Good SuperVets Match

Reading Relics travelled to Epsom, for their top of the league clash, immediately after watching the England v All Blacks rugby semi-final and hoping to emulate the boys in white

We faced a suspiciously youthful Epsom side (several appeared to be clearly under 50 years old) but fortunately we had legitimate and much needed support from Brad, Gavin and Simon due to their postponed Redsox game. Our 12 man squad was reduced to 11 before the match began as Tim Green pulled a calf muscle warming up – but to his credit he proved to a magnificent cheerleader from the touchline throughout the game!

We faced a first half blitz from Epsom who moved up in waves to put on the pressure, create chances & score two well taken goals and it was all credit to our defence (most notably man of the match Jack Hargreaves in goal) for keeping the half time deficit down to only 0-2 which enabled us to rally at the break and agree that the first goal in the second half was going to be crucial.

The second half took on a different complexion as Rage, Gavin and Brad started to boss the midfield and we began to get & keep more regular possession and drive hard at the Epsom defence. A well worked move saw a rasping strike from Brad at the top of the D, deflecting off Micky’s stick, result in our first goal. Two interpretations were discussed in the bar: Brad - “the skipper stole my goal”, Micky - “I caressed it past the keeper into the far corner”. A second goal soon followed after another good move finished well by a determined, diving David Hudson.

A 2-2 draw looked to be a fair conclusion but unexpectedly, against the run of play, with 2 minutes on the clock Sid scored a gem of a goal for Epsom with a stunning strike just inside the near post to lead 3-2. To the credit of the whole team we rallied and won a vital short corner as the final whistle blew, with the whole team in the D we kept our nerve and Gav finished with a powerful flick into the roof of the net to earn a well-deserved draw that felt more like a win.

It was an outstandingly good SuperVets match and the Relics to a man showed huge character and determination to force the draw with only 11 fit men – well done all.

As always the beer flowed afterwards as both teams toasted a great match – team selfie attached. Unfortunately IG stuffed OCs 14-1 which means they lead Epsom and us on goal difference (but good news Epsom play IG in 2 weeks’ time!). It looks as if it will be a competitive league!

Micky
PS Brad, just in case you were in any doubt your shot needed that caressing touch to ensure we scored!