Match Review
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AGFC 3 vs. 2 JLBX XI
Date: 29-Jan-2010
Venue: Treforest
Goals:
Alex Beresford
1
Dave Miller
1
Simon Brooks
1
Man of the Match:
Enda Hayes
Report:
What a difference a week makes!! This was an AGFC performance full of endeavour, energy and teamwork against an exceptionally talented, younger (than most of us at least) and arguably fitter side. As AGFC stood around the dugout getting ready for the game in our usual relaxed manner there was a look of disbelief as JLBX started doing warm-up drills on the pitch. There was even more disbelief when it was observed that there was not a beer-gut to be seen on the opposition - this was a collective from the ‘tight-fit’ generation!! A couple of minutes before kick-off it became apparent that AGFC only had 10 men with Andi and Jamal late withdrawals so JLBX kindly donated Lawrence, 40’ish, unfit, no kit and wearing glasses, to AGFC’s cause.
The game was exceptional from start to finish. JLBX dominated possession for large sections of the game but like demonic terriers, AGFC refused to give an inch and battled for every header, breakdown and tackle. The first score came against the run of play when Miller and Alex chased down a 50:50 ball against the JLBX keeper and defence - the ball deflected clear from the group of players gathered at the edge of the box and Simon striding forward purposefully chipped the ball with startling precision from 40 yards out over everyone into the top corner. JLBX pushed on again but wave after wave of attack were thwarted by an excellent back four (including Lawrence who was buying into the whole AGFC ethos comfortably - he was one of the Green Army now) supported by the peerless Craig in the sticks and the midfield quartet. This was a game where the old adage ‘defending from the front’ was to be defined!! Again AGFC struck against the run of play when Scott (anyone else notice that Scott has left himself go a little since his lovely lady said ‘Yes’ - just cos you are getting married doesn’t mean you have to stop making an effort!!) playing wide left slipped a sublime pass behind the back four for Alex to run onto to and, as we so often see, Alex scored his 101th goal with a deft finish.
The halftime team talk was short and brief - ‘keep doing what we are doing’. The second half began with a flourish as JLBX scored almost immediately - attacking down the left they got a shot away which slipped under Craig’s body. This score gave JLBX confidence and their reshape at halftime resulted in a more stretch midfield - and more running from the beer-gut crew!! Chances continued to come - Alex clipped the crossbar with a powerful header, Enda had a goal bound shot deflected wide in a crowded penalty area, Miller flicked a header just past the post and Morgan Delap’s long throws were proving to be a very useful attacking weapon. At the other end Craig continued to make save after save, JLBX skied a shot inside the 6 yard box, Pete, Chris and Steve all had to make last ditch tackles. Once again AGFC restored the comfort of a 2 goal lead when Miller turned in a crowded box to make space from himself to shoot low into the corner. JLBX scored a late consolation goal but as the final whistle went the elation of the Green Army was vastly contrasting the despondence of the men in tight shirts. Both teams had played their part in an exhilarating game and if truth be told a draw may have been a fairer result - for all the effort and spirit JLBX exhibited it must have been heart-breaking not to get something from the game.
To pick a MoM from this performance was a difficult task and the fact that Enda won with only three votes (and with seven different people receiving votes) is the perfect illustration of the collective performance of everyone. Alex and Miller continued their partnership with another brace of goals. Morgan and Scott in their first 11-a-side games for a long time both ran themselves to a standstill. Craig and the back four of Chris, Pete, Steve and Lawrence were exceptional. While the old farts of Enda and Simon in the midships continued to defy age, weight and medical science. A great, great, great, great performance by everyone for every single minute of the game!!!
Reporter: Enda Hayes