Clifton FC v Cudham Utd

This week saw the clash of the top of the table..a win for either side was massive and potential to win the league. Ground looked ok and pitch was a decent size and looked in good nick and most were there early and up for the big game. Was good spirits in the changing rooms and I felt confident we were up for the game. Stotty rocked up late coughing up plaster dust after a morning at work. Alberto also was late but was more due to the fact it took him 25 mins to park his motor..to be fair he'd not driven the Porsche since it got repossessed after his bankruptcy!! In the warm up after passing the ball mainly with my shin and Dunc pinging it around like Scholes it was obvious the pitch had a slight bobble to it! We kept to a standard pre match routine although Hoops found an old mate to chat to about his glory days! Team was named then Baz said a few motivational words.."Massive game boys this is our season let's give 90%!!!!" He failed O level maths!!!! Game got under way and was a battle from the off...full commitment in the tackle and second ball and with us playing into the wind I still think we looked like we wanted it more. There main threat was coming from down the left and after a half chance Reevsey made a comfortable save...but then decided to the fellas amazement throw the ball straight back at him to have another go!!! 17th league game in and Dunc McGregor finally picked up his first booking after a second crunching angle breaker without touching the ball...one being very tight to our box!! They hit their own bar from a header early on but was as close as we got for first 20 mins. Both Andy and Rick got delayed ankled but Hoops got their keeper with a lovely Elbow smash..we wasn't having any of it. Stotty not fully fit was coming close to pulling a hamstring chasing his own touch,and Rick and the Cudham keeper shared a Sunday morning football moment! We tactically switched wingers sides and seemed to settle the balance of the side...Alberto locked up their main threat while Stotty played some nice 1 2s with Hoops and got a few good crosses in for good through ball from Midfield. We cancelled each other out for the rest of the half and went in with our tails up drawing 0-0. Second half got underway and first few minutes we controlled it going at them again. They then had a break and had a strong penalty shout dismissed after a coming together involving Alberto. Game this half became more stretched as the teams pushed for a winner. We kept our shape well and competed all over the pitch. A few changes were made but the same commitment was shown but the on coming players. We played it around well and after a little spell of pocession old buddies Hunter and Dunc had a coming together...Dunc frustrated with being on a yellow decided he can't get sent off for smashing a teammate so ironed out the big man instead!! Hoops worked hard again and tried to get things going but in a uncharacter like moment swung a missed at a ball fizzed across the box...he would later get the Tutu vote for the comedy moment! Not playing at the back for a while I forgot how dangerous it could be..after winning a header I got an elbow in the mouth...split lip and bleeding! How could the ref let this happen he's there to protect me I have to work Monday. At least he should have spoken to the lino I didn't do it to myself!!!! Game seemed to be heading for a bore draw but in our haste we gave pocession away and their winger flew through a slotted home in the 89th minute. Game finished...Gutted. But we gave everything and no one hid or was carried on the day. We competed but just didn't have that cutting edge. All the boys were down after but I think I brought spirits back up after coming out the shower...slipping in the changing room just saving myself but nearly slapping Dunc in the face with my cock. If it had been warmer or I was well hung I'm sure Dunc would have been in trouble!! Another game to go..let's keep that fighting spirit and finish the season with a win. I still think there another twist to the league so let's go to the end! Come on you Clifton ⚽🍊