Dynamic reds punish Angies
Dynamo Angies 1 PFFC 6
The first win of the season brought with it good flowing football, solid defence and featured more off-sides than a 'Best Of Filippo Inzaghi' DVD compilation. A strong squad turned up for the match against the newly promoted – and intriguingly named – Dynamo Angies. The match started with Matt in goal; Tony, Damian, Vipul and Owen at the back; Ally, Brian, Kieran and Gary across midfield; and Clarkey and Rob up front.
From kick-off, PFFC dominated much of the play and had success almost every time they attacked, especially down the right, with Ally, Tony, Brian and Clarkey linking up well. It wasn’t long, however, before the off-sides started to play a part. There were 243 in total, I believe; almost a world record.
After some half-chances went begging and approaching midway through the first half, PFFC took control of the match with Rob, who was adapting well to his first time out as a striker, scoring. Dynamo were mostly playing long balls, with their keeper aiming for their two strikers at every opportunity, but the Philosophy defence – Tony in particular – hardly lost a header all night and dealt with the long ball quite comfortably.
Soon after the score line was 2-0. A fine move down the right involving Ally and Clarkey led to the ball being crossed into the box, and Rob placed it into the back of the net for his second of the night. 3-0 wasn't far behind as Clarkey got his name on the score sheet with another good finish; PFFC now looked to be coasting.
However, a lapse in concentration followed. While some players were still arguing with the ref over an offside decision, Dynamo took a quick free kick which resulted in a throw in deep in the PFFC half. A long throw, one missed header and an excellent David-Platt-against-Belgium-but-with-the-left-foot shot from the Dynamo striker and they had pulled one back.
Previous weeks had seen PFFC succumb to pressure, but it was great to see this looking unlikely as the team continued to play good attacking football. Before half-time, Clarkey headed over the bar from close range and Bryan took on almost the entire Dynamo defence and goalkeeper but the goal evaded him. At half-time, players were still upbeat despite the missed chances, and Philosophy started the second half very much like the first: in control of the game and causing problems for the Dynamo defence.
Neil came on for Clarkey 10 minutes into the second half, and his fresh legs and constant harrying caused problems for the tiring defenders. By now, the linesman’s flag was seeing more action than an obsessive Chuck Norris fan. However, the continual stopping and starting of the match didn't interrupt PFFC’s flow too much; Brian finally added to the tally with 2 goals in quick succession, one of which again involved him taking on most of the Dynamo defence and delaying his shot until the keeper had committed himself. This time he calmly placing the ball in the back of the net.
There was still time for Gary to have a thunderous shot at goal which the goalkeeper – who had an excellent game, despite the score line – got a hand to and tipped over the bar. Finally, with minutes left, Neil got in on the act by providing an excellent finish from just inside the box – a well deserved goal for all his hard work since coming on.
With Tony winning everything at the back and distributing well, and Brian creating so much in midfield, it's difficult to choose a man of the match. So I think they should share the honour.
Overall, an excellent result and one which should push us forward over the next few weeks as we take on stronger opposition and, of course, head to Italy. Let's hope that it’s Filippo Ricci, and not Inzaghi, who will provide the inspiration for that tournament.
PFFC (4-4-2): Matt; Damo, Tony, Vips, Owen; Kieran, Bryan (2), Ally, Gary (Vito 70); Rob (2) (Jose 75), Clarkey (1) (Neil 55 (1))
Subs not used: Rico, Andy
Jose’s: Tony, Ally, Damian, Andy, Owen, Rico