Another exciting week at Alan Drive. Arsenal couldn’t manage 7 wins on the trot but that’s exactly what our 1sts now have under their belt. It wasn’t easy though and it was a must-win match as Norsemen had enough games in hand to comfortably overhaul us. There was a lot of nail-biting on the line as we tried to sit back and defend our lead after Bullet had lived up to his name, with a trademark long range shot. It went in off a post which was still vibrating several minutes later! Credit to Norsemen who then raised their game leading to our rearguard action trying to see out the last 20 minutes but long aimless clearances were coming straight back at us. Coupled with an assault from Delap style long throws, the pressure was bound to tell and a penalty was the answer. Step forward Gary ‘Messiah’ Haycock, who 7 games ago at Crouch End saved a penalty to trigger the renaissance of EBOG 1st XI and with another excellent full length dive he did it again to preserve the 100% record!
With Carshalton wilting under the pressure, we now top division 2 with just two games to go and, if we win them, we go up as champions. It won’t be easy though, and the first is on Easter Saturday at Lloyds’ ground – Kent County Cricket Club, Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham BR3 1RL. Any support will be welcome.
The 2nds also had a good day with Simon Weeks deciding to emulate infant prodigy Haycock with his own superb penalty save on a neighbouring pitch. This keeps the 2nds in with a chance of another Great Escape end of season scramble.
With just a bare 11 players, the 3rd XI made no mistake down at lowly Kew and they took revenge for having to travel all the way down there mid-winter when it was obvious with a snow covered pitch that it would be unplayable.
The 4ths could only cite drop-outs as the cause of another defeat. They are still in 4th place though and, if they snap out of their recent bad run, still have a chance for 3rd.
The 6ths were also devastated by dropouts but put up a presentable performance against the 3rd placed side. They need at least one more win to be safe though. Dan Caskie became the first goalie since Andy Heath to kick a goalkick over the byeline for a corner. Takes skill that does!!
The 7ths were 2 – 0 up after 10 minutes but managed to let the bottom side back into the game. Mark Bynoe scored a hattrick and can count himself unlucky not to be on the winning side.
Apparently the 8ths played another great game without winning, but they managed to get the runaway top side really whingeing until they scored in the last 10 minutes.
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