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Albion Reds 6:1 Clissold Casuals
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| Albion Team: Joss; Matt, Mark, Steve,
Will; Sean, Irish Pete (c), Alex (MH Pete, 81), Jim, James, Tom
(Brian, 67). Sub not used: Al. |
| Albion moved to the top of the
early season table following this impressive second-half performance
against old rivals Clissold. Though there was little sign of
the goals to come in a scrappy first half as both sides struggled
to keep possession. Albion turned around ahead thanks to a typically
strong run and neat finish from Tom. Clissold were competing
well, their big forwards causing problems for Albion centrebacks
Mark and Steve. It was little surprise when they equalised soon
after the break. A long ball down the right sprang the offside
trap and, although Joss did well to block the shot, no-one was
close enough to clear as it trickled gently over the line. |
| Manager Al was typically relaxed
on the touchline, discussing tactical theories with his coaching
team, and leaving the ranting (and flirting with the referee)
to the Clissold manager. This gentle approach soon paid off as
James, finding plenty of space thanks to surging runs down the
right by Matt and Sean, supplied a brace of neat finishes. As
Clissold tired, Al sent on Brian, the big Welshman unlucky to
be flagged for offside when he finished a flowing crossfield move
with a bullet header from 12 yards. |
| Full-back Will joined the attack, slaloming
past three men before being fouled just outside the box. With
Irish Pete and Alex now bossing the midfield, there were plenty
of chances to up the goal difference. Jim outpaced his full-back
on the left to make it 4:1 before James decided he was Ronaldinho,
pirouetting in mid-air before volleying spectacularly past the
keeper for the goal of the game. There was still time for Jim
to add his second and MH Pete to replace Alex, but alas not for
Al to enjoy his usual cameo in injury time (a shame, as the ref,
obviously impressed, seemed not to want to end the evening's entertainment).
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| The Scottish supremo was sanguine
at his press conference, by the bar at Rosie McCann's."We'll
take each game as it comes, especially as no-one has seen this
new team that won 7-0 last week", he said. "But I don't
want the players getting any prima donna ideas. It will be a long
hard winter". Finally, good news that midfielder Rich and
classy defender Dom should soon be returning from injury. |
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