Alltraders v Engley - October 6th 2000

Well here we are again, the start of a brand new season. Following the resounding success of the summer campaign, Alltraders returned to the hallowed astroturf of the Crawley Leisure Centre confident that everyone would be fit, keen and raring to go.

Sadly, Alltraders syndrome prevailed yet again. Both Kevin and Paul had not touched a football since the last game of the Summer season, Andy was feeling depressed after breaking up with his girlfriend, and Warren had forgotten he was supposed to be playing. If I hadn't gone to pick him up we would have played the game with the now almost inevitable player short - what dedication...

We have played Engley a few times in the past, and by and large the honours have been pretty much split. However, tonight's Engley seemed to be a tad young and fit, especially their front man that seemed ready to tear the aging Alltraders back line into small pieces.

For all of Alltraders lack of fitness, preparation and mental stability, they started the game at a fairly lively pace. The passing and movement off the ball looked pretty impressive at times, and the opposition defence knew that they were going to have a hard time with Andy's probing runs and Kevin's dogged determination.

As time went on, Alltraders failed to capitalise on their persistent attacking play and Engley's fitness and close control started to catch Alltraders napping. It was only a matter of time before the young front man turned Tim Leader and advanced on goal hotly pursued by Paul Burton. Unfortunately for Alltraders, the shot was hard and precise, just squeezing between the post and Warren's outstretched fingers. From where I was standing it looked like it had gone through the side netting, but video evidence proved inconclusive.

It didn't help that almost immediately from the restart, Alltraders concentration broke yet again as another stiff shot hit the back of the net off of the near post with Warren stranded yet again.

The second half saw an even tighter game. Both teams were playing good quality football refusing to concede an inch of ground. That was up until the time that Tim's pass was intercepted by and advancing Engley defender who instantly fed the lone (now unmarked) striker who finished the move in style by placing the ball high over the diving Warren Fiveash.


Goal one - Paul just fails to cover the shot as it squeezes between the post and Warren's fingers.	Goal two. This time Tim is too slow to cover the shot	Goal three. The net bulges as the opposition attacker takes his chance with precision.

Altraders knew that they were playing good football, and felt very aggrieved to be three goals down in these circumstances. The one thing that was lacking from the team this week was stamina, being that all-important half second too slow to cover the final shot.

Alltraders failed to give up, and continued to push hard on the opposition goal as the game drew closer to its termination. Eventually they were rewarded with a goal of true quality when a swift cross field move involving all of Alltraders outfield players was finished by a typical Kevin Burton power drive giving the 'keeper no chance.

Not the best of starts, but not the worst. For a team that never fail to disappoint, this was not such a bad performance from Alltraders.

	Attempts	On target	Posession	Goals
Alltraders	12	6	52%	1
Engley	8	6	48%	3


Kevin tries to battle back	Warren contemplates his future with the team


Tim's shot is pushed away	Kevin resorts to some break-dancing to confuse the opposition	...but still manages to beat his man


Last gasp attack ....	... leads to a well-deserved goal for Kevin.