After a hard fought and slightly fortuitous result the week before the Parkers took to the field this week against the lowly Noble Park intending to put in a solid performance and improve our goal difference as we chase down Collingwood and Old Brighton.
The squad was bolstered and indeed buoyed by the return of several talented players including Captain Mick ‘A5’ Shewin, Ali Baa Baa and Will I Am (never here)….
However in-spite of such talent and as John Steinbeck once wrote in the classic American novella ‘Of Mice and Men’ the best laid plans….
Starting with a familiar 4-4-2 formation the Parkers started the game well, with a high tempo some nice ‘W’ passing and the MPFC youth policy ‘Cal’ pulling the strings in the centre of midfield. After a few near misses a swirling Gallagher corner found the head of ‘The’ Leitch and into the back of the Noble Park net the ball flew. 1-0
The Parkers jogged back to the centre circle and were ready to build upon the strong foundations laid in the first 20 minutes, however due to a resilient Noble Park and some complacency throughout the team this never materialised. Chances continued to be created, now at both ends and both keepers pulled off some good saves, a double stop by Petey being particularly of note.
With the Parkers continuing to be wasteful in front of goal, the inevitable happened and after a small miscommunication at the back the Noble Park forward took advantage and we were all of a sudden at 1-1.
Half time and after some consultation and measured advice from the Flying Scotsman and we were back out on the Park raring to go. Looking solid at the back and winning the midfield battle we were back on top, but still the goals failed to materialise.
A goal finally came around the 65th minute following another set piece, nice low delivery from Helen Cahill and The Kat with the words of the Scotsman ringing in his head took a chance and went in for the kill – bingo 2-1.
Following three substitutions we continued to press for more goals but to no avail, some good long range efforts on goal with Baa-Baa hitting the woodwork with an attempted cross (some would say shot?) but no further goals were to be had.
….final whistle blew and that was that, ‘a win is a win, is a win…’ or is it?……well readers I do not have time to answer that complex multi-layered question, however I do know that both Old Brighton and Collingwood have dropped points in the last two weeks.
Nine weeks, Nine Wins…..jaggerbombs and queen songs……
Team: Pete A, Trevor (Will W) Andy K, Rich L (Micky S), Micky, Marty G, Steve L, Cal (Ali B), Remco, Helen, Bez
