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Fourth XI
Alexandra Park 1 Winchmore Hill 2
Southern Amateur League
Minor Section Division One
Saturday 20 September
Following in the footsteps of so many retired footballers I have
opted for a new career in the media, Fourth Team Hack. Following
David Beckham to the MLS was an option but the commute was too far.
My first assignment took me to the picturesque surroundings of
Alexandra Park. It was with great excitement that the boy and I
packed our lunch in the pushchair (1 bottle of milk, 2 cans of
Guinness, 10 B&H) and headed out the door.
On arrival at the ground the teams were getting warmed up. The sun
was shining; Winchmore had brought along a sizeable travelling
support, 3 WAG’s and 2 offspring however the grass looked long. This
may have caused problems for Kelvin our diminutive left back but on
reflection I would give him MOM.
Winchmore started well, kicking down the slope and immediately began
to carve out chances. Veasey came close after 1 min having been
played in by Carl. Minutes later Winchmore took the lead with a well
worked goal. The AP keeper made a good save from Chris’s point blank
header but Carl was there to chest it over the line. Lez saw a
volley cleared off the line with still only 5 mins on the clock and
saw another shoot go close moments later.
It was not however all one way traffic. AP came close when Captain
Marvel had to head off the line and followed this up with a shot
that went narrowly wide.
Comedy moment of the game arrived when a through ball by AP was met
by both Harry and Ben at the same time. There can be only one loser
in this instance, there were shouts to the sideline for ice or water
or spray but I think a spatula would have been better served to get
Harry back on his feet!
Half time was fast approaching and it took until the 41 min for
Winchmore to double their lead. Another fine move down the left and
the ball finally came to Veasey who smashed an unstoppable shot into
the top corner from the edge of the box.
The second half kicked off and it wasn’t long before AP had reduced
the deficit. A long ball over the top was chased down by the AP
striker who finished well. The boy is not too clued up on the off
side rule but a good finish none the less.
Harry not having recovered from his collision with Ben had to go off
and Marvel donned the gloves and if I’m not wrong a Spurs hat! Is
this correct? If so feel free to slate. What would you do in this
case Mickey Orme? Would you wear a Gooners hat, I think not?
Winchmore did not create many chances in the 2nd half but
Marvel looked comfortable between the sticks and the pressure
applied by AP was soaked up comfortably.
In summary, a good first half, scrappy second half. The long grass
was not conducive with free flowing football and according to Ben
the ball from Woolworths did not help. Get the subs in on time AP
and get down the sports shop!
A big thank you to Ally Campbell for the Guinness after the game,
absolute gentleman and all round good guy, top man, salt of the
earth, definite candidate for POTY.
Fourth Team Hack
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