LX CLUB versus WEST COUNTRY SELECT

Sunday 25^th October 2009

‘An Excellent Game in Sunny Exeter’

Result: LX Club 2, WCS 3

The LX Club team who eventually played in this game, despite two late withdrawals, were determined not to be on the receiving end of another high scoring defeat by the always strong West County Select team.

Playing a 4-4-2 formation, it was clear that despite playing against a team who had included several Over 50’s aged players, the LX team had the edge in skill and dominated the first half.  Dual centre forwards Bill Warrender and Graham Martin brought good saves from the opposition’s goalie, but unfortunately some slack marking on the rather unorthodox WCS right wing (left handed player) Tony Taylor from Old Bristolians, who drifted into the centre, set up a pass for Steve Cooke (same Club) to put WCS 1-0 ahead.

Defensively Colin Pinks, David Read and Sudesh Nayar dug into their reserves, and with centre back Alan Jackson taking every opportunity with his superb skills to push forward, it was inevitable that LX would eventually get on level terms.  The expected goal came via a strong cross from Graham Martin (Adrian Money claiming a touch), but Peter Ross on the left flank of the midfield running strongly as always had  no problem sprinting to the right opposition post to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

The LX team, with extra confidence in the second half, increased the pressure on the opposition, with the irrepressible Colin Pinks at right back soon reverting to his usual attacking style, aided by the excellent understanding of Tony Perryman at right flank in midfield dropping back into defence.  It was against the run of play when the WCS  right wing again made a superb cross to their centre forward (incidentally aged 51) who dazzled the defence with a superb turn, and smashed an unstoppable shot past Paddy Maher, who had a magnificent game, stopping nearly everything saveable that came his way in the second half.

Urged on by the LX Captain that this game could still be drawn, the team went on total attack.  Richard Clarke at right midfield was tremendous with his tackling and superb distribution, and the WCS goalie was at full stretch.  Once again, despite all the midfield control, LX Club capitulated, and WCS scored their third goal via a cross from the right to their centre forward which increased the score to 1-3 down.

LX Club were still not finished, dominating the overall play, and Graham Martin used his skill and strong frame to drive forward, eventually weaving his way through the opposition’s defence to make the score 2-3.  LX Club then dominated the final stages, and with excellent goal scoring opportunities should have equalised the game to at least a 3-3 result.

Team: Paddy Maher (GK), Colin Pinks, David Read (Captain), Sudesh Nayar, Alan Jackson, Tony Perryman, Richard Clarke, Adrian Money, Peter Ross, Graham Martin, Bill Warrender.

Many thanks go to Winston Bower (Isca HC) who managed the organisation of both LX games, Adrian Money who worked unstintingly to get a balanced opposition for the LX Club side, the two umpires Alan Coulter and Peter Whitby, plus of course all our supporters comprising wives, partners and a grandson.  Final thanks go to the Isca Vets Catering team, led by LXer Mike Harris, who produced an excellent meal and after match hospitality.

Match Report:  David Read