13 November 2004 - League
Darkside 2 v Hook Venturers Res 4
Team: Alan, Andy B, Ben E, Ben M, Craig, Dan, Emmon, Errol, James, Jim, Omer, Phill, Steve, Tim
Goals: Errol, Tim / Assists: Ben M, Dan / MOTM: Ben E / MM: Ben E

The run had to end sometime but unlike previous years when playing teams above us, it was unexpected. As is the want these days, Dark Side fielded a strong team, a point emphasised by the quality on the bench, with Tim, Big Ben and James making up the numbers. It was cold but with sun permeating through the cloud covers, the ingredients were there for a pulsating game.

With the opposition lining up in 4-4-1-1 formation with the Kingston & District incarnation of Heskey leading their line, there was some trepidation. This point was hammered home by Andy, reminding the defence to watch out for their front two black players who he informs us were quick. He never quite let on as to how he knew this fact but I've got my own thoughts on this. The game kicked off with us showing all the confidence of our previous victories with Darkside pinning the opposition deep in defence, probably a result of their 5-0 hammering the previous weekend. With the amount of possession we had, it was no surprise when Darkside took the lead through Errol, who finished off a fine Darkside move. Although a few chances went begging, this goal, rather than spur us on, seemed to make Darkside hang back and their renowned passing game disintegrated. The opposition midfielders made runs down the inside channels as they pumped the ball long trying to get an equaliser. Eventually this came. A long up field pass from their defence caused consternation in the Dark-Side defence, leaving Omer with a four on one situation. Although, a clean tackle from Emmon got the ball, the referee thought otherwise and gave a penalty kick. Dark-Side were incensed. A fact not helped by the opposition players confirming we were unlucky. Their player sent the keeper the wrong way and we were level. Probably still feeling some injustice, Darkside could not rally back, passes were not finding feet, and they kept the pressure up with some long balls which bypassed the midfield. Before half-time, we were 3-1 down. Time for some action!

The manager brought on Tim and Ben in attack and defence respectively. Things could only get better and they did. Tim chased a through pass from Little Ben and with the goalkeeper seemingly in control of the ball, Tim's pressure paid off and he spilled it, and he had the simple task of walking the ball into the net. Game on!! The passes were getting better but Darkside could not find a way through and then in all the hullabaloo, their was a comedy moment, commonly known as the Monkey Moment. With the game in full flow, we were subjected to Big Ben showing us some excellent control as he chased down a long ball and controlled it deftly with his hand. Shaquille could not have done it better. In his defence, I also thought I heard a whistle but...

With 15 minutes remaining, they broke downfield and from the resulting corner, they lobbed the goalie and in it went, 4-2. Unlucky Darkside but it was not to be. With Ben shoring the defence, James replacing Tim who had limped off with what looks like a hamstring injury, next time warm up properly Tim, midfield battling, we were chasing the game. Unfortunately it was not to be and the game ended in defeat. Darkside didn't deserve to win but a draw was a fairer result. We now gear up for next week's game, which should be a cracker. .

Match report by: Emmon