Old Meadonians 1 v Old Tiffinians IIs 1 (Dave Harry)

It’s not every game that sees the match report last longer than the Goal Cam highlights, but that does not tell the whole story of this pre-season friendly, Kinchin! Some things never change, the uncertainty of who will turn up on the day, will everyone pay their match fee and the inevitable keeper calamity.

New faces, different positions and 4 quarters of player rotation saw all heavily involved and in most areas of the pitch. Tiffs had the best of the first half and should have led by more. Shaun joins the growing number of centre forward – keepers, two footed and a good striker of the ball was finding space down the left. Toby and Tom finding space on the right, a sweeping move via their cross bar saw Dave H head home to put the Tiffs in front.

The right footed JB was solid and left back, Paul B came close to featuring in his own video highlights. Paul K covered at centre back with the ever reliable (young) John Owens. Those years of working down the pits as a kid hides his true age! Baile covered the right supported well by the energetic  Josh Wilkins. Diz, Yaz and Mark were busy in the midfield. It would not be unfair to say Tiffs should have had a couple more goals in the bag.

A breakdown in communication saw the Old Meads centre forward clear through the middle and his cool finish tied the game at one all. It was the only real chance they had created, and they were lucky to be level at half time. Half time saw plenty of chat and changes.

Gaol cam was at the wrong end in the second half as Old Meads had the better of it. Plus it failed to catch Kinchin giving their midfield bloke a friendly northern welcome off the ball. The ref did not miss it and PK picked up a yellow card. Mark stepped into centre back and did well there, Toby’s pace got the side out of trouble on a couple of occasions. Shaun, taking a turn in goal was called into action immediately, he  pulled of a couple of good saves and kept the Tiffs in the game.

This prior to Smith having so much time on the ball he decided to smash it against one of their players, the ball rebounded to their centre forward who in all the confusion, was it offside, missed!

Thanks to Jon Kent for coming to watch, surely he deserves a week off paying, having to watch that and he even ended up running the line!

A draw was a fair result, a return to changerooms and showers is a reminder to bring a towel! £4.50 for a bottle of beer in the bar would have seen Naylor’s quickest turn of speed in 2 seasons “It don’t cost that much at the bowls club”!

It looks like it will be another enjoyable season on and off the field.

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Shaun McGregor