Chiswick is Blue
Chiswick Celtic Reserves 0 GPR 4
The new kit did not disappoint.
Though the rain clouds descended on us as early as 9.45, the mood amongst the lads was raucous. With our fresh strips looking the business and the boys raring to go on derby day, the scene was set for a big 90 minutes.
To give some context, we were going up against our rivals Chiswick Celtic, by name, location, and familiarity. After six meetings split between the first and second teams going into this game (W2, D1, L3), it’s become all the more important as they remain the only team we have shared a league with in every season.
The goals started early. After only a few moments Sina, playing out right for a change, whipped in a cross, it bobbled through several players and Jeff tucked it in without a problem.
Minutes later, an overhit corner was kept in by Jeff, who beat his man, set himself up for the shot and fired it into the corner of the far post to bag a brace within the first quarter of the match.
We were on top, and the game lost a bit of intensity shown during the opening phases, owing to the deluge of rain and bogginess of the pitch.
Despite this, Sina and Robin were bossing the flanks, while the trio at the back provided a solid platform to push on from.
Up top, it was a rare treat to watch Jeff, Rory and Marcus line up together, and they were box office from the get-go. Although we created some attacking chances through the rest of the team, every time the ball entered Celtic’s half they looked like doing something.
The supporting cast were mostly shooting from range; Josh found space regularly to break through the lines of midfield and take pot shots that peppered the goalkeeper. Doug was playing well until injury, but Tim came through with his best performance in the black and blue, refusing to let anything get past him.
Except a decent haircut, that is (you know it’s bad when the players on the other team are asking, “who’s Shaggy over there”?).
Even with the positive performance, being only two goals up is a dangerous position to be in. Games can shift at any moment. With that said, the defence cleaned up the threats well, and Oli kept his volt green keeper kit relatively clean in the first half.
Celtic’s best chance in the opening 45 came from a short goal kick, during which half the team argued with the ref. They won the ball, and it took all our focus to switch back on and stop the attack going any further.
We went into the break confident, but there was no time to slow down. The next goal would determine the final result.
There’s no point in discussing the time between the start of the second half and the third goal. With only one goal - that really was a cross that led to an own goal - to his name, few of the boys get as much stick as Robin.
But let me tell you, what he did may have been GPR’s best goal to date. Tim predictably won the ball and set Robin through. He found space down the left hand side, and unleashed a powerful strike from 30 yards.
The ball sailed over the goalkeeper’s head, the ferocious dip dropped the ball, and it hit the roof of the net. Obviously, we went wild. Apparently the ref threatened to book us for excessive celebrations, but I don’t think the message got through.
In any case, it put what was left of the game to bed.
Celtic threatened an equally incredible reply; a volley from nothing whacking the crossbar and bouncing over. Half chances at both ends of the pitch began wracking up as the game devolved into a slugging match, but neither keeper had much to do.
Not content with this, Rory continued to push, and shortly before he was subbed off he made his mark. A brilliant ball put him in space on the right flank, and he patiently cut his way into the box, beating several players. Undeterred by the pressure of the defence closing in, he found the pass to Raf for an easy tap-in.
We comfortably rode out the clean sheet, and came off the pitch deserved winners. One of our finest performances on a day that marked the start of a new era for the Salads; things couldn’t have gone better.
Full credit goes to the lads for their stellar performance; it’s been a while since we’ve walked off the pitch and had nothing much to say. A full team win where every Salad played his part.
Can’t wait for the return fixture.
MOTM 💫 = Jeff’s brace gave us control of the game, and Sina and Robin both dominated the wings. Robin edges it for his screamer.
DOTD 👀 = Robin could get it for moaning so much about getting DOTD in the last game. Julian was on the receiving end of a very filthy salad in the warmup, and took the most obvious foul throw. The oppo’s admin was suspiciously quiet after the game. But this week’s winner is the ref, which, now that I’m looking at his competition, feels a little harsh.
