The opposition were in white, we were in white, the ball was white.
And then it started to snow.
A great game of football. Whites won 2-1.
History was not on our side. In the same fixture last year, we were three – nil down before our centre back (note the singular, perhaps there is a clue in that?) had touched the ball. This year, 5 minutes in, as he gained his first touch slicing the ball away for a throw, Peabody gave a silent cheer – first target met: first touch and still only nil nil. He looked to his left, he looked to his right, and smiled, flanked by two players on either side. He was at the heart of a back five. A back FIVE!
Street Veterans are a considerable foe, training weekly, reigning County champions. Thus far in this campaign they had played two, won two, for:16 against: 2. Due to an administrative cock up, we were forced to share a changing room. They kindly offered us first use, thereby giving us ample time to get acquainted with the pitch in the howling wind, arctic temperature and driving rain … We declined.
Our well organised and disciplined defence absorbed all that the opposition – and the elements – could throw at it, providing the springboard that allowed “twinkle toes” Andrew Cassin Davies to beat one man, beat another, beat the first man again, before making a slide rule* accurate pass that unleashed the waiting Whatling to collect outside the box, drive into the area and slide the ball past the keeper: one – nil. The County champions were reeling, never before had they found themselves behind. How would they respond?
(* As we are all veterans, we, of course, understand that reference. The younger generation won’t)
Street tried, and failed, to puncture our defensive line. Our confidence grew, and therein lay the seeds of our own destruction. Schooled by our Football Development Officer in the art of playing out from the back, we forgot that the wind was gusting, the pitch less than perfect, our legs aging, and a misplaced pass in the defensive third gifted the ball to retreating Street striker, puffing his way back to his own half after another failed attack. He pounced, found a new lease of life and headed for goal. Jarvis tried – and failed – to take is legs away outside the box; the referee judged (incorrectly) that Shane, our colossus of a keeper (who played a blinder all game), did bring him down in the box. Penalty! The spot kick was dispatched and the first half ended one all.
With the wind now at their backs, the second half saw Street hurl all their efforts at the famous five, who bent, but did not break, repelling wave after wave of Street attack. It took a wind assisted worldie to win the game – a strike from 30 yards that floated over everyone’s head and into the net. With ten to go, and a precious and hard won lead, Street parked the bus, desperate to cling onto the three points they had expected by right before kick off. A last second strike from Jarvis saw the Street keeper stretching to tip the ball over for a corner and secure the points for the leaders as the ref blew time on an epic winter battle.
After the game, Karlos (white) Lightning Leonard inquired about the opening of the transfer window – clearly looking for a big money move to warmer climes, Castle Cary perhaps? The rest of the squad waited for their fingers to thaw before heading off for the winter break, happy with their part in a great game of football.
Next match – a must win home game against struggling Wedmore Vets, 11th Feb.
Street Veterans 2 Millfield Legends 1