Victory

In what threatened to be another rain soaked game, Werder came out on top on Monday night with the heavens thankfully sparing us a similar drenching to the previous week when we'd lost 4 - 3 in the midst of a huge storm. The conditions had been so poor that all of us were quickly on the way home immediately after the match rather than enjoy any trip to the pub. The tree blocking one of the nearby roads indicated just how bad things were and it came on top of an unlucky defeat.

This week we seemed to click in a way we haven't for some time despite starting with just 5 of the expected 6 players. Unusually we were on the front foot from the outset and dominated the early exchanges even though a player down. We then had the two missing men arrive and didn't look back.

Dave in goal
Dom and Doug in goal
Matt C and Damo in the middle
New Matt and myself up front

The first goal caused the ref to comment on what an accomplished goal it was, perhaps in surprise! The ball fell to me in the middle and Matt burst down the right and into space. His strike found new Matt on his own with a simply tap in to round off a fine passing move. The impetus we gained was even greater as Damo quickly followed up with a shot from a little way out that seemed to catch the keeper out causing him to fumble the ball in hopelessly. The two goals rapidly became three with a very similar move to the opening goal seeing me release new Matt down the right. On this occasion his shot arrowed into the far corner and he was poised for a hat trick before half time.

Damo's quick throw provided the opportunity for new Matt to get his third as he headed strongly over the keeper for a 4 - 0 half time lead. It isn't often we've turned round with that kind of lead and there was a memory from years ago of having lost a lead like this. However, not this time.

This time I was able to nutmeg a defender for new Matt to run on to and smash home his fourth of the night. We were safe and continued to play solidly for the remainder of the game.

Sadly for Dave, his clean sheet disappeared when a throw in was taken as a corner by the opposition and the fierce cross was hit home with barely a protest from us as the referee let the goal stand.

I think we'd take 5 - 1 any day though and it could be a sign of success to come with the annual pub quiz Christmas get together on for tomorrow evening.