Relics v Woy Woy

May 7 2011 - Relics v Woy Woy

The day dawned clear and bright and with great excitement the Relics gathered at the home of football, Frost Reserve, eager to be part of the match of the day against the O45s newcomers Woy Woy. The extended lay off due to religious holidays and wet weather had obviously caused much pent up desire to play, as well as affording the chance for the hamstring of The Axe to recover (it was to be sorely tested throughout the game).

The last minute withdrawal of Becks, clearly a result of overtaxing Royal Honeymoon duties, and Dallas due to work commitments together with the earlier advised inabilities of Blackbeard (work) and Darchinyan (sore back from carrying the team?) saw the bench shrink to a much more manageable 2, although this reduced the rest opportunities for the tired combatants.

The game commenced at a relatively sedate pace with Woy Woy displaying good ball control but little in the way of penetration once the ball went forward. The Relics seemed to have the edge on their opponents in this regard with several forays slicing deep into the Woy Woy defence. Howler, no doubt with the scent of blood in his nostrils, in particular was able to get in behind the defence with ease. One such run saw him reach the edge of the box, turn back in field, and then clearly bereft of ideas or moves square the ball up for the Banker. Some say Banker turned his opponent easily whilst others saw it as his first touch being awful as the ball dribbled behind him. The defender obviously assuming greater skill was confused allowing the Banker to complete a well-aimed shot giving the Relics an early advantage on the scoreboard.

The remainder of the first half saw the balance of play with the Relics but unable to extend the lead though the domination of the Whiz and Mickledinho in the midfield was evident. Whilst able to keep Woy Woy at bay for most of the half scores were drawn level when a shot from fair distance deceived Smokey in flight and although able to get his hands to it was unable to keep it from crossing the line. This was a little disappointing given Smokey had pulled off several more startling saves up to that point. One all at half time.

The second half started with some increased action culminating in a goal mouth scramble where the Relics had at least 3 unsuccessful attempts to score from very close range in the space of a few seconds including a one on none shot by Statute where he managed to hit the crossbar. Luck was definitely missing.

In an attempt to fire up the Relics and obviously in the spirit of the missing Dallas, Capt’n Hat at one point took flight after one of the Woy Woy little guys in an attacking raid, who succumbing to an earlier nudge eventually gave up and fell at the feet of Capt’n. Clearly momentum with him Capt’n was unable to stop and like a train at a level crossing went straight over the luckless opponent. As both came to their feet words and chest bumps were exchanged with Capt’n Hat gaining a points decision as his opponent went to ground. The referee saw it as a split decision awarding both players a yellow card with Capt’n Hats contribution to the end of season trip now locked away (more to come? Dallas??).

The game then seemed to settle down with most play in the midfield with neither team showing too much in attack. The possibly tiring Relics defence finally crumbled with a Woy Woy attack breaking through the right side with the attacker placing the ball beyond the reach of Smokey. A relatively short time later the Relics were again undone, this time from a corner kick which somehow hit a Woy Woy attacker in the head and squeezed through at the far post. Some further forays into Woy Woy territory by the Relics were rebuffed and the final whistle saw the score at 3-1 to Woy Woy. A game played in good spirits (mostly Capt’n) and just good to get back on the park.

In a post script to the game Becks arrived after full time, looking resplendent in his formal wear, comprising suit, tie and even a name badge (believed to be for his personal benefit after having too much too drink). A little too elegant for the post match cool down and it is unlikely this standard of dress will be adopted by the team.

Banker