OTFC IIs v Clapham Old Xaverians III (A)

7th January 2017

Clapham Old Xaverians III 8 - 1 OTFC IIs

Following a short break for Christmas, Tiffs traveled to Southfields to face Clapham Old Xaverians for our first game of 2017. We had a strong team in a confident mood and started the game brightly, our back 4 consisting of Youlie, Kimber, Le Tom & Dicky showed plenty of composure and helped to build up our possession stats. This provided the platform for Matt and Colin to become a constant threat on the wings and put Old Xaverians under plenty of pressure.

Our best chance of a goal came in the first half came when Youlie linked up nicely with Colin, he breezed past two players and threaded an exquisite pass to Bettis, who had perfectly timed his run to leave him one-on-one with the goalie. All players looked on, awaiting Bettis to nonchalantly place the ball into the top corner…just for the referee to bring back play for a foul. The freekick was taken by somebody and went over the bar…but we should all be grateful for the ref’s decision, apparently!?

During the 2nd half, Tiffs continued to play nice football but struggled to get the all-important goals. Ben provided plenty of energy at left-back and linked up nicely with the midfield on repeated occasions, Matt went on several marauding runs nutmegging several players, the ref continued not to grasp play-on/advantage/the general rules of football.

Finally and long over-due, Charlie and Joe combined on the right wing to deliver a sumptuous ball in to Tommo, who calmly slotted it in the bottom right hand corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

Unfortunately we conceded some goals throughout the game. Questions were obviously asked post-match on where it went wrong – Our Captain’s formation choice of 4-4-2? Luke being unable to slide tackle on a 3G pitch and consequently not injuring any of the opposition? Certain players indulging in too much Turkey over the Xmas break? Or simply the referee not giving us a decision all game – despite several arguments (/pleas) presented to him by Tommo, Colin, Dicky, Luke and Alex.

We clearly need to bounce back from this result…otherwise:
1.       The fines committee will become richer and more powerful than Trump!
2.       Colin’s dad might stop coming down and supporting us!

Bring on the next game, hopefully it will be 11-aside.