02 April 2005 - League
Dynamo Kingston 3 v Darkside 1
Team: Adrian, Anthony, Ben E, Chet, Craig, Dan B, Dan S, Eddie, Emmon, Errol, Jim, Mark, Mike, Phill
Goals: Mike / Assists: Ben / MOTM: Dan B / MM: -

The date and place was set, the 2nd of April at Kingston Road rec, the day after April Fools Day so the jokes were finished and the team was serious. We had beaten the Dynamo recently and confidence of a double was high. After traveling through a high insurance area we arrived at the destination in ones and twos, boots in our bags. It was a dry and sunny day as we had gathered outside the changing rooms in high spirits eager to don our outfits and stretch those socks ready for our warm up. After a deep discussion Jim had volunteered to stand between the posts. Which would prove difficult, as there was a large wet patch in the middle of it. Many items have been left in the kit bag, but no wellies so Jim warmed up at the side and promised the team he would dive in the water if needed. So there we where outside kitted up and confident. With players playing away and visiting relatives there where some changes in the team, new lads Mike and Eddie were ready for some action. We still looked good. The ref called up the two captains, our very own Craig assumed the position and called. It was their kick off and we stayed as we were with Jim ready, but standing outside of the puddle, we began. We found the running hard as we were playing on a Hobnob like textured pitch. But we begun well, our quick passing and aggressive headering gave us overall more possession. Big Ben fought hard in midfield alongside a quick and alert Craig. We wanted all the play and we got it. We were soon attacking through the middle and down both flanks with Errol right and Phill left.

A through ball to the right put Mike on goal. Running at the keeper and staying upwards the two met, did the keeper have the ball, no it had passed his side and entered at the bottom right corner of the goal. We were 1-0 up and had all the possession. Their goalkeeper helping in this by not only conceding the goal but also insisting on not kicking his goal kicks very far. These were picked up by Ben and Craig who passed early, like in training, to create more opportunities for the forwards. Some neat touches and flicks into the area created more chances and goalmouth action was often. The whistle blew for half time and the idea of water and oranges had our team racing to the sideline. The team was happy the coach was happy and our supporter was happy. We thought more goals would come. After no changes the team went back on, the other team had decided they would make a game of it. And plenty of fouls and harsh words were exchanged. Our defence remained. A free kick to the Darkside just outside the area saw Craig hit the cross. It was even more competitive, the ref was calling over pairs from both teams and hands were shaken to insure fair play. French Dan and Phill had several moments against their opposite number and rude words were the norm. Some changes took place as a free kick to the Darkside was awarded, Mark and Big Ben were taken off and Eddie and Dan came on. Dan as a forward and Eddie as centre mid. But overall possession had changed and even after another similar run from Mike saw the ball go wide, the opposition scored. It was 1-1. But at this point we all still knew we could win. One of their stronger players was now taking their goal kicks and pushed our team back. Balls were dropping over into dangerous positions and Dynamos two or three good players had edged them into a 2-1 lead. There was a game on and Chet was brought on as our final sub. The Dynamo got a free kick out on the left and swung the ball in a miss from one of their players caused the ball to mislead Jim. They had scored their third goal. Darkside were in disbelief as they played on. It was an exact opposite of the last game and the end result did not seem right.

Match report by: Mark