29 September 2007 - League
Darkside 2 v Chessington K.C. 0
Team: Adrian, Andy, Ant, Ben M, Craig, Cullum, Dave, Ian, Jim, Paul, Phil B, Steve L
Goals: Craig, Ant / Assists: Ian, ? / MOTM: Craig / MM: -

The day started with manager Neil nearly turning up on time. Well, okay only 30 minutes late this week, and stinking like a brewery. After another 15 minutes the changing rooms had finally been unlocked and all the boys were changed and ready for action. Odd socks and tight shorts were the order of the day, as Darkside wore their white kit for the 1000th time.

Chessington KC looked looked as though they were a well organised outfit. A lanky 7 footer up front, offered the potential of Crouch-esque performance. A solid organised defence and good shape showed it was going to be a tricky outing for an injury depleted Darkside FC.

The referee was proud to be celebrating his 98th birthday, so decided not to use his whistle, ever, instead using the technique of discussing all fouls and incidents in 5 minute conversational slots. Often to the frustration of ALL others whom just wanted to get on with it!!

Unbeknown to all, what was to follow was 90 minutes of chances, chances and more chances.

The game started a a frenetic pace, with a few tackles and stand offs. But it was apparent CKC were going to use their ball skills and passing pace, rather than their mouthy gob and swinging fists (see Malden Manner FC from week 1).

The game got off to a positive start as after 5 minutes a deflected shot fired low and hard went into the bottom left hand corner of the net. CKC then went on to hit the bar on 2 occasions to demonstrate their intent. The game got it's first galatico moment as Dixon took on a quick 1:2 from Ant and dashed up the wing, looking for the perfect cross. The ball 'decided' to take a different path and floated over the keeper from 40 yards, only 1 degree away from a potential goal (or was it fluke) of the season, but even the rebound onto the keepers head and up onto the bar couldn't dampen the Darkisde spirits.

More shots and chances ensued, with Craig stamping his authority in the centre midfield, Cullum charging up the flanks and Ben at his menacing best. Cullum took the unusual stance of not taking a corner all game, that rose over 2 foot off the ground. Fortunately CKC were slow to react and after about 10 attempts, saves, flicks and close shaves..... finally the second goal, a scrappy goal mouth scrambled affair, but a goal none the less.

The game ground into a ding-dong with both sides agreeing the half time score could have read 5 a piece.

The second half started like the first with 3 cross bars hit, 2 posts and a host of skyed shots, both sides started to look tense, and tired!! Stirling performances at the back, Ade keeping out the lanky Crouch; Phil, Ian and Jim all looking solid and composed. Jim only losing his head on one occasion to increase Darkside's ongoing local community relationship with his "Well at least I've not got a fat gut you f**ker" comment.

Andy was a rock as usual holding firm as the pressure was increased in the final 15, and the subs were a welcome restbite to the depleted side....... once they found some kit!

There was still time for Dave to blast over an empty goal from 6 yards - it'll take a lot to win the miss of the season (decade, century), but we'll see, anything is possible in Darkise.

The game ended 2-0 after a truly spirited and battling performance by Darkside, with a weakened squad, against strong opposition. Hopefuly this paints a picture of events to come in season 2007 - 2008.

Match report by: Paul