Old Inn FC 3-1 Bridgwater Sports Colts

20th October 2007 @ S.C.A.T

Team: Howes, Criddle, Savage, Walford, Young, Monaghan, Townsend, Curren, Frost, Harris, Redman

Subs: Taylor, A. Clapp, Selway   Lyons & Farkas (both unused)

Scorer: Frost

Olympic Stadium (Moscow), Stade de France (Paris), Interlagos (Sao Paulo), SCAT College (Taunton)…….different venues but the same outcome – huge disappointment for England’s sporting public.

However, the Colts will not be bemoaning a silent linesman, a blind video ref, or Dick Dastardly (seen exiting the McLaren control centre after 8 laps of the Brazilian GP), but will accept a fair result on the day and look to get straight back on track next weekend.

With 1st vs 2nd in the table the outcome was always likely to be decided by small margins, in key areas, and Farky & Walfey deliberated long and hard over their options for the day, before controversially deciding to place last weeks hat-trick hero Jack Taylor on the bench.  A solid, and proven, 4-5-1 formation was preferred, with the view that Old Inn would have to force the game in order to draw level at the top of the table.  This formation, including the return of the dependable Richie Harris to sit and organise from the centre of the park, it was felt, would better handle the expected pressure, plus the bench would give options by providing impact players capable of affecting the course of the game.  Ashley Young was also brought into the team with a late call up, after former skipper Mark Hill was relieved of his duties and placed on garden leave following a breech of team discipline relating to late night drinking prior to match day!

With the preparation complete, a 10 minute delay to kick off added to the anticipation before the ref blew his whistle to start the game at 14h:40m:00s. Then at 14h:40m:30s and without touching the ball, the Colts were 1-0 down, not the ideal start!  Still slightly shell shocked, the Colts were relieved to see Gazza tip a fine long range effort over the bar just a few minutes later and it was now vital that the Colts got to grips with the game, and quickly!  To their credit that’s exactly what they did, and for the next 10mins the centre of the park became a battlefield.  Richie and Spence were tigerish in their tackles and Olly (the self styled destroyer) was on a personal crusade to stamp his authority on the game (abated only in part by the ref!!) and Kev and Gareth too were also to take this lead.  The Colts midfield were now the more dominant, and as such were able to impose their own style of play on the game, which worked a treat when Gareth was found with space to attack the right full back, and linking up well with Redders, a one-two put him free on the bye line.  With options available Gareth pulled the ball back to the edge of the box where it was met superbly by the inrushing Spenny who coolly struck it home, and the Colts were now level at 1-1.

An almost identical move a short while later this time saw Spennys shot pass just wide of the post, and at the other end Gazza produced a fine save from a close reange header.  However, there were few further chances created in the half, the remainder of which was spent squaring up in a strong physical battle.

At half time, in a bold attempt to take the game to the opposition, it was decided to bring on Jack Taylor, initially on the right hand side of midfield.  It was hoped that Jacks pace would exploit their often 3 man defence, and help with our own defence down their pacey left hand side. 

Unfortunately, with only five minutes played in the 2nd half, the Colts were forced to use up their quota of substitutions, as Olly (knee) and Sav (ankle) had to leave the field, replaced by Adam Clapp and Iaine Selway.  We were now tactically hindered by this disruption, but the endeavour of the team was still tremendous, epitomised by Richie Harris who was suffering badly from the effects of being out of the game for the past 12 months, yet had to cover at centre back against a lively front 2/3.  Fortunately, he was playing along side Aaron Walford, who was putting in an immense performance. 

In fact, when Jack Taylor was fouled inside the box, had the referee not played an ‘advantage’, allowing Jack to regain his footing but then only able to shoot wide from a tight angle, then the Colts may well have taken the lead.  However, as the game went on, the afternoon’s exertions were taking effect on the team who were starting to look both physically and mentally tired, resulting in little controlled or structured play.

Agonisingly, their efforts would prove to be in vein, when Old Inn scored with 15mins remaining.  The disappointment was increased by the manner of the goal, which was reminiscent of our early season issues in dealing with crosses, when a long throw was allowed to bounce twice across goal before the attacker swept in home for a 2-1 lead.

The Colts still refusing to accept defeat, pressed hard for the equaliser, but with a few minutes remaining, a break away goal gave Old Inn a more flattering 3-1 final score line.

Defeat is never easy to take, or acceptable, and back in the changing room the players were rightfully upset.  The management’s disappointment, however, was tempered by the large number of positives gained from the day’s performance.

The gift of the one goal head start, and the three major injuries, prevented the Colts from expressing their full potential on this occasion, but the development of the younger players would have been enhanced by the physical and confrontational nature that Old Inn employed against them.  These youngsters looked to match the mental strength and endeavour of their older team mates who themselves were carried along by the energy of these young lads. 

Not once did a head drop or the encouragement throughout the team cease. Each squad member was fully committed and gave their all for the cause, and if that can be sustained throughout the season then this clubs own Dads, and Bad Lads, Army may surprise a few people come the end.

Final Score:     1-3

Team – inc. Dream Team Ratings

G. Howes         7         

N. Criddle         8          *Star Man

C. Savage        7

A. Walford       8         

A. Young         7         

G. Monaghan    7         

O. Townsend    7         

K. Curren         7

S. Frost           7

R. Harris          7         

S. Redman       7         

Subs:                           J. Taylor 7       A. Clapp 7        I. Selway 7

J. Lyons   &      A. Farkas:        Unused

Donkey:                      A. Young  -      Causing a distraction in the tam talk by wearing a skirt!

W**ker:                   M. Hill       -      Dereliction of duties [as captain] by being unfit for                      parade, following a night out before a big game!