Lost 0-5
Scorers: N/A
MoM: Simon “Trigger”
DoD: Not divulged
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
After the disappointing performance of last week, it was good for the Friars to regroup, resplendent in the ‘pumpkin orange’ away kit to face Gravesham. It is fair to say some, indeed many Friars looked more pumpkin like than others! However the score was similar.
BUT the Friars this week did put in a much stronger and more committed performance in an enjoyable match. However, it was ultimately to prove another bad day at the office for the Friars who went down 5-0 to opponents below them in the league. Can’t quite put a finger on the reason for this; there will of course be a public enquiry but all the conclusions will be redacted (as usual!-ed) for legal reasons!
Some points to note as follows which can be interpreted in various ways::
- the Gravesham team were younger, fitter and faster with the team clearly benefiting from an injection of new talent since we beat them 2-0 at home
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maybe Gravesham were extra hungry for a win? While Phil laced up his boots in one changing room, there was apparently a full team briefing next door with gameplans, short corner drills, including whiteboards and everything! Seemed to work though – Jonesy something for you to work on in your dacha in Ash over the half-term break possibly?!
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the Gravesham forwards were exceptionally well marshalled arriving in our D at speed and with numbers. At least three first class goals were scored from unstoppable deflections.
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the Friars midfield put in a strong shift this week, but faced more mobile and well organised opponents
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the defence, under constant pressure, made many key interventions. At one point Biggles (aka Chris Ward), moving at pace for someone in his 8th decade (!), made a critical reverse stick interception and clearance to single handedly thwart a Gravesham attack!
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the Friars attack had some promising moments, forcing a number of excellent saves from the keeper. Bert again proved himself a feisty competitor, taking the battle to the opposition
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our youngsters Will & Will get better and better, their work rate and fine stickwork creating opportunities and upgrades in the D but not to The Squires (it is hoped-ed!)
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Mike B (for it is he again!) was asked by the umpire to have a little rest at the side of the pitch. Even our sportsmanlike opponents agreed this decision was somewhat harsh! A deja vue moment. About 7 years ago the Friars clocked up 3 cards of various hues at the same venue in the sdame game with 2 being unfairly awarded to a past Chairman no less than Farmer John (Hinch), a stalwart Friar in his day.
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The score might have reached double figures had it not been for Trigger so he gets MoM
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“It was a glorious loss and the Friars went down fighting” apparently so Spin Dr V. C. Moose claimed
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Cllr Alex Ricketts didn’t play
The next fixture is Old Williamsonians in two weeks after the Friars go on their half term hols down the various allotments, pubs, youth clubs and compulsory trips to B & Q.
Pip Pip