Glory Days

The first post Christmas/New Year game for Iscape revealed the festivities had done nothing to harm the natural athleticism of the team after a thrilling 5 - 4 victory in the wet rain (several players referred to it in this manner) and a blustery wind. Despite the conditions, or perhaps because, we played with flair and imagination and managed to carry that over from the kick around to the pitch for at least 75% of the game, just a 10 minute lapse costing us dear as half time approached.

Goals, goals, goals, goals!!!! When did we last score 5? (in one match) Dave smashed home from near the half way line as the goalkeeper misjudged the cross, distracted, I like to think, by my speedy run across the box.

We were soon two up as the ball was cleared to the edge of the D where I took the ball down and thundered in a low shot which to be fair hit the defender on the line and powered back to the keeper who juggled with it and spilled the ball over the line. I am claiming the goal and EVERYONE agreed after the game it was mine.

In the same spirit, the third goal was Kev's as he fizzed a corner low into the box and saw it rammed home by a defender. Sadly in the meantime we'd let in two goals (three of their four goals came when we had a corner or attacking throw and might indicate our difficulty with running to keep up with players on the break). It got pretty messy for a 10 minute spell with passes going astray and the wrong choices being made.

Even at 3 - 2 the drama did not stop. Another equalizer followed before we looked to have put the game to bed. A mazy run down the right in which I beat 3 defenders left Kev with the freedom of the right wing and he cut inside to the box before unerringly slotting the ball across the area to an onrushing Dave to hit home from a yard. I then received the benefit of more assistance from the keeper as he struggled to get down to a skimming left foot shot. I like to belive it roared into the onion bag like a steroid addicted lion but the others might say it trickled under the keeper as he dived over the ball. Nevertheless, Matt was kind enough to say I deserved the goal but I don't think he knew I was claiming the first one!

Simon performed heroics heading clear from a corner, the rain whipping off his head like a slugged boxer moments before hitting the canvas. But the big guy was not down and also managed to cover for Kev when he called for a header before revealing, 'No - it's over me.' You can't buy teamwork like that.

A late goal meant tense final minute but it was soon over as Kev managed to sneak a little handball in the area past our favourite ref, Gary. He'll be attending our Christmas do next year at this rate as he loves Iscape.

I ought to mention the previous game. Dave scored one of the three and is top scorer with 3 goals now. Dom blasted in with the last kick of the game to claim a dramatic point in the 3 - 3 draw amd Matt scored with an amzing piece of trickery at the near post. It was a realy fantastic goal apparently and is probably on You Tube or as this is Iscape that might be You Tub.

Glen's team won in the cup again the weekend too. Their quarter final against Dorchester saw them a goal down at half time but emerge 3 - 1 winners. Cup glory beckons as the move to the semi finals thanks to goals from Eric, Dan and Jordan.