Actonians Association VIIs 3 – 2(3) OTFC IIIs

 

The “Spirit of Football” (or Spirit of the Game) is a core ethos emphasising the fair play, mutual respect and joy over a win-at-all-costs mentality. It demands that players adhere to rules, respect opponents and officials and maintain integrity, often placing responsibility of fair conduct on the players.

 

OTFC 3s made our way to Acton with the backdrop of England playing rugby at Twickenham and Brentford hosting Brighton… however the brave honest squad arrived in time ready for our game against Actonians Association.

 

A wet heavy pitch gave way to an excellent game of football, played in great spirit, scrappy and stop-start with both sides on top at times. The first half saw OTFC score two, taking our chances and pouncing on opportunity. Actonians in turn put away a penalty rebound. A good, fun half of football played to the standard (or lack there of) expected of a Southern Amateur Football League South Division 12. The second half was equally exciting… both teams playing a little better football, this half Actonians found themselves on top. Scoring two goals, a scrappy corner and a well worked break with a definitive finish.

 

A wondrous 85 minutes of football played to the footballing code. What a wonderful game of football!

 

OTFC now facing another defeat chasing a 3-2 deficit but piling the pressure on Actonians who unveiled a new tactic…

 

85th Minute, OTFC scored! Jumping on the opportunity to slot the ball into the bottom corner. The net rippled. 3-3 a late equaliser… 11 players came together in celebration… backslapping and cheering erupted awkwardly…Only to find the referee had not blown the whistle. Confusion as Actonians recovered the ball from the goal and played on. Still no whistle. More confusion. Despite the goal each and every Actonian (excluding the skipper who “hadn’t seen it”) vehemently let the referee know that the ball had not gone in the net. Terminological inexactitude!

 

An appalling 5 minutes of football played against the footballing code. What an awful game of football!

 

The “Spirit of Football” (or Spirit of the Game) is a core ethos emphasising the fair play, mutual respect and joy over a win-at-all-costs mentality. It demands that players adhere to rules, respect opponents and officials and maintain integrity, often placing responsibility of fair conduct on the players.

Final Score 3 – 2

POTM: Ollie Robini