Rd 1: v Old Xavs
Sunday 19th April 2009 – Old Xav’s v MPFC
Another season begins. Bright and warm sunshine in Kew welcomed together last season’s league winners and runner’s up in a very tense season opener. Contests between the two teams have always produced matches tighter than Dave McDowell’s # 5 shirt, today was to be no different – except Dave wasn’t actually there! Debuts were handed to DJ Sammy, Steve, George of the Jungle (Luke’s secret cousin) and a new guy in midfield who looked a lot like Mickey + a few extra burritos. The opening was fast and furious with both teams feeling each other out until the a long throw (or short throw on a narrow but lush “probably the best we’ll play on all season” pitch) sailed over the defence to send a Xavs forward through on goal. A committed DJ Sammy hurled himself to save the day, but failed. Penalty down 1-0. The response was superb from the Parker’s as we pushed forward and Sam decided to quickly make amends with a smart scrambled goal from a corner.
The second half, was again closely contested, with Parkers shifting through the gears and applying some pressure on their back 4. Mark, George and Scotney all had chances but were unlucky not to convert any. Then from nowhere a soft free-kick out wide was taken and met with a superb headed finish to provide a sucker punch to all the Parkers 2nd half hard work. However, some excellent ball boy work from Dibsey (Proving that yes you can buy love with money – I mean a plasma TV) and rallying encouragement from the Parker’s supporters , another equaliser was made superbly by a pinpoint cross from Mickey met by Mark Roberts, a great finish, 2-2, and Johnny Alston decided to remind us all that his fan club (or hate club) is still as prominent as ever around the league (I wonder if they’ve added him as Facebook buddies?).
Not many more events to report on the day, other than another a great free-kick and late goal which secured the win over the Parkers. Disappointed not to at least come away with a point, but fair play to Xavs, our games are always well contested but also fair. As for the Parker’s a real case of déjà vu as round 1 ends in defeat. As Strati outlined, plenty of positives to draw from the game but a quick return to winning ways will be sought in Preston.