DUNDONALD CHASE F.C.
NEWS ARCHIVE

21 December 2003 Morden & District League Division 8 at Dundonald Road Recreation Ground

DCFC 1 (0)
Joe 71
Nuwood 5 (2)
22,45,48,87,90

Richie's cries for help, fall on deaf ears

The last time we played a side with a 100% record, we caused a bit of an upset, holding Inter Class 'A' Reserves, to a 0-0 draw, unfortunately there was to be no repeat of that feat, this time around.

Right from the kick-off we were on the back foot. It didn't take too long for Nuwood to carve out their first opportunities, fortunately for us, they were only half chances that were struck over the bar. Our defence were making generally uncharacteristic mistakes, for one heart stopping moment, three players failed to kick the ball! We were lucky to not get punished from this.

Richie was playing at the back, with Matty on the right. Matty who is enjoying being top of the Player of the Season averages, carried on playing with the sort of heart and passion which has contributed to the main reason for him being there. Bharat was back for Christmas and along with Chara on the sidelines, they were acting as Matty's personal fan club. "Go on Matty", "Great challenge Matty". I think the references to Alex Parks were a little unfair though!

This was also the first game of the season which has seen the camcorder in action and watching the 10 minutes of action (yes that's all that was recorded) Matty looked like he was on a mission - I think he wants this Player of The Season thing you know!

After we looked nervy, we eventually settled down, but then Nuwood scored, it was a goal that came from nothing - that's probably why Nuwood are top of division 8. It looked like Rob could have done better, although video replay looks less convicting as a shot was struck from the edge of the box and whisked into the bottom corner. From this though, it was good to see that our heads didn't drop. We were giving as much as we could, but it took ages for us to pose a threat on our opponents goal, but then what's new about that ? Ed had a free kick which was let down by two players being offside when it was taken and apart from that, a couple of corners was about all we had to offer in the first half.

Despite our lack of causing Nuwood too many problems, we were still generally holding out quite well, so when we conceded a goal, right on half time, it really meant game over. The goal we conceded was sloppy. It seemed whenever we made a mistake Nuwood were there like a pack of wolves, finishing off the scraps - so who's hunting in packs now Tuffie ?

We all new at half time this game was over. Tuffie couldn't bear the thought of having his Christmas turkey, knowing we had got stuffed a few days earlier. Another famous quote to go into the Tuffie archives. Hey that Sec's Bits N' Pieces page needs sorting out, how about we devote it to him, he is turning into a bit of a legend. Even the referee found his comments amusing. Whenever he was reaching for his book, it wasn't to take Tuff's name, but to make a note of his hilarious quotes!

The second half unfortunately started off where the first half ended - a horrendously sloppy goal left a lump in the throat when it went in. What were we doing, we're playing the best team in our division, a team that requires no assistance to achieve 3 points and we gift them a goal. Not sure what happened, the defending was non-existent and poor old Rob was left bemused as Nuwood scored another soft goal. Amazingly from this point we played our best football of the match. It may have been a bit like history repeating itself, as we seemed to play better against NC Royals, after they scored about four or five past us. Like that day, it could be put down to our opponents taking their foot off the pedal, but we were starting to pass and move well and even started to create some opportunities. Eventually Joe scored from nowhere, as a mis-hit shot nestled in the corner. We actually deserved it, for our persistence. Soon after this, we could have pulled another one back, as Damion hit the bar, only for the rebound to go against the bar as well! Tuffie pointed out to the Nuwood end that we were unlucky, he was enjoying this little spell! We kept plugging away and with 3 minutes plus stoppage time remaining a 3-1 defeat seemed a respectable result (apologies if that sounds negative). Unfortunately more soft goals followed, but this was also followed by an amazing clearance off the line by Tuff, after Rob had just saved a shot with his legs.

So all in all, it wasn't a christmas stuffing, or a cracker, but it's one of those games that you can't help looking back on and saying, what if, especially if we hadn't let in those soft goals. Realistically, Nuwood would probably have found a higher gear and raised their game, but you never know.

Nuwood probably left the ground singing, four days prior to Christmas Dundonald gave to me, 5 G-O-L-D-E-N G-O-A-L-S ........ and a nice little victory!

Merry Christmas folks, lets hope 2004 starts off better than 2003 has ended.