Gaffers Gob: 19th March 09‏

Against all odds, the Mollie's agreed to play back to back footy matches, and against even longer odds, we completed them, although no doubt we are all suffering the following day.

Much like watching England play Football, Rugby, Cricket or any number of other sports, the league game against SEC was an abject disappointment. Our relative league positions and 5 a side experience promised a win and 3 points for the Mollie's, but as ever, the Mollie's flattered to deceive. In recent matches the Mollie's scored goals with abandon but leaked them with an equal lack of care. It was therefore with some optimism that the reintroduction of Robbie would tighten the defence whilst the return of Gareth would maintain our run of free scoring football. However, these best laid plans were not to be. Despite facing an injured stand in goal keeper, Al, James and Gareth could not hit a barn door with any great regularity. Therefore, although we let in 10, which was 6 less then the previous matches, we only scored 5. The big difference from last week was Leo's self imposed absence. Clearly, the Mollie's have missed his athleticism in defence and threat up-front. No doubt, he has revelled in the added attacking responsibility since Big Mike went on his sabbatical.

He had an immediate opportunity to show his worth when he played in the following match against 24/7 from division 1. The team appear to have as many players as a Rugby squad showing incredible strength in depth coupled with minimal on pitch time. They also had a player who hit the ball with utter ferocity leaving Robbie with stinging legs from blocking his shots. They also had a very good goalkeeper who saved shots and held the ball well. However, i do not believe that 24/7 are any better then us, but we suffered in the second half of the second match through the expected lack of stamina. However, that is not to take away from the teams much better performance than in the first match. Leo had the freedom to attack the right flank whilst Alan was a constant threat on the left. It was positive that James scored in the second match but this did prove to be a difficult night for him. Equally the gaffer did have a disappointing second half in terms of distribution. However, thankfully, all the return shots were saved. No one appears to know what happened to Gareth when he subbed himself. However, he had left Goals by the time the team entered the bar area.

It is prudent to dread the video that was taken of the first match and will likely soon end up on You Tube. The Old Sea Dog is hoping that it will be like Steve's New Boots but in my opinion, it will be a bit of a horror show. I take few positives from the opening match of the night other than it should have removed the possibility of promotion. However, on reviewing the league, it is still a mathematical possibility if we win next week and Red Bull United lose.

Kick off is half 8 next week.