Fortune Favours ELT, not the Brave.
This week, the Oranges were at home to top-flight ELT.
Still sore from defeat to league leaders Camberwell, TPFC were looking to win back some pride.
The battle of the acronymic-named teams commenced (prizes for deciphering ELT!) without their valuable keeper Steve ‘Maverick’ Speroni. Even with his cat-like reflexes he could not evade a bout of tonsillitis.
Andy ‘Two Codes’ Owen looked to cash in on his rugby career by slipping on the keeping gloves.
Andy seemed to relish the opportunity to handle the ball and get stuck-in on the floor without being booked, and after a first-minute fumble, settled into the role of number one.
The Oranges were under no illusions as to the mountainous task ahead. With only ten men they faced a buoyant ELT, who are looking to stamp their name at the top.
From the whistle TPFC got stuck in and made it difficult for ELT, creating several chances for the ELT keeper to lap up.
At the opposite end of the field, ELT began to find their feet. Their strong centre-forward chased an opener with a fierce close range effort which was saved by the debutant TPFC keepers face!
ELT’s first goal was gifted when a sloppy effort from their nifty striker was bundled in by an embarrassing blooper from the keeper – reminiscent of David Seaman’s blunder against Brazil.
This did not seem to rock TPFC’s sturdy ship, and they continued to look for an opener through Daniel Spinola who was enjoying his stint as a lone striker.
David Hambridge once again proved his captaincy by doing what he does best. ELT were clearly riled by David’s no-nonsense defending.
Unfortunately for the Oranges, the mountain was made higher by some clinical passing and shooting from ELT. TPFC seemed helpless when three ELT attackers cleverly played past an exposed defense, and an isolated keeper.
The defensive problems were further compounded when a fierce header was parried away by Andy Owen, only to be half-volleyed into the exposed net by the ELT striker.
With the half-time whistle, a hard team talk ensued. Andy Owen rescinded his gloves to David Hambridge and resumed his defensive duties.
As the second half commenced, ELT sat back on their lead and allowed the home team to exert some pressure.
TPFC thrive under pressure, and this showed with a hard fought battle in midfield. Eddie Campbell and Co putting in a magnificent effort and snuffing out most of ELT’s attacks.
Samuel Balogun also put in a gallant effort, but perhaps this was motivated by his craving to be the most photographed player alongside Andy Owen.
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