Did Somebody Say Lagers?
GPR 2 Harrow Hive 4
This weekend’s clash really started at midday Saturday, when myself and a couple of the lads sat down for our first pint of what turned into a lovely pub crawl. Fast forward 22 hours and at least 14 pints each (we lost count after that) and off we went. It was a typical Sunday League affair, with both sides fielding - more or less - bare 11s. Luckily for us, we had a trump card to play, becoming the first ever Sunday League team to have two goalkeepers in the match day squad. And that’s not the only record we broke today. Marksman Rory must have set a new benchmark for number of minutes spent debating the same refereeing decision, as a firm collision between players left everyone in stitches on the touch line, and Rory with actual stitches. Hope everything is okay mate.
The Salads got off to a pretty horrific start, conceding two goals early doors in quick succession. We’ve actually dominated the first half in recent months, but the combination of sambuca and injuries hit home yet again. All of this was neatly tied up by the opposition left back, who went full Roberto Carlos with an absolute worldie from 30 yards out. Our own left back, Robin, meanwhile, must have been too busy thinking about a worldie of his own, as a missed clearance allowed Harrow to go 2-0 up. At this point, I was ready to negotiate a 2-1 with the opposition and go for the traditional pints and paracetamol. But luckily the rest of the Salads were made of sterner stuff, and fought to get back in the game, going close a few times before the break.
It’s rare that you get to see a player achieve their dreams at this level of football. For one man, however, they came true today. Goalkeeper Greg was looking for an excuse to pull on the black and blue from the moment he heard he had backup. It’s poor form to celebrate a teammate going to ground, but the Salads’ number 1 could hardly contain the look of glee on his face as he joined the attacking line. Putney’s party boy provided a constant aerial threat and relentless pressing game throughout, although he’ll want to quickly forget any memories of his finishing.
On the return, we attacked with precision and perseverance. Our latest inclusion, Matty, started finding luck down the left wing, and before long had pulled us back to 2-1 thanks to a lofty cross from Robin. Shortly afterwards, a clinical counterattack saw the front line combine to put Pete through - minus Greg - who got the Salads level. The comeback was on and our tails were up. Slav deputised brilliantly in goal, making a string of impressive saves. Then, however, the fastly-becoming inevitable happened. Harrow’s pacey forward found room to run and a beautiful dink over the keeper restored the travelling side’s lead. Minutes later, Bobby Carlos 2.0. popped up with another even more impressive effort to kill the game and spoil the comeback with the two best goals we’ve seen this season.
Harrow were a good group of lads though and we all wish them the best for the rest of the season (well, aside from Rory of course). Great to sweat out the alcohol and always a privilege to represent the Surrey League’s culture team of the year. Oh and free Gary Lineker.
MOTM 🏆 = Can’t lie, I’d give it to their left back. With that said, Julian had a commanding performance at centre back and it’s great to see him growing into a natural leader; Matty had moments of sheer quality and I’ve always got the time to hear why Greg should win it.
DOTD 💩 = Suella Braverman. English Rugby. My liver.
