Jimmy Lloyd writes:Nothing lasts forever then.Our unbeaten record vanished in London’s miserable Deep South with this 3-2 defeat. Reccy have a few ghosts floating around Wandsworth Common — it has been the scene of bumper defeats and grisly rows.
And when we return next year there will be another demon waiting for us after this agonising loss. Everything had looked rosy when Liam buzzed through their defence to poach an early lead. Chance after chance then came and went — we could have been three, four or five up at the break.
Painfully, though, Sandmere hit back to make it 1-1 at half-time. That had been their first shot on target. So, naturally enough, they scored again from their second. A third followed and in the bad old days that would have been curtains for Reccy.But look beyond the score and we were on top. As Richard Keys would have said: We were smashing it.
More chances came, more chances went. Liam hit the post with a brilliant run and shot. Their keeper fumbled and Tom came close.
Then, with five minutes left, it finally came. A lifeline. Reccy have scored some thrilling goals this season, classy efforts more suited to the Nou Camp than Hackney Marshes or Clapham Common. But this one was Sunday League in all its honest beauty. The ball disappeared in a flurry of shins and mud with every player, sub, spectator and Wandsworth resident in the box.
Joao, though, stumbled upon it and prodded past the human shield and over the line. It set up a nerve-jangling finish that saw keeper Joe come up for a throw-in. But Sandmere clung on and the ‘L’ column next to our name finally spluttered into life. Next up is a table-topping clash with Sloane that would have Sky producers reaching for their firework sound effects. But for now we are still smarting from the one that got away in a corner of London that holds painful memories. We could not get back to Hackney quick enough. Shame it took two hours!
TEAM: Joe G, Mario, Joao, Jimmy, Chris C, Aaron, Dan H, Max, Joe H, Ben C, Liam, Adam, Joe D, Tom.