12 Febuary 2005 - League
Green King Athletic 1 v Darkside 2
Team: Adrian, Ben E, Ben M, Craig, Dan B, Dan S, Errol, Jim, Mark, Omer, Phill, Stuart, Tim
Goals: Ben M, Mark / Assists: Tim, Craig / MOTM: Tim / MM: Phill

Darkside arrived in buoyant mood for their trip to league leaders Green King, an impressive run had seen them lose just one of their previous 3 games, Champions League form. The gaffar was able to name a near unchanged lineup, Omer returned in goal, allowing big ben to play on the left of midfield. Slightly more organised than their opposition, who arrived after kick off time, and without a full kit.

The conditions made it difficult for both sides from the outset, winds stronger than Veruka after a night on the curry, meant it would be a tale of two halves. Phill managed to claim a nomination for monkey moment of the season before the game had started, an accrobatic slip, slide and dive over the ball, while attempting to use his unused left peg ended with him on his backside.

Eventually with all personel in place, the OAP referee got the game underway late. Darkside had to withstand a lot of early pressure, but Omer's only test was whether he'd manage all the running to fetch the ball every minute! The break through did come from the home side, a long punt down field from their centre back cut open the Darkside defence and Omer was left no chance from the resulting finish. 1-0 Green King.

Darkside kept there heads though and came more into the game, Craig, finding some space after good work from little Ben, shot just over. Darkside were happy with their first half and prepared to go with the wind. They were, however, forced into a half time re shuffle, Jim who'd played his part at keepin Green King at bay limped off, to be replaced by Stuart.

The second half proved to be Darksides half, as shots rained in on the opposition goal. Craig and Little Ben missing gilt edged chances, and Dan, Errol and Big Ben forcing the home goalie into fine saves.

As Green King started to tire, Darkside got the breakthrough they'd been threatening, Tims low corner was turned in by little Ben at the near post. The pressure continued, but it seemed like it could be one of those days.

Neil 'the tactician', then opted for a final throw of the dice, replacing big ben with Hunter. Little Ben moving onto the left wing. And it nearly had immediate results as Dan saw his shot parried only for the rebound to roll agonisingly close to the substitute.

Finally Darkside could breathe a sigh of relief, as Craig made it to double figure misses, or chances as he might say, over the past 2 games, he came close as he hit the underside of the bar (some say it was in!), the rebound caused a scramble that Hunters lightening quick reactions saw him turn home, past a desperate dive from the opposition goalie

Hunter nearly added another goal with the final kick of the game, that sailed over the bar, before the ref called time on the battle, leaving Darkside with a highly impressive 3 points!.

Match report by: Tim