Gower Allstars vs Red Star Camden – Sunday 30th Sept, Match Report
The two treble finalist met at Regents Park, on Sunday 30th Sept, for a re-match of their epic cup from final 4 months ago.
With Red Star unbeaten, scoring 17 and conceding 2, in the first two league matches of the season, it was always going to need a performance of giant proportions to overcome the current treble winners, but without first teamers such as Street, Gladstone, Blandy and Klinger, the task became that more challenging.
But the Allstars, started the stronger, within the first two minutes, Medley had two blistering shots at goal – one with his left and one with his head – and was unlucky not to score with either.
However Red Star capitalised on poor defending between Chittenden and Ossack, and a blocked clearance fell to Junior their striker who finished off a one on one with Paley.
1-0 Red Star.
Only 7 minutes later, a corner perfect clearance by Red Star fell to Junior on the flank and a superb flick on found the oncoming midfielder, who again finished in style to give Red Star an undeserved but well finished 2-0 lead after only 10 minutes.
Gowers then began to stamp their authority on the game, primarily through Ricky, who together with Mitch in the centre of midfield were by no means being outshone by the likes of the strong, skilful Arthur or any other Red Star player for that matter.
In fact it looked like Gower who were gaining the forward momentum – with some fine forward combinations between Kelly and Medley – which threatened Red Star’s defence and created a platform on which to build.
Gowers break came, when Dan Heymann who was refereeing in place of the missing London FA ref, awarded a harsh but correct penalty when Ossack was fouled when challenging for a flick-on in the box.
Despite an uproar from the Red Star players, Ricky stepped up and slotted away into the corner with class.
2-1
Belief was high in the Gower camp, that despite their formidable record, Red Star were there for the taking. We were winning the midfield battle, very dangerous upfront and defending somewhat un-orthodoxally but enough to give us a platform on which to create chances.
Within only a couple of minutes, a poor clearance by Red Star on this occasion, fell to Botterill who beat his man, and crossed perfectly to Kelly unmarked who slotted home to give the Gowers an exciting and well deserved 2-2 score line after 30 mins.
With 15 minutes to go, the action continued this time via Red Stars winger who beat a couple of men down the right to create an angled one on one, with Paley, who somehow tipped a low hard shot onto the post – keeping the Gowers in the game.
A controversial incident came in the 40th minute, when a mix-up on a high ball between the Gower centre-backs, let in Junior. Paley stormed out of his area, and collided with Junior, at the same time as screaming “keeeee-PPERRS”. Somehow the ref gave an obstruction to Red Star, for Paley’s screaming call of Keepers, 8 yards in front of goal. Luckily it came to nothing when the striker blasted the free kick over the bar.
2-2 half time.
Red Star brought on their supposed star midfielder “Jamie” and switched to a 3-5-2 putting more pressure on our wingers, Botterill and Duggan, who coped with everything that was thrown at them, and began to come into the game more.
Gowers weathered the first 10 mins storm well, with Glyn and the defence clearing their lines well, each time an onslaught appeared.
But it was Ricky, with the support of Mitchell, who took on all 3 central midfielders, and came out on top – whether it was a header, a sliding tackle, an excellent pass, great control, Ricky always had it in the locker, and led by example.
And as the game went, Red Star began to argue more and more with the Referee, losing focus on the game, which let the Gowers more and more into the match.
And Kelly especially taunted the Red Star defence, with some fine flicks, good battling and classy control and vision, realising the pressure on the Gowers defence.
The game changed when the bulky handful of Jervier went off with ankle injury, and Glyn went forward for a corner, in the 70th minute.
A great corner from Ricky, was planted directly onto Captain Courgeous’ forehead, who rose, called loudly “Glyyyyynns” and bulleted a “Vidic” style header into the top left corner of the net.
Superb goal, superb timing to take the lead, damn did that feel good.
3-2, all to play for.
Red Star did not give in. But neither did the Gowers. Every attack was thwarted, every challenge was won, and for every chance Red Star created in that last 15 minutes, Paley or the defence had the answer.
And in fact it was the Gowers who were more clinical on the day, as with 5 minutes to go, a brilliant flick from Kelly beat his own defender creating a bouncing one on one for himself, and he lobbed the oncoming keeper from 20 yards, to seal the win in style, 4-2.
A simply epic performance from the “mighty” Gower Allstars which has turned the league on its head. With 2 out of 3 wins, taking on 3 of the top 4 teams in the division with 4-1 and now 4-2 victory, the Gowers have sent a firm message to all the teams in the division – we have arrived, and we are gunning for the title.
A huge pat on the back to all who contributed. Really enjoy it as this is truly a historic achievement, the biggest win you have achieved, and one which should give us all the belief and drive to really win this title.
Every game is now a huge battle. Believe it and you really can achieve it…..
MOTM = Decent shouts for Glyn, Paley and Kelly but it simply has to be Ricky – a beast, had everything in his repertoire, made the Red Star midfielders look ordinary, didn’t put a foot wrong, and drove the Gowers to their greatest and most memorable victory of recent times. Two MOTM in 7 days. Tremendous. Long may it continue.
Never has a report been more pleasurable to write. Love it.
