Group Cup Game: Groucho-2 Gower 2nd XI-3

How do you understand amateur Sunday league? Why do hundreds of people across the country leave warm houses and the embraces of loved ones to venture to barren green pastures? Put simply there is something within each man that drives us to compete, to work with others, to fight, to win. Each of these traits was shown by the men of the Gower 2nd XI who took to the field against Groucho in the cup.

Following initial problems in the Home sides pitch coordination; kick-off was delayed until 3.30pm and moved from Tower Hill to Holborn. Gowers lined up 4-4-2 with Rod in between the sticks, Dens-Treen-Wall-Sam across the back four, Sumner-Nick-Jon-Miles in midfield and Luke alongside Fleshie up front. The referee, disappointingly often involved, was seemingly pissed and had a kestrel whistle. 5 minutes in he gave a harsh penalty for Sumner handballing, despite admitting to not really having known what happened. Groucho converted and Gowers were down early.

Things changed soon. On a true 3G surface intelligent running and passing began to probe away at the Groucho defence. Fleshie, easily possessor of the finest Gower footballing brain, forced play wide and Miles’ cross from the right was crudely handled by one of the centre-backs, penalty, Fleshie, bottom right, 1-1, easy.

We continued to press, Sumner battling on the left while Nick and Jon competing in the central trenches. After more good work from Miles, Nick broke towards the edge of the area and finished with a well measured 20 yard strike, his second in two.

2-1. we were playing as a team, some of the passing was the best I’ve ever seen, Luke has his finest game in the hallowed maroon and black. Despite an early bicycle kick attempt, he settled down to a game of working hard, fighting for headers and tracking back to regain possession. The back four remained frosty, with Rod excelling with his commanding presence and a awe inspiring save from a free header that was worthy of the finest in the business.

The second half saw the solid back four repelling the expected Groucho early onslaught. Then breaking with pace and intent, Miles set up Jon Selbie for a 30 yard pile-driver that the Groucho keeper could barely parry, the ball ending up in the back of the net, 3-1.

Henry and Elliot came on for the tenacious Sam and the excellent Fleshie with 25 minutes to go. Soon after confusion in the Gower defence allowed Groucho to claw one back (3-2) and Gowers were up against it for the remaining twenty. Cue another awful penalty decision against us following a Dens tackle and the glare of Rod forced the Groucho striker to chip it over the bar. Still 3-2.

For the remainder every single player showed great spirit to keep the victory secure. Dens and the Wall produced key interceptions and Elliot cleared from the line, all under the watchful play of the ever-reliable Treen. So 3-2 it ended, a great cup night, a real team milestone and one to remember.

MoM: Miles – Superb fitness combined with drive and product. Got assists for all three goals. Was a constant thorn in the oppositions back with willing running and unselfish passing. He will be a great asset for the club.