Oranges Pipped

Saturday 6 October 2007

Walthamstow Parish 2 v 1 TPBCFC

Have the Oranges learned their lesson from last week?

Fielding only ten men from the start, TPFC looked to be in dire straits against last years championship contenders. Winning the toss, Walthamstow started strongly and pushed for an opener in the first five minutes.

Twenty minutes passed without a score which clearly frustrated Walthamstow. TPFC's strong back-line proved a formidable force and easily matched the speed and skill of their oppositions constant attacks.

John Helm was solid as ever in central defence winning most headers, and with Eddie Campbell getting stuck in, Walthamstow were forced to exploit the flanks, but again to little effect with full-backs Ben Cordle and Andrew Owen putting in a gallant effort.

TPFC finally succumbed to Walthamstow's efforts when a finely worked move burst through TPFC's mid-field and was finished off by a defence-stretching dribble from their left winger, beating 4 players before slotting home.

The Oranges showed great courage and maturity to hit straight back at the Blue's with direct passing and some great searching through-balls from mid-field, Dwayne Mitchell and David Hambridge working hard for an opener. Walthamstow began to seem reluctant to extend their lead and were surprised by the resolve of the ten-man, 8th place Tollington park.

TPFC welcomed Daniel Spinola as the second half kicked off, and his presence made an immediate impact. Does this man have Velcro boots?! Walthamstow struggled to find the first half form they enjoyed in mid-field, with Daniel spoiling most of their efforts.

Walthamstow were again clearly frustrated by TPFC and began to let their discipline slide. Several attempts at goal by the Blues were scuppered by a fine effort from the central defender who belies his age. Ian Howard notably heading away a ferocious close range shot from a fresh-legged substitute.

The Oranges best efforts in defence were again frustrated when a brilliantly parried effort by TPFC's keeper, Steve Speroni was cashed in on by a hungry Blue's striker.

Two goals down, TPFC seemingly headed for a whitewash defeat. However, arguing in mid-field and a miscommunication in defence led to a loose ball in front of the Blue's keeper, which Nathaniel Field was happy to lap up with a cool head and a fine finish.

With a goal under the belt, TPFC began to stride into this game and make their mark as real contenders, much to Walthamstow's dismay. The Blues were further blighted due to a scuffle which involved debutant Femi Oyeniran. An unintentional knock from Femi rattled a Blue's mid-fielder and an ugly scene of ill-discipline from Walthamstow ensued.

The referee stepping in, and the aforementioned Blue's player subbed off, the game resumed but the hosts struggling to find their rhythm. The Blues were left desperately holding onto their lead, which can only be testament to TPFC's resilience.

TPFC will be left licking their wounds after a superb display of grit and determination was let down by a scrappy winning goal. However, the Oranges will take much from the game which showed that TPFC can play as a team, contend with the best, and maintain a great record of discipline and maturity, but will question whether the Blues deserved to take three points from such a display.

Statistics

Man of the match: Ian Howard for his no-nonsense defending and fearless tackling that kept TPFC in the game.

Team: Steve Speroni, Ben Cordle, Andrew Owen, Ian Howard, John Helm (c), Eddie Campbell, David Spinola, Nathaniel Field, Dwayne Mitchell, Femi Oyeniran, David Hambridge.

Crowd: Hmm, about 10. Lots of them, a few of us - Natalie, Sonia, Femi's friend and Nathanel's Dad?

Conditions: great. No blisters

Writer: Andrew Owen

Photographer: Missing