent next week and he might just get back into the team.
2. The Biscuit Tin is in safe hands and will turn up on time next Saturday!!
Goals from: Cain 5, McInnes 3, Reilly, Swartjes, Dixson
