The day had finally arrived! After a few weeks of light-hearted ribbing between players, coaches and parents, the Charity XI vs Parents match got underway.
The parents’ team opened the scoring on the day, with what some would describe as a strike from Odin himself.
Others would say having a 49-year-old goalkeeper who put his contact lenses in the wrong eyes that morning probably didn’t help the cause!
Despite the setback, the Charity XI got their heads back on their shoulders and took the game to the parents, getting a goal back through Simon Linforth. Shortly after, he chased down the right-back, swiftly took the ball from him and managed to lob 4'9" Paul in goal for his second.
A sterling half-time team talk from Captain Dale brought us nicely into the second half, with both teams having chances to add to the scoreline.
Mr Utility, Tom Brooke, having starred in a CDM role in the first half, was pushed up front as a lone striker. As the saying goes, “fortune favours the brave”, and it certainly did, with Tom bagging a goal to put the team 3-1 up.
Not to let the game become a one-sided affair, the parents soon got a goal back to make it 3-2.
Moments later, Simon “Eric” Linforth was denied his hat-trick by the referee, with even Stevie Wonder saying it went over the line!
Not put off by this, the team got behind the ball and forced the defenders into a mistake, making it 4-2.
Thinking we’d done our job for the day, we eased off and allowed the parents back into it with another goal, while our ageing keeper picked up an injury.
Fresh from international duty, Andrzej Iwan went between the sticks, firstly with no gloves on, making saves, then with one glove on... still making saves!
There are three things in life guaranteed: death, taxes and Andrzej being like a brick wall in goal!
Getting bored with his heroics between the sticks, he took it upon himself to seal the game with a wondrous goal kick, scoring in the 91st minute to end the match 5-3 to the Charity XI!
An excellent game. Although we all joked with each other in the build-up, it was a very well-played match by both teams and played in great spirits.
A little over £300 was raised for the club, which will help us give our Cubs some new stuff over the coming months.
We want to say a massive thank you to:
Both teams and the referee for taking part.
The supporters on the sidelines.
Our three lovely new welfare team members in the hatch, serving hot drinks and selling raffle tickets.
Keep an eye on our socials for our next match, coming soon!
Winner of the bottle of bubbly: Owen Fitzgerald
Man of the Match: Matthew Dixon
Photo credits: CFJFC Media Team
Teamwork Brings Success.
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