Men's 2nd XI Vs Nottingham 2

A glorious autumn day at Goosedale saw South 2’s warming up for what could be a 4th win in a row.  Legs were stretched, calfs were moisturised with deep heat and the Captain said a few last words  “lets enjoy the game and have some fun, laugh off any bad umpiring and go out and win”.  

The whistle blew and South seemed a bit lack lustre, missed passes led to Nottingham capitalising on the sleepy defence, maybe Batty was worried about his  calfs, maybe Brians big toe was throbbing. Whatever the reason we conceded a goal to go down 1-0.  
However it was only the start of the game and the wake up call was needed, from the push back South changed gear with a string of passes down the left gave Gary the chance to hit Grozzy in the D on the base line. The ball bobbled but never one to miss a chance Grozzy slapped it in. 1-1. 
Shortly after, the skipper showcased his skill, dancing through the Nottingham defence to slot the ball past the inexperienced keeper, making it 2-1. 

South seemed to be content to push down the left with Leon and Gary working like old friends to create through balls to Grozzy and Alex. A rare moment from Nottingham with an Ariel ball into the South D bounced pass Batty to land perfectly for the Nottingham striker who’s volley shot was charged down by Tommy like a roaring bull elephant.  
From a short corner Gary smashed the ball past a stricken Nottingham defence to make it 1-3. Despite acres of space down the right South decided to either push down the left or down the middle which led to a blistering ball hit through the middle from Brian which bypassed Alex Jones to hit Alex Cavan just outside the D, a few more dance moves and smash a trademark reverse bullet but his shot was saved by the keeper (I don’t think the keeper knew he’d saved it to be fair!) the ball dropped to his feet only to be pounced on by Grozzy 1-4. 
The 5th goal was scored again by Grozzy but I can’t remember how. Making it 1-5 before the whistle blew for half time. 

A buoyant South discussed tactics at half time with the intake of much needed fluid. Let’s use the right said the skipper Paul and Mark have tons of space. Pass to stick, ball pace and the usual inane mutterings from Ben.  

The second half was glorious with the skipper opening the scoring from a low short corner flick.  Next up Alex Jones, a quick ball down the left to Cav popped across to a diving Jones nutmegging the keeper to make it 1-7. Nottingham wouldn’t give up and tried their best to break the South defence. There no. 61 who’s unusual running style (think Neanderthal goat) wasn’t worried about a little stick tackle and smashed his way into the South D laying off for a lifted ball to beat the prone Tommy.  2-7
Grozzy got the next, a nice period of passing hockey gave the ball to Cav who squared it to Groz who’s slap nearly broke the back board. 2-8 The ball was now being shipped all over the park with Batty using his back line utilising the wide channels. A lovely Ariel ball to right wing Willey picked beautifuly on the volley led to a piece of silky skill at the top of the D feeding the Skipper who decided a softer approach works just as well as a smash. 2-9  

Unfortunately Mr Willey had to embarrass himself with a uncalled outburst at the small umpire hence why he’s writing the match report. Although Alex Jones’ banter was completely acceptable, maybe it was the cheeky wink at the umpire.   

Goal 10 came fro Alex Jones who was having a awesome game in the middle of the park, boyed up with a surge of testosterone he slipped past the Nottingham Players like silky bedsheets streaking into the d smashing the ball top corner past the keepers helmet.  2-10. Grozzy not content with four goals picked up the next with a sweet little chip over the lunging defender to flick the ball past the keeper again. 2-11. Alex got the next two with what can be only be described as punishment for the Nottingham keeper, not particularly hard finishes but absolutely on point. 2-13. A distracted moment for the usually wall like defence gave Nottingham their third goal with only a few minutes left on the clock. 3-13 

Now comes the real masterpiece of a goal to see the game out. From the push back the ball passed from Grozzy back to Cav who throws a monster ariel down the right where sprinting like a whippet Mr Willey receives it on the full bringing it under control, echarging into the D with out a defender in sight smashes the colour off the ball straight into the bottom corner to make the final score 3-14.  
 
The match concluded with South securing an emphatic victory, showcasing teamwork, skill, and resilience throughout the game. With standout performances and a relentless attack, South 2’s continue to build momentum as they eye their next challenge after the half term break.