Teams:

Bibs: Ian C (1), Andy L, Andy N, Ed, Todd (1), Rob (1), Allen

Shirts: Rich A (1), Mike (2), Andy S, Rich N, Roy, Dave, Nick (1)

Result: 4 – 3 shirts

Match Report:

We open this week’s report with an apology for the frankly shoddy reporting of last week’s game which neglected to mention the two goals from the left boot of Richard ‘Baresi’ N. A complaint has been lodged with the Press Complaints Commission and the reporter in question is on his final warning.

You will also notice that goals are now recorded against the scorer’s names above. We take no responsibility for accuracy, especially if the reporter ends up on the losing side / downs one too many at the post match interviews / gets distracted by photographs of barmaids.

Elsewhere – there was a match last night.

A near full turn-out meant the pitch was crowded, space was at a premium which normally means the team that works hardest will prevail – a point made frequently and eloquently by Rich A. He proved to be right as shirts won out in what was a tight, and as commented by many, very enjoyable game. In fact Rich A had a very good night marshalling the shirts, laying on Nick for a lovely finished effort and bagging one himself – earning him this reporter’s ‘player of the night’ vote.

Bibs were certainly in this game, and several moves – notably between Rob (who turned Dave superbly) and Todd could, and probably should, have ended with goals. Rob did end up on the scoresheet later. No advantage was taken during what is now affectionately known as the ‘Roy Powerplay’ which is a testament to both Roy and the defending. A rare outing for Ian C was topped off with a goal, and Todd chipped in too, taking a pass from yours truly (which in truth was a little behind him) and slotting home with his customary ease.

And so it played out. Mike chipping in with 2 and bibs pushing hard for the equaliser at the end – in true Fergie watch-tapping style – demanding the extra 5 minutes for the delayed start.

It’s already a full house for next week so expect another close encounter.

PS: Don’t forget we’ll be celebrating a certain milestone for Andy N next week. Rumours abound that Sibo, the midfield general, may be putting in an appearance.

Teams:

Bibs: Todd, Rob, Roy, Andy N, Russ, Dave

Shirts: Mike, Allen, Rich N, Ed, Nick, Andy L

Result: 5 – 5

Match Report:

Balanced sides again, and a good close match. Indications after posting the teamsheets hinted at shirts being underdogs, which looked to be accurate for the first 15 minutes, as bibs quickly eased into the lead by playing the better passing football. And for a while it looked like that would be the theme for the match. But shirts came back with a purple patch of 3 goals in as many minutes and the game was on. Tight marking from both sides restricted chances – and the odd foul, including mistaking Todd’s head for the ball, mentioning no names (Nick) – kept each side honest. Andy L was on fire (particularly in goal), and the usual suspects did the running.

Some good goals too. Nick opened up his body to finish in style whilst Todd and Mike both had shooting boots on – Todd hitting the woodwork (metalwork) several times – one shot was so hard that had I been in the same timezone, it would surely have taken me into the goal. But undoubtedly the goal of the night award fell to Dave with a running left foot volley into the corner – a top goal at any level of the game. A fact that Dave assures us he mentioned several times to the family!

Some lively debate about the game in the pub too – which hasn’t happened for a while. In a comment reminiscent of the late, great Cloughie – “If God had meant football to be played in the air, He would have put grass in the sky” – Andy N implored Russ to pass the ball on the ground.  Meanwhile the subject of Roy’s goalkeeping reared it’s head again (apologies Roy!). There was total agreement on the MIP – Andy L, who had a great game both in goal and outfield whilst I received my customary ticking-off from Rich N for my performance – which was deserved.

Roll on next week. Don’t forget those bibs and balls.

Teams:

Shirts: Todd, Allen, Rob, Rich A, Roy, Andy N

Bibs: Mike, Rich N, Russ, Dave, Nick, Andy L

Result: 3 – 2 shirts

Match Report:

On a ridiculously cold night, the snow made an unwelcome return – within 10 minutes turning the roads around Berko into an ice rink. Arriving late as I did, the game already underway – it had the feel of those school sports lessons where Mr. ‘Man in a boys world’ sports teacher refused to cancel the lesson.

Thankfully we managed to have a game of sorts, as the usual incumbents of the new 3G pitch proved to have better sense than us and stayed away. It was our first outing on the 3G (if you recall we were offered the switch from our usual pitch) and, snow notwithstanding, it was a pleasant surprise. I for one found my knees ached less in the morning – although I could have done without the pile of shredded Dunlop on my kitchen floor as I took my boots off.

To matters football. The combination of snow and shredded rubber made it hard to gauge passes (what an excuse eh?) and the wood surrounds behind the goal also reduced the chances for comic rebounded own goals. All in all we made a decent attempt at a game, that is when we could see a white ball on the snow (who remembers the days of orange/yellow balls in winter) and it was actually quite a close match. The smaller goals were a welcome addition – perhaps explaining why we get higher results on our usual pitch. It couldn’t possibly be our goalkeeping.

There were several highlights to the evening (not all on the pitch) but my particular football moment was the sight of Nick, as the realisation dawned that Roy had deftly turned him, ploughing on through with a shameless professional foul. The ball merely a spectator in the proceedings. And so it played out to a close 3 – 2, with bibs pressing hard at the end for the equaliser, we delighted in the fact that the 9pm guys turned up ensuring that we didn’t fell obliged to carry on.

And then to the pub. Low turnout – but as it transpired – a lively evening. You will have seen the emails, and I won’t publish details here, but suffice to say our friendly barmaid has a much more interesting day job!