Rd 6 : v East Kew
MPFC vs East Kew
Looking to build on a 0-0 draw the previous week, Middle Park 3 turned up brimming with confidence. Whilst intially shocked upon leaving the dressing rooms to find a wide open field covered mostly with green stuff (grass I believe!) the team soon settled itself on the pitch. Confidence was well-founded early in the match with crisp passing and movement resulting in three early goals.
Michael Roberts worked his magic in the box to get the Parkers off to an early lead. This was soon followed by another by Robbie 'Legend' Ledger who rifled in from a narrow angle, cross or shot, who cares! Middle Park quickly turned defence into attack when Michael Roberts recieved the ball on the Halfway. A quick turn and ball behind the Kew defence sent Mark Stone away on a long run, only to be fouled as he prepared to enter the box. Whilst the Kew defence protested, a quick free was played to Matt Wickham who cleverly drew two defenders before off-loading to Owen Walker who duly finished.
A tragic turn of events resulted in "Doc" suffering a hamstring injury (self diagnosis?!?) delivering the final pass for the second goal... It was just his second game back from his last affliction.
It seemed to be all Middle Park and the result was a forgone conclusion or so we thought.
But a wise man once said "Pride cometh before the fall". The early lead shattered by a counter-attack from East Kew pressurising the defence into a mix up. The resulting goal raised the temperature on the field and allowed a revitalised East Kew back into the match. MPFC held out and regained composure leaving the score at 3-1 half time. But it was all to play for.
The second half started out evenly. Kew were awarded a free kick at the edge of the Middle Park pernalty area which was worked to an attacker for a blast at goal 3-2. Pressure continued to mount on the Middle Park defence with East Kew growing in stature as the game went on. With not long remaining a speculative goal kick eluded the Middle Park defence to land plum in the box. Sadly Ammers decided to stay on his line and the Kew forward decided to kick it in, 3-3.
The half continued to-and-fro with both teams striving for the winner. With 10 minutes remaining, hearts were in throats as Robbo dribbled three opponents into the box, only to be unceremoniously hacked down at the last moment. Shouts for a penalty were ignored... Robbo returned for the final few mintues after receiving treatment, but the sting had gone from the game by that stage.
Final score 3-3