The Old Elizabethan Association

The OEs took the lead early in the match thanks to a left foot rocket into the bottom corner by Romano Mella. As the match progressed, in ever muddier conditions, the OEs passing game was leading to a decent amount of possession and the creation of a few half chances. However the First XI always looked dangerous with their pace out wide. But the equaliser was to come in unexpected fashion as the OE defence inexplicably allowed a "hoof" from the First XI keeper to by-pass it totally, only for the College forward line to break through unopposed and slot the ball past TJ Ozanne in the OE goal.

The match remained tight until the final third when, fresh from a stint in goal, Dale Garland latched on to some excellent creative work to nonchalantly slide the ball home and re-establish the OEs one goal advantage. Unfortunately as legs tired, and early bath's were taken (through a mixture of injury and exhaustion, not red cards I might add) the OEs were reduced to a rear-guard action to protect their lead. Having done everything possible to stifle the First XIs more creative endeavours, everyone at the CF then witnessed their own private Groundhog Day. Another clearance out of the keepers hands somehow avoided the clearing efforts of the heavy legged OE back-nine and again the First XI took the gift horse, and beat TJ for a second time.

The final 10 minutes were largely spent in the OE half without too much incident, and I think everyone was pleased to hear the final whistle. What no-one was expecting was the clamour for a decisive penalty shoot out. In previous years a noble draw was considered the ideal outcome, but not today. Pride was at stake and everyone wanted to be a winner.

OEs were up first and Matt Walker slotted home, in-off the keeper and 6 or 7 sods of turf. Possibly the worst penalty to ever end up in the back of the net. The College replied nonchalantly, defying TJs graceful slump to his left. Up stepped the OEs first half goal hero, Romano Mella, who deftly passed the ball into the keeper's grasp. Advantage college. Tit-followed-Tat over the next rounds of penalties, with Dale Garland, Barney Molloy and Kevin Graham scoring for the OEs, until the College had the chance to win with their 5th effort. Miraculously for the OEs TJ transformed from sack of potatoes to panther and pulled off a tremendous save to keep the fixture alive.

Next up sudden death, and representing the OEs was Stephen Sharman, clearly nervous having been only too keen to discuss with Romano his penalty taking technique. Fortunately he ignored any advice received and confidently knocked the ball home. The College also scored and up stepped the OEs Captain Marvel. Very similar in stature to his namesake, and about as mobile. Defying cramp the ball was confidently side footed into the corner, placing the pressure back on the College. Pressure, as it turns out, which was too much to handle as yet again TJ pulled of an excellent save. A 6-5 victory on penalties to the old boys. A big thanks to all who played and watched. The above is based on real life events, any factual inaccuracies/embellishment are down to writer's poor memory.

Team:-

Lee Garland
Matt Walker
Kevin Graham
Martin Rabey
TJ Ozanne
Barney Molloy
Romano Mella
Mark Helyar
Dale Garland
Stephen Sharman
David Wilson
Mark Oliphant
Wayne Martel

Jon Bond and Nick Jackson were unavailable for the photo