Witton Team;
GK - Blundell; DF - A.Knight, Gregory; MF - Green, Sc.Carter; FW - Sh.Carter.
Subs - Robinson, Marshall.
Team Rating ***
Match Rating ***
Man Of The Match - Mike Blundell.
With several members of the team nursing sore heads, Sunday’s game was always going to prove difficult for the Albion. Robinson chose not to name himself in the starting VI after taking an unfortunate tumble from Chad’s decking on Saturday night, preferring to name the well-rested Greg Marshall amongst the subs (‘well-rested’ as in ‘fell asleep in Chad’s conservatory’).
As kick-off approached, it became apparent that Witton were struglling to field an established Goalkeeper. With Crouch and ‘Dangerous’ Dave Johnson working, and Nelson unable to get down, it left only Drew Haspell to don the goalkeeping gloves. However Robinson was horrified to hear that Haspell had picked up an injury the previous day and therefore was ruling himself out of the action for a second consecutive Sunday.
With Robinson reluctantly preparing to take on the role of goalkeeper, up stepped Super Mike. No, not Super Michael Moseley - but Super Michael Blundell. And what a start to the game he had! Throwing himself this way and that to thwart attack after attack, Blundell inspired his team into action. Constantly talking to his back two in his calm, reassuring tone. However, just before half time disaster struck. As Blundell attempted a quick throw out, he instead rolled it to an opposition striker - 1 nil. Choosing not to beat himself up over it, Blundell instead took his frustrations out on the frame of the goal, repeatedly punching it until he got bored and returned his focus to the ongoing football match.
So half time came with Witton a goal down. Robinson passed instructions to his defense, who he felt were sitting too deep, and offered reassurance to Blundell who was having a great game despite his one - uncharacteristic - moment of madness. However, within moments of the restart, GSE had doubled their advantage. As the defense refused to follow Blundell’s instruction to ‘f**king hit him’ a GSE forward advanced to within shooting range, and wham - 2 nil.
However, the game was far from over as both Green and Shaun Carter fashioned numerous shooting opportunites between them - but just couldn’t find a way past the agile young GSE custodian. And finally - again with the Witton defense sitting too deep - GSE wrapped up the points when a good save by Blundell fell to the feet of the GSE attacker, and he made no mistake as he slotted the ball into the net with 3 Witton defenders watching on.
The lesson to learn; an 8 hour drinking session and BBQ the night before a big game is not ideal preperation. However, with a proven goalscorer, Witton could well of earnt a share of the spoils in an entertaining game. Apparently a 147-goal striker has recently found himself without a club, i must contact his agent…