Goals: Randy 2, Muzza 2.
In glorious autumn day still slightly humid we took on strugglers Goodfellas at the Valley. With a large number of regular players out due to injury, away on tour to manila, work or holidays and a few selling popcorn for a crust. We somehow managed to get a team together with a few newbies and some golden oldies.
After our great showing last week this week we were brimming with confidence and when kick-off came around we took to the field with a surprising number of players all ready and raring to go.
Starting lineup comprised of the ever reliable and great to have you back in goals Thomas “The Cat” Ma, Centre back pairing of “The Swiss Rock” Bertie and the “Thurman Swagger” Marriott. Dirty Nick on the right with “Mr Sheen“ Dan on the left. Midfield pairing of Rob and Randy Ransford, with “Mr Lancashire” Yeung on the right and “Hair Stylus” Adam on the left. Up front the ever evasive “Bomber” Lionel and debutant another Scotsman Muzza “The Speedster”. On the sidelines waiting to come on where “Short Round” Hao, “Italian Stallion” Tony G, Pat “Crouchie” Sui and Rob “The Belter” Bachelard.
It wasn’t long before we opened the account with some excellent interplay between Rob and Stevie Y to see the rejuvenated Randy drill home our opener. Randy is a man possessed this year winning balls regularly in the middle of the park and scoring goals at his leisure. Whatever water he is drinking I would like to have some because the transformation this year has been surreal. And he was there again to score our second this time a pin point drive in the corner giving the keeper no chance. We had several more chances to go further up, The bomber having the pick of them when a yard out the keeper produced a top notch save.
As the half drew to a close we held on to the 2 nil lead and came into the break full of confidence. Smiles everywhere.
The second half was all one way traffic with Muzza, Pat and Vigan leading the way upfront. Wave after wave of attack and Goodfellas offside trap wasn’t working against the speed and control we had. However the “Thurman Swagger” Marriott beat several Goodfella players with nonchalant easy before putting the Muzz though one on one with the keeper. It was at this point gaffa realized he has unearthed the latest Spartans Scottish sensation since Gus “I miss the Firehouse “ Wardlaw. The way Muzza smashed the ball past the keeper bought back memories of the wee Scotsman debut game at Causeway Bay.
To make sure I wasn’t dreaming 10 minutes later in almost identical fashion Muzza beats two players and powers to the Goodfellas keeper and slams home the second. At this point I was trying to stop smiling. We continued to have more chances Vigan beat about 10 players but somehow didn’t score. Marriott should of scored his second in two week but the ball just got tangled in his feet a yard out from goal. Either way the whistle goes to relief of Goodfellas camp. A convincing win that should have been more really. As “Mr Lancashire” said after the game Forlan would have scored loads today.
All in all a terrific performance and big turnout at our sponsors bar Happy Valley Bar and Grill where we drank and ate and drank more till the morning light. A few of us having nursing hangovers yesterday and possibly a few skid marks in strange places. MOM went to Muzza who just piped Marriott once again who was outstanding with Bertie at the back. While mug of the day went to ‘Short Round’ who’s attempt at goal in the second half looked more like a clearance than a shot.
Our next league game is a very important one as it will decide if we go into Champions League Quarters along with 3 important points. It’s on next Monday 9pm against KCC Royals at Kings Park upper pitch 1. Will send out an email about this one later in the week.
