After a long season the Shambles were looking to pick up some points against an old foe. A late change due to illness saw keeper Tom replaced by Ian and Captain Shirehorse made himself available to complete the line up.
The game started at a fast pace. Each team aware of the importance of the fixture. With next to no time on the ref's watch the Shambles were awarded a free kick in a central position. Halcrow tried to disrupt the run of play by making a tactical substitution. As they changed the Shambles strike force plotted their attack. The ref waved 'play on' and the Shambles forward Paul laid on a perfectly weighted pass to Ade, just outside the box. Ade struck the ball with venom and dispatched the ball past the helpless keeper. 1 - 0 to the Shambles.
Halcrow struck back, determined to level the game prior to half time. All of their players pushed forward to force the equaliser. Despite the Shambles efforts, a move of skill and precision passing saw the Halcrow one on one against the stand-in no. 1. The shot from the forward took the keeper by suprise as it was directed straight at him. The ball rattled between his ankles before finding a passage through and into the back of the net. Shambles 1 - 1 Halcrow.
It was important for the Shambles to hold on to the score line, another goal from Halcrow before the half time whistle could have put an end to the game. With the character seen week in, week out, the Shambles went about their task. Some noteable performances stood out to the observer. Captain Tim, precise with his challenges and interceptions. Graham, running left to right, picking up the 'runner'. Dave deep in defensive territory and Paul, Chris and Ade all where they needed to be. Each out field player despite their individual qualities, working as a unit to keep the opposition at bay. The first half came to a close after a close fought contest level on score 1 - 1.
The second half was underway. Within a matter of seconds a moment of pure genius was unveiled. With great awareness of his team mates Paul picked out a blistering run from 'The Predator' or Chris as he is more commonly known. The ball shifted out to the right hand wing as defender Chris ran onto and buried the ball into the back of the net, a thunderous shot across the goal into the opposite corner, giving the keeper no chance. A well practised move (not to noted by any observing opposition) that gave the Shambles the edge and the lead. Shambles 2 - 1 Halcrow.
Halcrow gave an enthusiastic response to the Shambles 2nd goal. There was the usual shout for a free kick from Halcrow regardless of where the ball was or who had it! But the game was played with a spirit that can only be commended by a side facing defeat. Halcrow pressed to get back into the game and such was their commitment a 50/50 challenge on the edge of the Shambles area saw the Halcrows forward take a knock. After stopping the game for inspection the ref played a drop ball. Halcrow, as true sports men played the ball back to the Shambles.
Time ticked away, the Shambles played deep into the attacking zones, holding up the play, and creating many chances. Dave, Paul and Ade having several opportunities to finish off the game but credit to the Halcrow keeper who gave everything to minimise further damage by making some wonderful saves.
Late in the 2nd half Halcrow had one final chance. A controlled move with good foot work saw the forward in a shooting position on their far right. The shot was low and travelling direct to stand-in keeper, Ian's right hand post. As it left the forwards foot he felt the ball was destined to nestle in the nylon net. He was astonished to see the agile and athletic Shambles keeper defeat the odds and make the reach to divert the ball past the post! A fine save. The score remained Shambles 2 - 1 Halcrow. The whistle blew and the Shambles secured their first points of the season.
Talk at the debrief in the bar after the game from the Shambles Captain suggests a comeback this season. Who knows what the remaining fixtures will bring. Good luck the Shambles.