Saturday 5th May

Old Habs 2-3 Old Foresters

(Jones, Vellosa)

Saturday 5th May will be remembered for one thing; an extraordinary goal scored by a player who has really impressed towards the end of 2006/07. The goal was surely one of the moments of the season, and sparked wild celebrations at OH’s new ground, Bisham Abbey. Yes the own goal that sealed Forester’s win was truly an unforgettable moment, one that left the OH boys reeling, but nevertheless one that masked a fine OH performance.

Arriving at the new ground, it appeared the Gods disapproved of the OH boys turning their backs on Croxdale, pre-match preparations taking a turn for the worse. OH Kit Lady Sue Reidy had scandalously left one of Shuey’s goalie gloves on the washing line, and the white kit was still at Croxdale, meaning the OH boys risked ridicule by turning out in an unbelievably unprofessional inside-out kit. Kick off was delayed as Smudger Smith daubed the Number 4 in crayon on his reversed kit, and finally we were off, the OH boys keen to sweep the ball around on an incredible surface.

Old Foresters had spanked us last time, and they started in confident mood, forcing a succession of corners, Tom Nichols piling back to head clear on numerous occassions. Gradually OH started to impose themselves though, and some slick passing moves led to several decent chances and a flurry of set pieces. So it was gutting when Foresters went one, and then two up, first slicing through the backline to slot past Shuey at the second attempt, and then after 30 minutes, a long looping free kick finding its way into the top corner.

OH refused to crumble, and were handed a lifeline on 40 minutes. The ball flew out to Reidy 30 yards out. Some were expecting a shot, but he had other ideas, calmly carressing the ball into Jones, stationed 25 yards out. The gangly winger flicked it up, span round, and volleyed into the top corner - surely one, if not the, goal of the season.  Pandamonium ensued, Jones’ airing his latest celebration, the “jazz clarinet” coming out to play.

With their tails up, OH dominated the start of the 2nd half, some fine football and committed challenges creating a great chance for Rico, who got under the ball and lobbed just over, clearly the ice weighing him down. Nichols had one cleared off the line, Reidy twice went close from whipped Vellosa deliveries, and Jones was terrorising the Forester’s right back. Foresters were rattled, and it was no surprise when OH levelled things up. The King, fresh from his wonder performance the week previously, booted the keeper until the ball trickled free, a Forester hand eventually clearing off the line. Vellosa notched and it was 2-2.

But with 15 minutes left OH undeservedly fell behind. Shuey tipped their left winger’s drive onto the bar, and then smashed into their centre forward 2 yards out, the ball bouncing agonisingly towards the OH line. Reidy and Jackson arrived at the same time, Jackson literally putting his balls on the line and resting his sack on the top of the ball as Reidy tried to hook clear, the ball cannoning into the far corner, leaving Jackson in a heap on the floor. An extraordinary goal, but in hindsight pretty funny. Particularly as I told Matt that he had netted the own goal, and in his pain induced state he believed me. Sadly for the OH firm, that was his final appearance in an OH shirt, and it would be a shame to remember him for that goal. More typical was the blatant scythe in the first half that quite rightly earned him a booking. Sly Matt, we salute you, an amazing OH servant. We were thinking of retiring the Number 3 shirt in honour, but apparently Bill Paterson has got his eye on it for next season! 

Man of the Match: Tie between Rico and Russ in my book.

Comedy Moment of the Match: The King prancing into the area as Vellosa took the first penalty kick. He was actually ahead of the ball humming the A-Team theme tune as Rob went to strike the ball. What a legend!!

Blunder of the Match: (Which will get a club fine next season, under new Finemaster, Russ “The Laminator” Jones). The goaline collision between Reidy and Jackson, Danny Baker would’ve loved it!

So a fine performance, and an end to end game, I can’t wait for next season. Granted we are losing Just for Men’s finest, but there has been shedloads of speculation as to big name signings that could propel us to the top of the league next year (and I don’t mean Jonesy!), so things are looking good.

See you at the end of season league dinner. In the meantime let's sort out an end of season awards do!