At this late stage of the season the Shambles had to make some unforseen changes.
Last weeks injury meant that the inform Bandit would miss this match and the wedding proceedings of our Royal Highness gave Captain G-man no option but to call upon his reliable squad to ensure that this game wasn't going to disrupt the title challenge.
Micky was called to partner Flash & Blink, Rob & Ian to partner Keith.
Due to a No-Show at the previous fixture the lads took the opportunity to have an extended warm up. Some promising shots & saves gave the onlookers hope of an interesting fixture.
This week Chris wasn't the last to turn up, oh yeah - he was getting married! James Plant arrived to complete the squad, unaware of the earlier than advertised start.
Rob and Golden Boot hopeful Craig (Sorry Rob - wish I could have said the same for both of you!) took their 'seat' on the dodgy box side line as the Shambles took position.
The game got underway with the Lumberjacks showing their desire to revenge the previous 8 - 1 defeat at the hands of the mighty Shambles. The Shambles defending well from mid-field to slow the onslaught.
Pressure built throughout the first half, several chances passed without a score. Unlucky shots just wide, fingertip saves & the final ball not quite where it was required.
The Lumberjacks were a strong opposition, physical in their challenges but the Shambles took it in their stride (most of the time).
First blood was drawn after an individual piece of quality saw Keith out-played (never seen before!) by the Jacks striker who found the corner of Jame's net. To be fair - a great goal, no chance for the Shambles. 1 - 0
With the end of the first half not too soon after that goal, stand-in-captain & Golden Boot hopeful Craig gathered the troops. As a true leader would, Craig pulled the squad together & built the team up for the second half.
The Lumberjacks set out their stall to hold that 1 goal advantage, hoping to nick one or two more. The Shambles set about burning down that stall.
As we all know, great goals can come from nowhere. ( I'm not talking about my goal yet! ) This was a tremendous piece of control and awareness. The ball was played into the feet of Flash. He was immediately closed down by two red shirts. Composed as ever, Dave saw the run of Blink into acres of space on the right side of goal & somehow 'pinged' the ball between his opponents. Craig put the ball in the back of the net - job done! Well done both, great vision, teamwork & finishing. 1 - 1
Masters of the counter attack, the shambles broke forward following yet another fine save by James. He released the ball quickly and it was soon to find Mick who layed off yet another perfect pass to Craig. No messing! Craig puts away his second of the night. Get well soon Tim - there is a trophy on it! 1 - 2
Although the Shambles had taken the lead, there was always a threat of an equaliser. The Lumberjacks pushed forward to find a goal. Fortunately for the Shambles, they left big gaps behind them.
Mick worked really hard for the squad & made his mark on the score sheet after slotting one home following a wonderful pass from Craig who had capitalised on the Lumberjacks dropped heads. 1 - 3
The icing on the cake ( not the wedding cake obviously ) was yet another defenders goal. Not HRH this time but Worst who had been unlucky earlier on by just putting one wide... and over! Craig read the not-so-offensive defenders run down the left wing and played a lovely ball through that just needed stroking into the net ( no more wedding refences please ). Calmly taken, the ball whipped across goal and found the bottom right corner. Celebrations were low key... ish!
All to play for at the lower end of the Top Scorer Competition!
Great come back, well done all. An inspiring performance! Yet another three points for the Shambles. We CAN do this - let's make it happen!
Congratulations to HRH and his bride Liz. We were a little dissapointed that we received no enquiry as to the evenings proceedings....
Rumour had it that Chris had been pre-occupied by a cherry?