COWHC Men's 4s vs Kenley Men's 4s - 22nd October 2016

On the back of 2 heavy defeats, the 4s were keen to restore confidence and regain the momentum seen during their opening game.

An already new looking side were again altered, jigged about and revamped with new and prehistoric blood. Killian the Killer debutised in goal for an MIA Cairan Pell even after a favourable review last time around. JP stepped down to the 4s for the second week running, he played alright with more detail to come later :). A lad only known as 'Ross's mate' added pace and youth into our midfield.
Ross's mate's mate stepped up as umpire as Ollie Houghton, another of Ross's mates, failed to live up to expectation. No surprises there then I guess. James ' Mouthy but potent in front of goal' Mulley promised an abundance of goals after previous predatory performances.

So, a strong looking squad of 16 warmed up and discussed a plan to dominate using our superior numbers to maintain the initiative over the enemy. Obviously I mean the oppo not the enemy.

Scott 'Player, Manager, Coach, Waterboy, Unemployed and bored' Netherway had formulated a schedule for subs to ensure fresh legs and consistency on the pitch. This thoughtful, purposeful and successful plan lasted all of 15 minutes as selfishness took over, putting both the plan and 3 points for Crows in jeopardy.

The first 15 worked well, we dominated the game with a strong defence allowing the team the freedom to attack the oppo without mercy. Those 2 defeats had lit a fire in our bellies, no longer will we be the team that is ignored. Last year's best ever finish for the 4s overlooked by 3 worthy promotions, understandably so... perhaps. The 4s know only one outcome will grant them their much deserved time in the limelight. Promotion! It is there for taking, and we will take it... no matter who we beat, upset or mame in the process.

I digress, back to the game we go :)

10 minutes gone. Ben, Bob, Mulley and others had all missed golden opportunities to cement the host's dominance. They came and went, came and went, came and went. Kenley were pinned back, hands tied and gagged... unable to move or breath without their master's permission. Permission was duly denied and they were soon spanked/ punished for daring to question our superiority. With around 15 gone, and the first set of alterations having happened without incident, Adam guided his way into the box and cooly slipped the ball to an inspired Karl who was equally cool when dispatching the ball past their valiant keeper. Fast becoming a contender for most improved; Karl worked hard, pressed when needed and ran himself empty. A great example of how training each week can develop your game.

Here however, things go astray with the so far successful sub's plan being ignored and petulance taking over. The 4s lost their rhythm, shape and momentum and with it the lead. Kenley broke and with Killian stranded, they finished it will and scores were level at 1 a piece.

The game continued with the 4s in control but unable to take advantage of their dominance. We remained vulnerable with people out of position, knackered players on the pitch and fresh ones on the bench.

HT came with the scores some how sitting at 1 a piece. We knew we deserved the lead, they knew we deserved the lead but the Norse Gods were against us, with even Max hitting the post! A fired up team talk was what was needed and it was given with everyone chipping in. It was an actual 'Team' talk and yeah... it's cheesy but I don't care!

Within 60 seconds, the 4s were in the lead and in truth, we never looked back. A hotly disputed goal with Mulley trying to claim it even though he was off the pitch! The oppo were pressed back and a solid smash from JP was possibly, maybe, probably not touched in by Bob. Confusion ensued but the score was 2-1 to us.

From here on in, Croydon dominated the game, the pitch and their opponents.

The youthful Kenley did remain a threat on the counter however the defence held strong and protected their rookie keeper well. JP in particular stepped up as sweeper/ bottom of the diamond and bossed the middle of the field. When they came a knocking, he merely held out his stick which read ' No Vacancies' and all would be visitors were turned away. Even Mary and Joseph would have slept outside that night. JP remained solid yet agile in the middle, mopping up any sloppy seconds that Kenley offered. An excellent PoM performance from the big guy. Well played Sir.

The forever spritely Ken showed that age is mostly just a number and now will be forever known as 'Gandalf the very Grey'. Kenley's young bloods looked full of glee when they saw our club man enter the frey. From a distance: they saw him wobble here and there, stumble and gingerly walk on to the battlefield. Little did they know, this was all part of his cunning ruse to lure in his prey and play with his dinner before devouring it... a plan the old master has perfected down the years in the dance halls of old. They came, they tried, they failed and they all went running with "YOU SHALL NOT PASS" still ringing in their eyes. Ken 'Gandalf the Very Grey' George would see them coming... the arrogance in their eyes and like a viper... slams down his staff of a stick and forbid any trespassers.

Again, I have digressed...2-1 soon became 3-1 as the 4s tasted Kenley's fear in the year.
Dan Walsh maintained his impressive Start to the season, frequently bursting up the left wing... penetrating their defences like 16 year old with a free house. A pass from someone unknown, who certainly wasn't Scotty, set Dan Walsh up for cheeky tap in which he duly dispatched. Again Mulley tried to claim it but again we slapped the young puppy down.

3-1 became 4-1, a bright and exuberant Ben continued his fine form with an impressive display of athleticism and effort. Ross's mate, not the mate's mate who umpired or they mate who failed to umpire, used his pace to break into the away D and slid the ball to Ben. The angle was tighter than a Nun's... yet Ben still found the space to bang one in anyway. No surprises there then I guess.

With the fourth goal came the breaking of Kenley's hearts and spirits. Things got feisty with emotions running high but it mostly stayed as 'friendly' banter. However with 'DoD' Scotty getting involved... the line inevitably becomes blurred. A well deserved 'DoD' for Netherway who would spend the game moaning at every opportunity and denying any fault for numerous fouls. On one such occasion, whilst laying on top of one his young victim's broken bodies... he could be heard screaming... "I DIDN'T TOUCH HIM!"

Time to wrap this up... a fifth came with Mulley finally getting his goal. Ross, who had a quiet but influential game, worked his way into the D well and unselfishly slipped the ball to Mulley for an open goal and therefore a Tap in.

The 4s were back in business. A great win with a scoreline that does not flatter the winners in any way... it could and should have been 10 if Mulley hadn't spent the game trying to claim other people's goals instead of actually scoring them himself. :)

PoM... JP for an industrious display.
DoD... Scotty for moaning and moaning and oh yeah... moaning!

Mike out.