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Sawston Rovers Res 0 - 4 City Life 8/3/08
We all turned up at Sawston Rovers ground eagerly awaiting the big match up of the day. Yes, it was finally time for the Mason v Goodhall halfway sprint. The conditions were good to soft. The early dressing room money had gone on Goodhall but there was some late backing from Mason. Trainer McLaughlin had been backing Mason all the way from early betting in the pub. There was also early excitement in the dressing rooms as Wayne revealed a new jumbo size tube of deep heat and offered it to Trainer McLaughlin so he could pierce the end. And all this before the warm up. The banter was good, spirits were high, Saturday Night Mike had a new folder entitled “Tatics and Set Pieces” and had sat beavering away like an enthusiastic school boy in his first week at school.
So to the race…
The warming up was done, the set piece routines had been practiced including the new attacking corner routine, The Tango. Trainer McLaughlin was official starter with our Belgian star Cathie holding the chequered flag. As the race was about to start news came in that Mason was now the odds on favourite and questions were being asked as to whether Goodhall would keep his feet on this unfavourable ground. Keep his feet he did but unfortunately Mason came out victorious by an official margin of 4 Goodhall stride lengths (a country mile!).
So to the game…
Matt was back in between the sticks. The back four had been kept the same as the week before with Farrington keeping faith with the lads that had kept a clean sheet. The midfield remained the same also and in a rare move, their was only one change with Duracell replacing our Belgian star up front and what a day it was to be for the bunny himself.
The game kicked off with City attacking into a strong headwind. Sawston were looking to take advantage of the wind which they never really did, over hitting many passes. When called upon the back four cleared or Matt made the save. Two moments lit up the half though as Dave repaid the managers faith in selection. Firstly with a good finish over the keeper after several defenders mucked up trying to clear the ball. Secondly as he slid the ball into an empty net after winning a challenge with the keeper. Ian was putting in his audition for the next sprint challenge as he chased the ball towards the open goal but he decided to let it be and City Life turned for half time 2-0 up. On arrival into the changing rooms (yes we went to changing rooms at half time) we were greeted by cups of tea. Everyone from north of Manchester, Mike, tucked in with glee.
Martin emerged from half-time with his full cup of tea promising to drink it during the game whilst dribbling around 4 opponents and chipping the keeper without spilling a drop. Would anyone have been surprised?
So, into the second half…
Mason came on at right back for Tom, vowing that the back 4 needed some pace. The defence were targeting their second clean sheet in successive weeks. A feat few City Life defences had achieved previously.
The second half got under way. The game became a little stretched as City Life decided that despite being 2-0 up we were still going to try and get 10 goals!! Midway through the half Luke came on upfront sending Dave onto the left wing and giving Oeyvind a well-earned break. Just as things were starting to get scrappy Col appeared at the back post to knock in number 3 and his 10th of the season. A few minutes later Dave completed a well-deserved hat-trick with a cool finish past the advancing keeper. His reward, being taken off to a standing ovation (well there weren't any seats) to be replaced by Lewis. It must have been the two one-on-ones that he’d missed.
Lewis touched the ball twice before the final whistle signified the fourth game unbeaten and second clean sheet in a row. Is this the start of the City Life promotion charge. Only time will tell but the quality of football is certainly improving and the work rate was exceptional.
Matt Double
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Dave Halse, 08/03/2008 |
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