Collegiate Old Boys FC
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Match Report
Star Player
Brian GoldsmithStarting Line-up
| 1 | Paul Taylor |
| 2 | John Rigby |
| 3 | Ian MacDonald |
| 4 | Perry Foy |
| 5 | Kevin Mooney |
| 6 | Richie Hale |
| 7 | Brian Goldsmith |
| 8 | Derek McClatchey |
| 9 | Peter King |
| 10 | Tom Greenway |
| 11 | Bill Riley |
Sun 19 Feb 2012
Umbro Trophy Over-50s - Round 1
Kick-off: 14:00
| Nicosia | 2 |
| Supervets | 0 |
Report
hmmm...
On the night before the game, I got the offer of a couple of excellent additions to the squad. I accepted them, as previous games against the Nics have always generated an unusually high number of cry offs. I wonder why? Although a couple of lads had indicated weeks ago that they couldn't make it for very good reasons, I was so conifdent of a full turn out that I turned up for a Casuals' kick about at 11. Here I found a medical miracle: injured players who couldn't commit to half an hour on grass but were fully committed to a recovery regime of an hour on astroturf. Physios these days. What can you do?
When I climbed out of the shower from this early morning runout and made my way to our game against the Nics, at the same venue, I was not surrpised, but was certainly disappointed, to find that instead of what have been a squad of 17 we had...8.
Ritchie Hale, who had truned up to watch, and I, who had turned up to manage and found myself trotting out on some very familar astroturf, got the numbers up to 10, and John Rigby arrived from refereeing duties at half time to bring us up to strength.
Some players toldl me that they were injured, which I cannot dispute, although I would ask thenm to be careful about which physios they go to. Others did not respond at all, and may be dead, so I will not speak ill of them, unless of course they turn out to be alive.
Excuses like 'I Have got tickets for the match' and 'I am playing golf in Sheffield 'are helpful, in that they show that therapists are required, rather than physios.
In recent years, we have won several UMBRO Vets' Cups through having a superb starting line up, augmented by players like Dave O'Donnell, George Hughes and Ian Schumacher, great lads who knew that they might not start, but would get on, and gave their all for the cause. We now have lesser players who think that if they might not start then they need not turn up.
I will remember those who made it today (except me) at the next stage of the competition.
It was 0-0 at half time, although we had been pinned back by a very good Nics' team, and Paul had made some good saves. Their first goal was well worked, although I could have got across to the scorer quicker, and the second came after a weak header on my part, the first for 52 years. (I messed one up when I was 9) I was delightesd with the technique, workrate and attitude of all the players. Holding a high line under pressure is essential, Paul and Kevin know how to do this. There were several contenders for man of the match, but it goes to Brian Goldsmith, who showed that he can compete at the highest levels of Vets' football.
I don't know when the next game is, but that doesn't matter. What matters is, how important do we think it is?
Yours in sport
Ian MacDonald
Ian MacDonald
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