FRY CLUB FANTASY ONE OFF LEAGUE

SAT 17 MAY 08

FRY CLUB MANAGERS 3                        

FRY CLUB JUNIORS 7

 This was by far the most important match ever, as there were scores to settle, ego’s to massage, and lots of goals to score. With a packed house watching the game, and packed dug out for the Managers with 11 players on the pitch and another 12 waiting for their chance, it was important that the U’16s weren’t given too much encouragement to start off the game.

 However, for some inexplicable reason that even now, the Managers Manager can’t explain, the managers team adopted a 3-5-2 formation relying on the experience of a back 3 consisting of Tony Watt, Colin Salvage and Jason Higgs but even with Matt Grimes in goal, the U16 attacks resembled ‘The Alamo’ as they overwhelmed us by scoring 3 early goals. Despite this, the vastly experienced Gary Smith, Wayne May and Rich Boulton in the middle of Midfield (combined age…….er, plenty!) were able to gradually get on top of the game and create chances for our forward line of Tom Baker and Scott Janes. In fact Scott was to have and miss so many chances, it was almost as if he had his own ball. After 30 mins it was time to unleash the dads of Mo, Oli Randall, Ben Keen and Danny McCarthy plus Scott Palmas brother, took the stage.

They were to give the team a lift with fresh legs which, after 2 mins, suddenly became very heavy!!! But they stuck to their task and indeed did make a difference as we clawed the odd goal back. Trouble was, the u16s still continued to score just as many as Scott missed but, after all it was about the participation which I think is always a great excuse to use when you know you aren’t going to win! With many other managers and Dads to thank, Lee Earlwood, Steve Knight, Dave Worlock, Gordi and Bernie Grimes, it really was an enjoyable game, even though the result was in the end rather harsh!

The U16s proved today how good they really can be and I wish them the very best of luck in which ever football direction they choose.

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