Oranges Make Friends

ELT 3 v 2 T.P.

8 December, Wanstead Flats

This wasn’t just a friendly or just for fitness. It was a victory despite the score line. The oranges should have bagged another win but a lack of effort from two ELT fringe players cost us the game. Lining up before the game, Ian Howard joked “let’s keep it single figures”. He followed that comment by a great game. Stand in skipper David Hambridge won the toss and decided to kick off. Just as the match started, so did the rain. It was already a cold day but as the rain came down them oranges started well, Fernando, a ELT fringe player, whipping in a dangerous near post cross.

Andrew Owen, playing his first game in goal, made a blunder with his first touch, allowing the ball to slip under him into the net. He screamed in frustration but looked up at us and started smiling, his usual cheery self. Andrew then made a good save from a long shot and bowled the ball out to Natalie, down the line to Dee and she held off her man and found Ferris. His pass found Calvin who was taken down inside the box by the keeper. Ref played advantage and Fernando finished well. We went into the break at 1-1 and playing well everyone giving 110%.

After the break we came out on fire and around the hour, great work from Natalie winning the ball and setting Ferris away down the wing, the cross came over and was slid in by one of the ELT players ( o.g. ). We were 1 v 2 up !! Then the ELT two stopped playing and already down to 10 men the orange midfield disappeared. Calvin eventually stuck in the middle and did well to snuff out the attacks, playing against 2 men. Ferris, played in by Calvin, pulled up on a one on one and had no option but to try an ambitious chip. The keeper made a good save and the ELT fringe player took 5 touches before shooting, by which time the keeper and 5 other defenders were back by that time. The equaliser came when the defence was 6 against 4 at the back and the result was inevitable happened. Andrew had no chance with the goal. The oranges didn’t learn their lesson as the top scorer in the league, a man well into his forties, completely out-skilled Calvin on the edge of the box before striking into the top corner.

The ref blew the whistle and the game ended. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the result was good although we were maybe a little disappointed with losing. All the TP players gave 100% all through the game. A big game against Harmony on Saturday for the last game of the year and we need a big performance, (Andrew time for your goal of the season!)

WoMan of the Match: Natalie Howard

Man of the Match: either Andy or Calvin

Writer: David Hambridge