Terry's Oranges

TPFC 7 v 1 All Nations Centre

1 December 2007. Wanstead Flats

“Don’t tap it, whack it” is Dawn’s French attitude towards her Terry’s Orange. Reflecting back on Saturday’s win it certainly seems to have been the attitude of TP’s Oranges.

Before the kick off the usual rousing team talk and predictions took place, with Abacus Tim forecasting a 3-1 win, and others optimistic that this is our best chance of a win. I must admit there was certain amount of optimism.

With the team put through its paces in the warm up, the only missing ingredient was opposition and the man in black, Natalie went in search of the missing ref, our gallant coach in search of the hiding opposition. Having sought both we arrived on the right pitch, the man in black aka Nish checks our eligibility and re-forces the laws of the game, after a quick hug and prayer things are soon under way, with a puff of the lungs and shriek of the whistle.

TP’s Oranges are straight into action, battling for every ball; force All Nations to their retreat positions bringing about the first corner of the game. The ball is whipped in and narrowly cleared for the second corner; the second is whipped in over keepers head towards the back post, and in runs choir boy Chris to gracefully strike it home. The Oranges go wild, shouting “nil, nil” as they return to half line. No, it’s one-nil boys!

Another puff of the lungs sounds the note of restart and, with All Nations in state of disbelief, those Orange boys are at it again battling for every ball. All Nations are on the defensive again, and after a few poor clearances, those Oranges bring the ball under control, pass it right, which is met by Abacus Tim counting the paces as he knocks in goal number 2, yes goal number 2. Who could believe it after just ten minutes of play?

Another puff of the lungs, sound second restart, the Nations quickly get numbers behind the ball, start edging forward and while TP’s players are still pinching themselves at the unbelief of being two–nil up, the Nations find themselves on the edge of the 18 yard box with chance on goal. TP tried to recompose themselves, but failed to clear the ball, with the boss flat on the ground the ball bobbled over his head and into the net, 2-1. Come on lads, “let’s not lose our lead”.

Yes! You have guessed it, another puff of the lungs and we’re off again, battling for every ball and containing the Nations in their half. Then driving them into their penalty area, the ball is cleared to left wing. The throw is taken, and crossed; up pops the Ferret with a quick flick of the foot and deflection……under the keeper it’s…….gooooaaaaal. Now the celebrations begin: 3-1!

Yes! The routine whistle and those lads in Orange are at it again, snapping at heels, winning every ball, not allowing the Nations to settle on the ball. After patient build up and a few shots off target, the Nations seek to clear to ball only for it to be played back into the heart of their defence. The lads in Oranges full of confidence push forward, as the ball is played out, in comes play anywhere, central defender, vice-captain to whack it home. Oh yes 4-1, excited, needing a drink, the puff of the lungs comes as a welcome relief for half time. Those Oranges and reds return to their corners for tactical discussions.

At blow of whistle the Nations use their advantage (the blustery wind) to hold the TP oranges in their own half, after the few scares and brilliant saves. It’s time to bring on that Smokey spin to dazzle. Play the ball along the ground is the order of the day, obedient to the letter, the ball played along the ground and over the head of the Nations defender for our Taz to chase, who switches the play inside with a pass to, yes, the Ferret, who dazzles the defence with strike on 360 spin (which left us all quite as dizzy as it left the Ferret), goal number 5 has found the net. Before the restart the coach is substituted, despite objections.

Oh yes another puff of the lungs, the game is restarted. Now those all those oranges lads want piece of the cake, oops the ball I mean. The ball is played by the Enforcer to Smokey, who makes a 20 yard dash with no sight of the opposition, only sight for a goal, sweetly, repeat sweetly, strikes the ball some 25 yards out, all players come to a halt to which the flight of the ball, up over the keepers head and into back of the net. The Orange supporters are elated, the Nations deflated; the Boss celebrates. Surely this is the end of a beautiful day - or is it?

Another puff of the lungs causes the shriek of the whistle, normal play resumed. Then a bit ping pong, backwards and forwards, another exceptional save, but nothing to worry about. Those Oranges are on the attack again, the ball cleared by the Nations defence, Late Turn (Samuel) is encouraged forward by the boss, leaving one and half in defence. The throw taken, the bobbling ball picked up by late turn who strikes it home, oh yes un-believably its 7-1. Please ref, don’t blow the final whistle. We did not want to end; in fact we remained pitch side for another half hour.

Congratulations all round; every player gave 120%, battled all the way, winning every ball, playing for each other and showing appreciation for one another, the man in black and opposition.

Scorers as: Chris, Ferris (2), Daniel, Tim, Samuel, David

Man of the Match: Steve Speroni, outstanding saves, there when needed, gave 110%

Team: Steve Speroni, Tim Collier, Ian Howard, Chris Hawthorne, David Hambridge, Nick Speroni, Femi, Eddie Campbell, Dwayne Mitchell, Ferris Lindsay, Calvin Lindsay (subs: Daniel Spinola, Samuel Balogun)

Crowd: Natalie (any others - please let me know!)

Writer: Eddie The Enforcer Campbell