Reds hang tight in fierce contest

New Cross Irregulars 0 Philosophy Football FC 1 Strategic Optimists 2

Rob, 5 February 2017

 

If last month was a good exponent of the 3sided game, this was an exemplary, near perfect distillation! PFFC fielded an unchanged squad: Rob in goal, Miguel and Duncan at the back, Mark and Ömer sharing the midfield / striker role. The first third saw a relentless assault on the Strategic goal, with their keeper pulling off some fantastic saves to keep the first third score down to PFFC 0, New Cross 0, Strategic Optimists 1. The second third featured a wonder goal from our defensive stalwart Duncan. Picking the ball up in the quagmire of a midfield he went on a Maradonna-esque run, dribbling past one, nutmegging two, somersaulting three (ok, the last one was made up) before slotting past the beleaguered SO keeper ... a beaut of a goal. We also tested Ben in the New Cross goal but he held firm and the second third ended PFFC 0 New Cross 0 SO 2.

The final third was a real humdinger, with all the teams attacking each other with abandon and ye olde Cat defying his age and keeping a clean sheet. Duncan, boosted by his über-goal, was steadfast, Miguel tenacious in his tackling, Mark had near-miss after near-miss and Ömer led the line with intelligence and strength. In the final minute, a random shot from the New Cross attacker saw a Strategic player run in front of Rob, the distraction was enough and the ball flew into the net. Damn! Still, a great game, with all the red men playing out of their skins and the title still very open.

We now have a run of 5 matches in which one of our opponents will be The Poles of Husaria. Bring it on!

Squad: Rob, Miguel, Duncan, Mark, Ömer.