East Gosford vs BUFC Cs Match Report

Expectations were high as the 35Cs again took to the sacred field at Duffy’s, in front of a record home crowd of 27 people.

After a cagey opening 10 minutes the deadlock was finally broken by a beautifully worked goal down the right hand side. Alvaro sent the ball wide to Tim who, again demonstrating his mastery of playing the way you’re facing, backheeled the ball across the penalty area into the path of Leigh who coolly slotted it past the keeper. The crowd went wild, and even the linesman said it was the best goal he’d seen in over 35s football. Magic. We had several other chances but couldn’t put them away and went into half-time at 1-0 up.

The second half was a different story. Only a few minutes in we were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Tim, ball in hand, appraised the options. Ade politely but firmly indicated his desire to take the kick ; a brief discussion was entered into and amicably resolved between these two gentlemen, with Ade emerging the victor. And rightly so, as he calmly lifted a curving ball over the wall and into the top corner. A thing of beauty no doubt, and the oil painting reproduction of the event has indeed already been commissioned.

Not long after this a third was added by Simon, who made a terrific run down the left and blasted a shot that bounced off the keeper’s hands, over his head and into the net ; 3-0 up with twenty to play. By this time, East Gosford were beginning to tire, and their lack of subs wasn’t helping. We continued to attack frequently, with wave after wave of red and white surging forward like a crack squad of Italian ice cream vendors. Finally Tim got his reward for persistence up front, netting a fourth after some fine skill on the edge of the box ; this was of course well received by his team mates, who didn’t give him any lip about the time it had taken him to score, not at all.

East Gosford had now moved from disappointment to full blown depression, and the half-time Prozac hadn’t helped. They did come close to a consolation goal, but thanks to an impromptu display of the Brazilian martial art capoeira by Beni in the goal, they were denied. And there was worse to come, after James broke down the right, fired his shot at their admittedly substantial goalkeeper only for Alvaro to hammer home the rebound in fine style. The game finished 5-0 and overall it was a terrific team performance, emphasised by the five different goalscorers. The obvious comparison is of course Leicester City, and here’s hoping similar greatness awaits our magnificent team. Word on the street is that tickets for our next home game are already changing hands for over $4 ! Incredible scenes.

Special mention should also go to the referee for his whimsical approach to decision making, and to man of the match Leigh, who took the top vote by only one point from Alvaro. A splendid display chaps, well done.

#TheLegendContinues

JW

Final Score: East Gosford 0 – 5 Barnstoneworth C