Dickiebliss’s Blog

Bookworms 3-2 Sports Centre Staff

After a spirited display against the Law School last week, the Bookworms lads took to the 3G pitch looking for only their second win of the season. Having lost 7-1 to the Sports Centre team in their last meeting, Bookworms were dealt an immediate blow by the news that regular goalkeeper Chris Awre was unavailable due to a 2.00 pm meeting! Who would take his place in between the sticks? Cometh the hour cometh the Lamb: Simon Lamb stepped into the breach. That sorted, the usual “who’s starting?” debate ensued with Thompson twin Wayne starting on the bench due to a hurty knee

With kick off approaching however, there was no sign of the Sports Centre team. Scared of the mighty Bookworms? Unlikely – the truth was they were struggling to find a team and in the end a scratch team including 3 women (one of whom had never played football before and had to be cajoled by her team mates to play) took to the field.

Starting with Robert Sherrat (just back from injury) and leading scorer Gary Moore up front with last week’s 2 goal hero Big John Higham in the hole a strong looking Bookworms team was completed with Thompson twin Gary and utility man (i.e he’s played in every position and is no good in any of them) Richard Bayliss at the back.

Two minutes and two clinical strikes from Gary Moore later and the bookworms were two up and cruising – but thoughts of an easy win were cruelly exposed as it became apparent that the ladies on the pitch were not there to make up the numbers. The blond left winger would give Usain Bolt a decent race and began to give Bayliss a torrid time. The two ladies in the middle quickly showed some nice touches and it was no surprise that a well taken snapshot by their captain brought the Sports Centre back into it.

This was followed by a disastrous handling error from replacement goalkeeper Lamb who allowed a speculative 20 yarder to slip through his fingers and into the net. Thompson twin Gary gave way to his brother Wayne who was soon in the thick of it breaking up a Sports centre attack and with a quickstep and sidekick strode down the pitch. “Into the gap” Big John Higham cried and Wayne found him with a nicely weighted ball but Big John could not repeat last weeks heroics and the chance went begging. With that someone decided it was half time and the action was halted.

Simon Lamb’s confidence had been shattered by his first half error and demanded someone else go in goal. Thompson twin Wayne somewhat reluctantly stepped up and Simon moved to the right of defence. Big John Higham had run his legs off and sat out the 2nd half with Gary Thompson returned to the left back position.

A first for the Bookworms was then announced when Gary Moore came up with an actual “tactic” for the second half – he would man mark the Sports Centre captain and best player with Robert Sherrat and Richard Bayliss taking up the front two roles. This plan however was quickly dashed when team Sports Centre started with their captain in goals for the second half. As a result, Bookworms returned to their usual kick and rush/ hit it and hope / anywhere will do principles and the action began.

Chances came and went at both ends – a rather hopeful penalty appeal by Sports Centre went unheard by the non-existent ref whilst Gary Moore wasted a one-on -one when he allowed himself to be caught by the three chasing Sports centre women players.

Tension now crept in with one mistake likely to cost the game. The play swung out to the left, Gary Moore hooked a cross in that travelled all the way through to Bayliss on the far right who showed good close control by bringing it down in one movement and slipping a pass through to Robert Sherrat. The tall striker’s effort was blocked but the ball came loose to Bayliss in the area who produced an exquisite toe-poke to score in the top left corner. The net rippled, the onion bag was filled and Bookworms had the lead with one minute to go. One late cross into the Bookworms area caused momentary concern but Thompson twin Wayne stood firm. Final whistle – game over – the Bookworms had their win.

How they performed:

Simion Lamb – proved being tall is no indicator of goalkeeping prowess. Looked more comfortable in second half hoofing the ball away anytime it came near (him) 5/10

Wayne Thompson – was pleased with his customary graze on his knee and also kept a clean sheet when reverting to goalkeeper in the second half. 7/10

Gary Thompson – no nonsense performance at the back from the pony-tailed player manager 6/10

John Higham – only had one sniff of a chance before substituting himself at half time. Looked very tall throughout though. 5/10

Gary Moore – took his two goals well but his reluctance to pass unless he really has to frustrated in the second half. 7/10

Robert Sherratt – looked a bit rusty on his return from injury but never stopped running – useful if you are playing football. 6/10

Richard Bayliss – converted to striker at half time to save him from the speed of the opposition winger. Made numerous intelligent runs in to the box only for the ball to go somewhere else. Sumptuous finish for his first goal for  …..a very long time. 8/10

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