Pic of the week 25/9/16
So today our entry in the Somerset FA Legends League kicked off. Its been some time since I played a “proper” game of 11 -a-side football and when I started receiving tweets in the summer promoting veterans football in Somerset I decided to set up a team, based on Millfield, although open to the wider school community and I’m pleased to note that we kicked off with three husbands/partners, and a groundsman, so not just teaching staff.
On a warm September day we traveled to Yeovil to play Pen Mill Veterans (by a quirk of fate, I refereed their U16s the week before, v Somerton), most of us having not played for some time and position selection was based largely on stereotypical physical traits. Originally due to play right back, I shuffled across to fill a hole as a centre back couldn’t get child-care (true veterans football.)
A good game, we found ourselves 1-0 down after about 15 mins, the opposition were probably a little better than us, certainly more organised and tactically astute. The 2nd half saw me move in a defence midfield role and I enjoyed the opportunity to break forward.
From a goal kick (Stu Whittle in goals), Adi Whatling won the aerial battle just inside the opposition half and the ball squirted across to me. Adi made a good run down the left channel and was calling for the ball. However, I had spotted another opportunity: bringing the ball under control, I pinged a 30 yard pass, just clearing the last defender, landing at the feet of the charging Ben McEwan inside the box – he had little more to do than control the ball and slot it past the keeper, which he did. One all.
But almost from the restart, the opposition regained the lead, and had a 10 minute purple patch during which time they extended their lead to 4-1.
Nonetheless, great fun, a great game, bring on Castle Cary Veterans next week!
The legends that were (re)born that day:
