Guildford Shadows 2-1 Spencer Hurricanes
It was a chilly afternoon with a bitter wind sweeping across Broadwater so it was a brave decision by the Shadows to retreat to the warmth of the dressing room prior to push back. Following the usual inspirational talk from Tom Lyne and a quick warm up, the Shadows took to the stage...
However the Shadows were left cold footed and were slow off the blocks in the first half, a concerning Shadows traditional. Spencer Hurricanes were quicker to the ball with fast passing and the Shadows were on the back foot. Passing went astray, Tom Copeland throwing his stick around like a pansy (receiving a green for the same “offence” later in the match), Ross Henry with some suicide balls, Michael Walter and Jesse Parkin’s chemical confusion and even with Jonny Payne’s usual commitment not paying off. Following another Achilles heel of the Shadows, the goalmouth scramble, Spencer managed to edge ahead. It was only with a few smart saves from Marcus Bentley that the score line was not worse heading into half time.
The hairdryer treatment was required and it was with fresh purpose that the Shadows emerged. Tim Wright making intelligent runs, Fran dim summing down the wing and James Higgins and Ross controlling the centre of defence (did Marcus have a save to make in the second half?). Driving forward Sam Major won a rare short corner. With no one willing to push off, Oli Baker claiming like a six year old who had received the Anna dress rather than Elsa’s, that he wanted to hit the ball, Sam duly stepped up. Unconventional technique meant that the ball whistled out flat and wide. Fraser Daly picked up the loose ball, passed to Luke Prior who squared the ball across goal for the simplest of tap ins for Sam.
With the chanting of the crowd reminiscent of the Manchester United “Attack, attack, attack!!” (perhaps lost in the wind), the Shadows poured forward. Another short corner with the injection from Sam a bit more accurate. Oli struck the ball well forcing a good save from the keeper, ricocheting off the post. Ross Ferguson pirouetted like Darcey Bussell, smashing a reverse volley into the back of the net, fantastic finish.
2-1 was the closing score, surviving a late short corner for a well deserved victory (second half anyway!).
MOM – Sam Major
DOD – Tom Copeland (being called a f****** c*** after the game by the oppo)
Teas – excellent jacket potato and varied toppings, just what was needed after a cold match.
Sam
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