OTFC III’s 2 – 3 Clissold Park Rangers II’s

If they’re old enough, they’re good enough – I’m pretty sure that’s how the saying goes.  With these wise words ringing in his ears, the extremely good enough Tiffs captain shook up his team by adding a few, probably too good enough these days, players to his starting 11.  Maybe some dodgy knees, extending waistlines, and tired legs will revitalise the 3’s season?

The game plan was simple; get stuck in a little bit, keep it tight in the middle of the park and win the 1st and 2nd balls (and hypothetical thirds). Importantly, don’t make it easy for the oppo by gifting them any silly goals.

1-0 down after gifting the opposition an easy opening goal, Tiffs did well to get themselves back into the game.  The first half was one of few chances, with both sides struggling with the near gale force winds and bad first touches.  Not long before the break Tiffs got themselves back into the game when Alastair Doe did well to fire home an awkwardly bouncing ball. 1-1 at the break.

The team talk during the break was equal measures inspiring and nonsensical, with Tiffs clearly deciding to listen to only the 2nd half.  Keep playing the same way, take our chances when they come along and, for the love of all things holy, time waste like absolute bastards if we get our noses in front as we’re all knackered out there.

Again, the game plan didn’t quite come off.  Tiffs barely got going in the 2nd half and fell behind when a Clissold player was allowed to run and run and run before firing home from a tight angle.  A lot of the time it’s hard to tell how quick the opp really are.  Traditionally they’re up against a very old and slow back line, so anything above a gentle jog appears to be Usain Bolt levels of rapid.  On this occasion, I think the lad might genuinely have been quick.

Clissold quickly added a third, probably from a corner, probably unmarked, but I’m not 100% sure.  Tiffs did well to get back into the game, and didn’t allow Clissold many more chances for the rest of the match.  Tiffs made a couple of great chances themselves, with Zak Lewis and Aaron Langford having shots blocked just a few yards from goal, and the best chance of the half falling to Alex Belemet who raced clean through on goal only to miss his best chance to open his account for the season.  A late freekick from Alastair Doe gave Tiffs some hope, but it appeared that Clissold had been listening in to our half time team talk and ran the clock down to secure a narrow win.

POTM: Alastair Doe