On the day after we bid farewell to one of the founding fathers of the league and on the week that we welcome back club legends for our 10th anniversary, Carnegies FC played a game which epitomized so much of our past, our present and gave us hope for the future.
It was a match which displayed the grit and spirit of years past when matches were played with our backs to the wall, holding on for a 0 – 0 and never giving an inch. It was a match which displayed the skill and finesse which has brought us success in recent seasons and tournaments. And it was a match which displayed the pace and passion with which we hope to climb back up to the top of the league table as new players (Donald and Shawn) combined well with the old (the rest of you lot) to help us beat the title-holders 2 -1.
It could have and should have been more. Early on we set a quick pace and could have easily had 3 early goals but for the cross bar (Edward and Dan) and a defender clearing of the line (Dan again I believe). However we did eventually find the break through we deserved as Mike OG rose magnificently at the back post to head home a rocket header to put us one up. The rest of the half played out much like the early stages with us on top of the game; the defenders handling their threats easily and the midfield and forwards pressing them back and pressing for a second goal.
1 – 0 at the half and it was time to take a break and wring out the shirts.
Early in the second half Da’an started to come back into the game. And in the only moment when our focus wavered throughout the match, Da’an pulled one back on the break to even the score. Slowly but surely we began to get our foot back on the game and with 25 minutes to go we were firmly back on top, pressing them back and looking the more likely team to score the winner (other than when they were awarded one of about 20 free kicks to our 2). Still we couldn’t find the goal as their keeper played the game of his life or we pushed the ball just wide. It was the kind of game that would require a different kind of goal. One scored through effort, grit and being in the right place at the right time. Francois’ shot span off his toe and fell to feet of second – half substitute David Smith who knocked it past the keeper with just minutes to go. Cue euphoria amongst the masses of fans (Ray, Pete G, Jakob, Paul C, Martin, Ian Edwards, various others)….. The rest of the minutes ticked away and the whistle sounded only to be drowned out by the pre-historic victory scream from our very own Mr. Hemingway.
It would be hard to pick out a single man of the match when so many put it in so much effort. It would be harder still to list out those who played well when everyone put in as much effort as they could and contributed in their own way to the win. So, here are the men of the match:
Alex M, Alex H, Paul H, Mike d, Casper, Carl, Mike OG, Edward, Francois, David T, Dan, Donald, Frederic, Jean Marc, Ricky, Shawn and match winner David S. (Bloody hell, I hope I didn’t miss anyone!)
Cheers and see you all on Galaaah day!
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