Sunday, 8 November 2009

Livingstone Academicals 2-0 RECREATIVO 8.11.09

Handbags and Gladrags
After a roundabout trip which included picking up Joe, Gregg and our ever so clean kit, searching for Ivan our Mexican keeper in Clissold Park and doubling back to squeeze in Nihat who was late, we finally made it to Regents Park with 30 minutes to get kitted out, warmed up and ready to play. Half the team managed to begin the warm up, the rest nonchalantly stretched out in ones and twos to the dressing rooms, strolling over with not many minutes to get organised. Stef had brought his dog, a gorgeous sandy coloured Staffordshire Terrier cross that barked constantly for the next 90 minutes.
Despite the canine over excitement, the spirit throughout the team was good, the squad bulging today to allow for four subs. The plan was simple, get on with the game, take three points, shake hands and get home in time for the second half of Chelsea-Man Utd. Unfortunately, we were two goals down in the first half, the ref playing a big part in our downfall. Debutant Max had a clear cut penalty shout waved down and every Recreativo tackle was greeted with the sound of the ref's whistle. To top it all a downright disgraceful decision to award Livingstone a penalty when the ref adjudged Lee to have handled the ball (smacked against his hand, his arm by his side) brought an unsavoury handbags element to the game. Despite it all, there were some real positives from this game. Once again a really good turn out. Max and Bilal looked really good up front, plenty of chances and goals to come in the very near future. And at the final whistle, at last, Stefan's mutt finally stopped barking! Meanwhile,the kit washing rota is in full flow, Mario the lucky boy this week! Next up, Jeff's Chippy. Bring it on!














Team : (Roll on-Roll off) : Ivan Murillo Ortiz, John Megaughin, Joe Dunthorne, Gregg Morgan, Joao Spinola, Mario Pisano, Lee Walsh, Adam Bradbury, Michael, Nick Candy, Max Bland, Bilal Talib Ali, Stefan Garcia Fernandez, Nihat, Tino.

Sick notes: Marcus (arm), Jimmie (rib/knee), Chris (knee), Vico (ankle).