Another Deadlock

A grey day greeted a full kiwi squad at Prince George’s Play Fiends (Raynes Park) and despite cancelled trains and supermarkets stocked with a poor selection of 7+ per cent. beers, the boys were raring to go for a first half uphill and into the wind. Redemption for our previous 2 1 loss to AFC Battersea was in the wind and after a few teething issues (including Battersea battering one into the right upright from close range), the boys got a good handle on the game. Dom and Wade provided a solid base to build from at the back and Shaydon and Phil were at them on the wings.

The ref was trying to make it all about himself, and in about the 30th minute Kiwi had a corner, the ref made it clear we shouldn’t be using our arms and a big lad from Battersea obliged with a shove in the back of Dom resulting in a Kiwi penalty. Sking stepped up and used his usual witchery (looking right and shaping right, but shooting left) to slot home. 1 nil to the Kiwi.

The second half began and things were a bit confusing in the midfield with two Milnes and two Fin(n)s, but we were all over them. Conor and Josh were winning every header at left and right back and providing an attacking threat, which lead to separate one on one opportunities for Kiwi, with one “falling to the wrong Milne”. Unfortunately out of the blue Battersea struck with one good pass and one excellent finish. 1-1.

Finn almost put us back in front with a beaut curler from 25 yards, but the Battersea keeper clawed it away. Few chances were created during the rest of the game and, despite a late Battersea red card, the game ended a draw. The boys slunk back to the Raynes Park Tavern for a solid fines session and cheap grub. A point is a point and the boys will be looking to build on it next week.

Man of the match went to Conor for an industrious display on the left with a special shout out to “The Irish Cat” in goals.