Old Boys Football versus Ludgrove Old Boys

This year’s fixture was on Sunday 5th November and there were fireworks aplenty on display; many sparkling performances, a couple of explosive goals and the team did not need a rocket at half time!  This match is always competitive and played in the best possible spirit; this occasion was no exception.  An evenly fought opening ten minutes was lit- up by a terrific shot by the Ludgrove left wing. The ball flew into the top corner giving James no hope. Giles then put on the gloves and did his best to stem the flow of dark blue attackers. Alex was beginning to pull the strings in midfield and one of his astute passes in to the feet of Christian ‘bicycle kick’ nearly brought the equaliser. Minutes later, a corner kick on the far side, taken by Matthew, was superbly headed home by Tom, who with his brother Will, and Chris and Ned (representing our youth policy) looked more commanding as the game progressed.

Half time arrived with the team trailing by one goal so all to play for. There was only one Benyon brother on display this season but Tom more than made up for his absent brothers covering every blade of grass, tackling resolutely as well as supplying the forward line with scoring opportunities.  At 1 – 3 the game looked over but a flowing movement down the left was skillfully finished off by Matthew.  The years rolled back to days on Lower as some one touch passing ended with the ball nestling in the corner of the net. Game on. 

At this point, the team decided that all-out attack was the way forward. Sadly, Ludgrove had the answer and hit Elstree on the counter attack to go further ahead. Undeterred Elstree flew forward and a sweeping move involving most of the team saw a fine cross to the far post miss Max’s head by the finest of margins. Had he applied just a little more gel to his hair it would have been a contender for BBC Goal of the Season. A third goal did materialise, a corner was well met by Tommy who powered through a crowded penalty area to nod home. The final minutes were keenly contested but Elstree could not add to the score and the game was eventually lost 3 – 5. The league now shows two wins for each team but Elstree are just a head on goal difference! Many thanks to Alex for putting the team together, to everyone who played and to Ludgrove for their super hospitality.

SCB