Lost 0-1
Scorers: John Aikin didn’t score
MoM: Sir Geoff Philpott
DoD: John Aikin
A game that didn’t really fire on all cylinders but where the result always seemed to be going to the wire competitive and hard fought.
No startling highlights as each team sought dominance but Old Willies probably had the edge with a regular number of short corners all defended well. The match seemed to heading for a nil-all score draw but 30 seconds from full time Old Willies, having brought up their heavy cavalry from defence snitched it from a deflected hard hit goal. Simon Triggs once again earned his match fee big time with save after save fully supported by his defence of which (Sir) Geoff Philpott was outstanding with his long hard shots that earned him the Man of the Match (see unflattering pic)
There was a promising debut for Charlie May who showed promise both in ability and the fact that he has some mid-20s legs to chase with and Alex Ricketts on his second League game proved his worth once again – there is now a Mike Macey feel to the Friars defence once again!
Friars did have some opportunities and the best was how shall we say politely “blown” by John ‘Boy’ Aikin which meant he remained goalless – the first time for weeks – and so likely no Gazette headlines for his scrapbook this week though still scored a DoD for that effort. Anyway let’s hope the Mens 1s get a great spread instead after their last gasp winning goal in a dramatic and exciting game the following day to cap Presidents Day weekend!
Many Thanks to Farmer Twyman and Matt from Kent Uni for umpiring and good to see Bob Green supporting again (and acting as the third umpire as well as talking about cricket to The Scribbler whose eyes are beginning to come into alignment at last)
Onto next week against top of league Gillingham 3s who have maximum points which will no doubt cement the Friars outside the promotion zone – hopefully!
PS: A couple of Ollie Willies need to realise that you don’t change your shirts in the main club house after a game otherwise you will offend the delicate sensibilities of our fantastic Tea Ladies. There is a time and place (changing rooms) for everything. They left suitably chastened and hopefully embarrassed!
Squad: Simon Triggs(GK), Tony Jones(C), Brian Hurlow, Geoff Philpott, Mike Barton, John Aikin, Arthur Aikin, John Ratcliffe, Chris Ward, Tom Parkin, Alex Rickets, Kevin Goulden, Jolyon Miles, Charlie May.
